2010 Prius Navigation System is really horrible

[Lottamoxie]

I'm not surprised to hear this, actually. My experience using my friend's integrated Nav in her Prius was horrible. And yes, I do happen to have a Garmin. In my mind there was no comparison between the two--the Garmin far exceeds the integrated Prius Nav in terms of accuracy and ease of use. That it also happens to be 1/10 the cost of the Prius Nav is big icing on the cake.

[Pakman777]

Originally Posted by TempusFugit

I picked up my 2010 Prius today and am Very disappointed in its navigation system. I traded in a 2006 Prius whose navigation had much better acuity. 1) This new one places my house, by address, in the middle of a field a quarter mile from my house. 2) I drove from Moscow, Idaho to Lewiston, Id today, where I live - Nav system said I had 33 miles (pretty close to correct) and it was going to take 1hr 5min. It actually takes less then a half hour. I tried to figure this out and I think it believes the road I traveled on was a rural road so it gave it a 35 mile average speed. It is a major highway and is 4 lanes at least 60% of the way! 3) When I had it "take me home" it wanted me to take a right turn several streets past where I wanted to. 4) The dealer and customer service say it is the most recent release and that updates are released in the fall.
I own 2 garmins with the 2010 map update and they are 100 times better - the older 2008 maps were also much more accurate; as was my older Prius system(it had none of the problems I mentioned). The navigation system truly really does Suck. I'm so darn disappointed, a $1800 upgrade, and I am going to have to mount a Garmin on my dash.

Sorry to ramble but I haven't quite settled down yet...

No problem; understandable. It is helpful for the rest of us to hear this, as difficult as it may be for you! This is the one . . . and only point . . . where I personally feel like Toyota cheaped out on us. A DVD based system, first of all; second, since it is integrated into everything else that uses the screen, this weakest link in the chain brings down everything else. And the inaccuracy of the maps to boot . . . I think all of them should have a factory recall and upgrade with a hard drive and more reliable maps (and more Garmin-like features). I am deeply disappointed . . . and I haven't even purchased my 2010 yet!

[mirak]

On the plus side, because the instrument panel is no longer located behind the wheel, seems like the perfect spot to mount a Garmin. That's what I may do.

Integrated nav seems such like such an unnecessary expense, expecially for the quality.

[patsparks]

Is the time set right? It can make a difference.

[pdth]

I've been really happy with Verizon Navigator on my Blackberry Storm. I use it in my own car as well as in rental cars when I travel. The maps and traffic conditions have been very accurate. Once my new Prius arrives, I'll have to find a good mounting solution, maybe behind the steering wheel as the previous poster suggested. Maybe I'll make a cradle for it if I can't find one on the market. My wife has a Tom Tom and loves it too. Either solution is a lot less expensive than the built-in Prius unit.

[a priori]

Originally Posted by equake

Nav systems are notorious for being less accurate in the rural and non metro areas. This is both a function of the maps as well as the geo-synced satellites. Most metro cities will have no problem with the Navs. Garmins and aftermarkets have the advantage that they can be updated readily and at a reduced cost. Their disadvantage is their smaller screen size and theft worthiness.

All these things may be true, but the OP has had an '07 Prius with Nav, so I believe he has a good point of comparison. Because I am trading in my '07 w/ Nav for a 2010 w/ Nav, I am particularly concerned by the opening shot by the OP. My hope is that he'll find there are adjustments he can make to the new Nav system so that it will work as well (better, hopefully!) than the '07 system.

While there are things about the '07's Nav that aren't particularly wonderful, I've found it to be very helpful and useful. We also have a Garmin 660, and it has tremendous capabilities and features, but my wife has difficulty using it. Many people have lauded the 660, but it doesn't guarantee the user interface will be easy! Perhaps the new 2010 Nav requires a learning curve that differs from the '07 Nav? (Wishful thinking?)

[snead_c]

Originally Posted by patsparks

Is the time set right? It can make a difference.

Good point...I hope that's the problem.

[MaggieMay]

Originally Posted by TempusFugit

Winter Gray, Prius IV with sunroof package.

Tempus - would you post a photo of your Winter Gray? It's a color I''m considering !! Thank you!!

Very sorry to hear of your experience with the Nav - especially since it's tied to the solar roof option....

[ggood]

Sounds like OP understands nav limitations, but is now a good time to remind everyone that no GPS system finds a street address by coordinates? They just guesstimate based on standard block and lot size. Neither my Garmin nor my Hycam can pinpoint my house by address, due to being on an odd short block. It's definitely cheaper to keep a Garmin updated, but I don't personally find it easier to use than the Denso nav unit. Frankly, google maps on my iphone is far better than either of them.

[qbee42]

Originally Posted by equake

Nav systems are notorious for being less accurate in the rural and non metro areas. This is both a function of the maps as well as the geo-synced satellites. Most metro cities will have no problem with the Navs. Garmins and aftermarkets have the advantage that they can be updated readily and at a reduced cost. Their disadvantage is their smaller screen size and theft worthiness.

GPS does not use geo-synced satellites.

Tom