Navigation System - Quality of directions...

Is yours an '04 - that needs the NAV system software update? - This update consists of a new map dvd.

See your closest Toyota Dealer if so...

 

The other thing is to hit the 'route' button and choose the type of route you want to take. I've found that if I don't specify 'freeway allowed' or whatever it is, it'll send me on every surface street imaginable.

 

I've found the suggested routing is not always the best. There are generally 3 route options, Quick1, Quick2 & Shortest. If you look at the 3 options it often provides a reasonable alternative. Sometimes they are all the same which doesn't help at all. There are a couple of routing preferences that you can select once it has calculated an unreasonable route. First you can allow or disallow freeways or toll roads. Sometimes that helps. Also you can select a preferred road by dragging the map to a road you want to use and the identifying the road segment you want to use. You can then add it to your route (like a way point). Just be sure you put it in the right sequence with your destinations.

 

Or, just drive how you want to go, and it will reroute you from that point.

 

I am having a lot of trouble with directions in my area. Most neighborhoods will have the streets there but if I ask for directions to them, the voice tells me that some directions will not be provided in the route and the directions stop at the closest point on the nearest highway. Is this a setting issue or does the nav system just not have enough intelligence regarding the area. Another question I have is that I noticed you can set speeds of freeways and roads in the nav setup. Does this effect the calculated ETA or the suggested route or both? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

:mellow: Most of the "objections" posted here are addressed in the NAV Manual. I find the "guide" directions quite good and am still pleased with the way the NAV system adjusts when I decide to take a route other than the one "preferred" by the NAV system - usually within about a city block. It's astounding to me that one DVD can contain such a vast amount of information. So it can't take you to the front door of some remote house in a very small town... one DVD can't contain everything. The greater NAV system advantage is evident when I'm in an unfamiliar area and it gets me to my destination. In that situation, I don't know the most efficient route and am not upset if I later find there was a better route. When I know the more efficient route (in areas with which I am familiar), I go the best way and the NAV system quickly adjusts to my choice.

A few weeks back, a new online NAVIGATION SYSTEM HTML site was set up. I believe it would be very helpful to both experienced and newbie NAV system users. Take a look at:

http://www.toyota-eshowroom.com/consumer/T...toyota_nav.html

If you really strongly dislike the NAV system, just don't turn it on.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Charles Suitt @ Nov 10 2006, 12:53 PM) [snapback]347000[/snapback]</div>

Which car has the nice ("Plasmacluster") console as shown early in the video? Later, the standard (2004, anyway) Prius look is back...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Branden Henner @ Nov 10 2006, 11:14 AM) [snapback]346917[/snapback]</div>

Where you are has a big impact on the NAV system performance. Map detail on the DVD varies a lot across the country. Where I am in the midatlantic region the coverage is very good so the system works great.

To see how good the coverage is in your area, press "Menu", then "Map DVD" in the upper right corner of the screen. This will show you the DVD version number. At the bottom of that screen is a "Covered Area" button - press that to see how detailed the coverage is in your area.

- Tom

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Charles Suitt @ Nov 10 2006, 12:53 PM) [snapback]347000[/snapback]</div>

This is a long and thorough demo - well worth having a look at.
Can any UK user with a 2006 Prius say whether this is similar to the 2006 DVD?

It certainly has some improvements over my 2005 DVD, including the colours.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Branden Henner @ Nov 10 2006, 12:14 PM) [snapback]346917[/snapback]</div>

I guess I should clarify. Does anyone know if the car calculates the ETA or routes based on current speed or the speed settings in the NAV computer?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Branden Henner @ Nov 10 2006, 12:26 PM) [snapback]347119[/snapback]</div>

The calculation is based on the static city and highway speed settings in the navigation system menu. You can modify those speeds in the Setup menu.

 

B) The hi-resolution MFD was introduced in the 2006 Prius providing a sharper image. The only 'penalties' with the new display were fewer display color choices (only 2 instead of 4 in the older NAV systems), and the fact that the '06 and '07 DVDs will only work with the new NAV system. Neither, of course, will the older DVDs work with the new system.

My '07 Touring is due tomorrow (Sat Nov 11). After that, I'll know more about the differences. I harbor the hope that the new MFD is more readable through polarized sunglasses and sunlight.