navigation vs onstar turn by turn

[lizardhead]

Is the factory supplied nav systems on gm cars worth the 2 grand? Wouldn't the onstar turn by turn be as good if not better. I wonder about road changes or closure updates that a preloaded system wouldn't have. Does anyone that has experience with both systems have input? Are updates provided on the navigation by the factory? I'm not interested in the add-on market gps. thanks for any advice. Are there any drawbacks you care to share?

[a_v_s]

Is the factory supplied nav systems on gm cars worth the 2 grand? Wouldn't the onstar turn by turn be as good if not better. I wonder about road changes or closure updates that a preloaded system wouldn't have. Does anyone that has experience with both systems have input? Are updates provided on the navigation by the factory? I'm not interested in the add-on market gps. thanks for any advice. Are there any drawbacks you care to share?

Contrary to popular belief, On star does NOT use satellites for voice/data communication. On star turn by turn requires cell signal to work. (It uses the cellular network to connect to customer service, as well as to download the data to your car). If you are in an area or are going to an area with crappy cell signal, it won't work.

[Avalanche13]

New Cadillacs have a system that integrates both. You have your stereotypical nav unit with XM traffic updates, but you also have your OnStar on tap to call and have the routes automatically downloaded to your nav unit. It sounds gimmicky, but once you've seen it work its pretty slick. Nav + onStar is a pretty neat system, offering all the benefits of a nav screen with OnStar's hands-free service and its most endearing aspect, an actual human being to talk to.

Contrary to popular belief, On star does NOT use satellites for voice/data communication. On star turn by turn requires cell signal to work. (It uses the cellular network to connect to customer service, as well as to download the data to your car). If you are in an area or are going to an area with crappy cell signal, it won't work.

100% true. Though it is worth noting that OnStar's antenna is significantly more powerful than a cell antenna. I've had service from OnStar deep in the northwoods of northern Wisconsin and Michigan when my CMDA (same protocol that OnStar uses) cell had nothing, not even roaming.

[lizardhead]

Great info, thanks. So onstar can't detect an accident in the mountains or desert where there is no cell service? So Onstar only has comm ability where cell service is available? I'm trying to clarify the parameters of Onstar. It sounds like the nav is helpful but is aided by onstar that is somewhat limited? Am I getting this correct. This new system that Cadillac has, does it share that with the new GMC Terrain? Thanks again.

[a_v_s]

Great info, thanks. So onstar can't detect an accident in the mountains or desert where there is no cell service? So Onstar only has comm ability where cell service is available? I'm trying to clarify the parameters of Onstar. It sounds like the nav is helpful but is aided by onstar that is somewhat limited? Am I getting this correct. This new system that Cadillac has, does it share that with the new GMC Terrain? Thanks again.

Yes... Like Olds88 said, the reception from OnStar will be much better than your ordinary cell phone, but that's no guaurantee.. My friend has it in their car, and they live in the foothills. His OnStar doesn't work at his house. (It lost signal when you turn off the highway at the base of the hill, becuase last year they wrecked on the snow/ice. All airbags deployed, but OnStar coudln't establish a connection. He had to walk to a nearby house to call for help)

But for most people, you'll probably have fine reception...

[chevyman1973]

they work fine why spend the two grand for something you can buy for a couple hundred bucks

[a_v_s]

they work fine why spend the two grand for something you can buy for a couple hundred bucks

I've used and own many different portable navs... They all suck compared to factory navs, for one very important reason. They NEED SAT signal to function. Factory Navs can fallback to it's compass and the vehicle speed sensors if you lose signal.

When in SF for example, both Garmin and Magellan have proved to be useless in the downtown area. Not only would I have to drive aimlessly until it picks up a signal, it would lose the signal so often, that I would constantly miss turns, etc. And heaven forbid you go through a tunnel that has a fork inside it.

Plus the screens on the portable units tend to be so small that it is impossible to look sufficiently far ahead to know what's coming, while at the same time, still have enough detail in the foreground to be able to read street names, etc.

Besides, having a windshield mount is so tacky looking, and almost every single one I had, the suction cup wore out to the point that it would always fall off the window.

Portable navs are great when you want portability, but for everyday use, factory nav is waaay better.

[streetcred1980]

I've used and own many different portable navs... They all suck compared to factory navs, for one very important reason. They NEED SAT signal to function. Factory Navs can fallback to it's compass and the vehicle speed sensors if you lose signal.

When in SF for example, both Garmin and Magellan have proved to be useless in the downtown area. Not only would I have to drive aimlessly until it picks up a signal, it would lose the signal so often, that I would constantly miss turns, etc. And heaven forbid you go through a tunnel that has a fork inside it.

Plus the screens on the portable units tend to be so small that it is impossible to look sufficiently far ahead to know what's coming, while at the same time, still have enough detail in the foreground to be able to read street names, etc.

Besides, having a windshield mount is so tacky looking, and almost every single one I had, the suction cup wore out to the point that it would always fall off the window.

Portable navs are great when you want portability, but for everyday use, factory nav is waaay better.

That sums it up perfectly! I've been a huge GM OnStar + NAV hater for a few years now, until my friend with the all-new CTS showed what's what. Now I'm looking at the CTS Wagon as my next car to replace my 3er wagon, which would be super nice after GM dropped the price!

One question: does OnStar exist in Europe?

- Brent

[baloo]

Nope.