This OnStar Critic is Silenced

[2002 Caddy]

Originally Posted by Bvonscott

2. I dont get what your getting at here? The cars have bluetooth for your phone already. So when you use bluetooth, your not using the Onstar phone.

What people (and GM) don't get is Onstar is nothing more then a Cell service... I already pay for a cell service.. why must I pay for two... make Onstar able to communicate over MY cell phone via bluethooth rather then the Cellphone (OnStar module) in the trunk. I would be happy to pay a "call center" fee... but why does GM force me to effectively buy two cell phones

Originally Posted by Bvonscott

5. Should be $100 a year for everything, yes.

Yes, it is WAY over priced... GM should make this cheap enough that 80% renew not 80% cancel... The pricing and marketing of this feature is all upside down. My cellphone on my hip costs less then $80 per year plus 7cents a minute of use... OnStar needs to be competitive with that.

Originally Posted by Bvonscott

6.
Features on/off? Lawyers?

In the early days OnStar had several problems where they would offer features like reading you incoming emails... and then the Lawyers made them turn it off... embarrassing.

Originally Posted by Bvonsscott

7. The call center adds speed, think if in an emergency and your yelling at some computer voice that doesnt recognize at youour saying how bad that would be. Maybe some new features could be call center-less.

No it doesn't there are lost of debate and studies on this... For still way too many E911 centers the OnStar calls are "back door-ed" through non-emergency phone lines. GM issues press releases about all of the E911 locations that they front door... but there are LOTS that they only get to via the non-emergency number. Further, the OnStar call center ADDS time and overhead to your emergency call... as now you have Onstar and the E911 call center trying to figure out what is going on. It would be better to direct route emergency calls to the emergency line of your local E911 center... just like your cell phone does, complete with GPS and triangulation information. OnStar should do this too. The OnStar call center adds a step and unneeded overhead. no need to talk to a computer... just direct call the local E911 service and save a step.

[usa1]

I hate monthly payments for services and avoid them like the plague whenever I can. If GM would offer a $300 OnStar for life package or something, I think that would help people make the leap.

Mark

[ByTheLake]

I've used OnStar's Turn-by-Turn directions on several occasions, and it's always worked flawlessly. I too prefer a full navigational system, but it's hard to beat the simplicity of OnStar.

[DBeaSSt]

I have yet to use Turn-By-Turn in my STS but will be trying it out in a couple days just to see how it works. My CTS didn't have this feature so I'm really curious about it.

I will probably keep my subscription though as I really like the monthly emails I get with my cars diagnostics. It's a great reminder in case I forget to check mileage or my tire pressure and such. My decision will be whether I go back to the 'basic' subscription or keep the Turn-By-Turn sub.

[jaymedstudent]

My favorite OnStar story: This summer, my Dad and I were able to take a roadtrip from Florida to our home town near Chicago. OnStar (used as nav) was active for the whole drive up and back. DIC displays in the G8 worked better than I had expected, I was a skeptic preferring in-dash nav.

We visited family, visited my Grandpa at a Vet's retirement home in Quincy, and saw as many sites as we could on the drive.

On the way home, I realized that we never hit a White Castle. (Those of us in FL are without those restaurants AFAIK). EVERYTIME we visit home, we MUST hit a White Castle, probably ONLY b/c it's not available here. "Absence makes the heart grow founder."

I hit the OnStar button, told them to find me a White Castle somewhere down the highway in the direction that we were travelling. The operator kinda giggled, said that he understood, and found one for us at Exit # XXX, about 70 miles away.

Tell me that's not way too cool.

BTW OnStar is FAR, FAR, FAR more reliable for directions vs. our in-dash nav on the BMW.

[rbarrios]

Turn by turn is nice.
I wasnt interested in a Nav unit...
(didnt I read somewhere that cars in IN DASH nav units sold for LESS than cars with no NAV-unit???)

When I ordered our 2010 Traverse-- In dash- wasnt even something I considered.
I knew the car came with Turn by turn- free for a year- a big plus- and know I will pay for it for the upcoming years.
We already pay for that in our 07 Impala.
My gf- LOVES it. She has to drive all over to see her clients.

I especially like the E-NAV feature.
Go to mapquest - enter info- and upload directions. Simple!!
on the traverse--- the info is displayed on the radio face.
Many times Im not even looking at that info-
but when im unsure of how far away the exit or turn is- I look at it and it shows how far away I am from the next action...

Anyone have pic of what it looks like on the DIC?

On my traverse-- I usually have the DIC displaying the Fuel economy bar- so that I can be a little more gentle with my driving... I always try to get MAX economy... so far- im not complaining on my MPG in the traverse. nice vehicle!

[XCR440SP]

I'd like to see someone that has used On Star turn by turn compare it to the SYNC services turn by turn. If they work simmilarly this doesn't bode well for On Star. It looks like OnStar is $299 a year for Turn by turn, and SYNC is $60 a year (and first 3 years is free)

Is there something I'm missing here? If not, once SYNC is available to other makers, which I think should be soon, I can't see On Star lasting too long.

[O_Z]

I have OnStar for almost 2yers and found out that 150 bucks Garmin or Magelln device is way better. I will not subcribe for one more year.

[goblue]

Originally Posted by 2002 Caddy

What people (and GM) don't get is Onstar is nothing more then a Cell service... I already pay for a cell service.. why must I pay for two... make Onstar able to communicate over MY cell phone via bluethooth rather then the Cellphone (OnStar module) in the trunk. I would be happy to pay a "call center" fee... but why does GM force me to effectively buy two cell phones


Yes, it is WAY over priced... GM should make this cheap enough that 80% renew not 80% cancel... The pricing and marketing of this feature is all upside down. My cellphone on my hip costs less then $80 per year plus 7cents a minute of use... OnStar needs to be competitive with that.



In the early days OnStar had several problems where they would offer features like reading you incoming emails... and then the Lawyers made them turn it off... embarrassing.




No it doesn't there are lost of debate and studies on this... For still way too many E911 centers the OnStar calls are "back door-ed" through non-emergency phone lines. GM issues press releases about all of the E911 locations that they front door... but there are LOTS that they only get to via the non-emergency number. Further, the OnStar call center ADDS time and overhead to your emergency call... as now you have Onstar and the E911 call center trying to figure out what is going on. It would be better to direct route emergency calls to the emergency line of your local E911 center... just like your cell phone does, complete with GPS and triangulation information. OnStar should do this too. The OnStar call center adds a step and unneeded overhead. no need to talk to a computer... just direct call the local E911 service and save a step.

Onstar can add useful information, as it can measure accident severity, airbag deployment, and without this info - usually you don't launch a chopper until ground gets on scene. With onstar - maybe not.

It's a lot more than a cell phone service, but I agree, the price needs to drop. Live operators doing directions from an internet equipped terminal with traffic and weather information is preferable to me trying to type while driving on an iphone or dealing with a limited POI on a fixed system and buying maps every year.

[BigAls87Z28]

I actualy like it on the radio, so my passanger can see it. Its really not that bad on the Malibu, the voice directions are very clear and dead on.
Im very happy i picked up D&C for 3 years total...now what to do about this tom tom?

[prototype66]

Originally Posted by XCR440SP

I'd like to see someone that has used On Star turn by turn compare it to the SYNC services turn by turn. If they work simmilarly this doesn't bode well for On Star. It looks like OnStar is $299 a year for Turn by turn, and SYNC is $60 a year (and first 3 years is free)

Is there something I'm missing here? If not, once SYNC is available to other makers, which I think should be soon, I can't see On Star lasting too long.

A) SYNC is not capable of automatically notifying authorities of a vehicle crash with ot without an airbag deployment.
B) SYNC is not capable of making the actual vehicle its own phone with phone number and better signal.

C) unless you are capable of reaching and using your own cell phone (if you can get a signal) don't count on anyone getting a hold of you to see if you are ok and need assistance after a crash

D) if your car is stolen, kiss it goodbye! Onstar equipped vehicles can be found and disabled for recovery.

other than that SYNC is really neato!

[fp115]

This thread is exactly why I find GPS now redundant. Ever since OnStar has vastly improved over the past 2 years, I would take OnStar over a $1,500-2,500 navigation system any day. I don't need to stop on the side of the road to input an address and nor do I need to turn my head to look into the screen.

Because of OnStar I am now saving about $450 per year on insurance and with all the money and time I have saved on booking hotels, flights and reserving restaurants, I would say it has be well worth it. Some people save $500 per year with some promotional services insurance companies provide through Onstar, 18% of OnStar subscribers are using this program. To receive the insurance deductions, it costs $200 per year for that OnStar package. I have the $300 package for the convience.

Originally Posted by 2002 Caddy

What people (and GM) don't get is Onstar is nothing more then a Cell service... I already pay for a cell service.. why must I pay for two... make Onstar able to communicate over MY cell phone via bluethooth rather then the Cellphone (OnStar module) in the trunk. I would be happy to pay a "call center" fee... but why does GM force me to effectively buy two cell phones

This is false, I only keep 30 minutes on my cars in case of my Blackberry dying and in an emergency. I also use bluetooth through OnStar to route all my calls, have no idea what you are talking about here.

Originally Posted by 2002 Caddy

Yes, it is WAY over priced... GM should make this cheap enough that 80% renew not 80% cancel... The pricing and marketing of this feature is all upside down. My cellphone on my hip costs less then $80 per year plus 7cents a minute of use... OnStar needs to be competitive with that.

Competitive against whom? Show me another system that competes with the same features or even close to the same features. OnStar published numbers last year and it said that close to 70% of people renew the service, it was around 42% in 2001 and has kept on going up since. Show your numbers. Your cellphone doesn't save you money on insurance, retrieve your car if it is stolen, or allow you to contact EMS if you were to get into an accident. If you bundle up for the convenience packages, your cellphone won't give you phone numbers to nearby restaurants without a fee, nor will it reserve just about anything you want on your behalf.

Not really sure how you pay $80 per year for a cellphone when a basic phone plan that can do half of what OnStar does runs for about $45 per month.

Originally Posted by 2002 Caddy

In the early days OnStar had several problems where they would offer features like reading you incoming emails... and then the Lawyers made them turn it off... embarrassing.

What on earth are you talking about?

Originally Posted by 2002 Caddy

No it doesn't there are lost of debate and studies on this... For still way too many E911 centers the OnStar calls are "back door-ed" through non-emergency phone lines. GM issues press releases about all of the E911 locations that they front door... but there are LOTS that they only get to via the non-emergency number. Further, the OnStar call center ADDS time and overhead to your emergency call... as now you have Onstar and the E911 call center trying to figure out what is going on. It would be better to direct route emergency calls to the emergency line of your local E911 center... just like your cell phone does, complete with GPS and triangulation information. OnStar should do this too. The OnStar call center adds a step and unneeded overhead. no need to talk to a computer... just direct call the local E911 service and save a step.

False again. OnStar reduces the amount of time, they are dispatched through a separate and private line to E911. They send specific GPS coordinates to the emergency services. On average it has saved people 5-15 minutes for waiting for emergency systems because OnStar has the power to update EMS' GPS with the coordinates directly.

OnStar sends the coordinates to the location and then adds details as the details come through. I have used it a few times and the emergency personnel have thanked for using OnStar because it is easier for them to find it. Cellphone triangulation is no where near as accurate as OnStar's system and has often failed when I tried it using my cell. I was even asked once by E911 to turn on my four way flashers while the cop was looking for where we were when reporting a drunk driver. Never had that issue when I was using OnStar.

I suggest you read up:
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/o...n-emergencies/


For someone who claims to be a CIO or even work in a telecommunication industry, you really know nothing about OnStar.

[ejfx]

Originally Posted by Uzzy

Anyone seen this new OnStar commercial, though?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09ZBrIa-hJ0

Cool video...

Check out the police car # on the roof...its 9C1

Isnt 9C1 the Code name for the Chevy Caprice PPV Police car, not the Impala?

[KS227]

As someone who is new to GM, and whose Equinox isn't arriving for another month, feel free to take this with a grain of salt - but OnStar had virtually nothing to do with my decision making process in choosing what vehicle to buy. Honestly, having XM built in was a bigger factor for us.

We have a Garmin that cost us $200 that has never steered us wrong. We tend to keep our cars for a while and I don't want in-dash nav that will be obsolete in 3 years anyways. Love the Garmin. As a backup, I have an iPhone that does a passable job at giving directions. So the Turn-by-Turn directions would do me no real good.

OnStar would be invaluable if I ever got in an accident, that I admit. I also like the availability of roadside assistance, vehicle diagnostics, etc. Will it be worth $200/year to renew it? Ask me in a year or so...

[goblue]

Originally Posted by fp115

This thread is exactly why I find GPS now redundant. Ever since OnStar has vastly improved over the past 2 years, I would take OnStar over a $1,500-2,500 navigation system any day. I don't need to stop on the side of the road to input an address and nor do I need to turn my head to look into the screen.

Because of OnStar I am now saving about $450 per year on insurance and with all the money and time I have saved on booking hotels, flights and reserving restaurants, I would say it has be well worth it. Some people save $500 per year with some promotional services insurance companies provide through Onstar, 18% of OnStar subscribers are using this program. To receive the insurance deductions, it costs $200 per year for that OnStar package. I have the $300 package for the convience.


This is false, I only keep 30 minutes on my cars in case of my Blackberry dying and in an emergency. I also use bluetooth through OnStar to route all my calls, have no idea what you are talking about here.


Competitive against whom? Show me another system that competes with the same features or even close to the same features. OnStar published numbers last year and it said that close to 70% of people renew the service, it was around 42% in 2001 and has kept on going up since. Show your numbers. Your cellphone doesn't save you money on insurance, retrieve your car if it is stolen, or allow you to contact EMS if you were to get into an accident. If you bundle up for the convenience packages, your cellphone won't give you phone numbers to nearby restaurants without a fee, nor will it reserve just about anything you want on your behalf.

Not really sure how you pay $80 per year for a cellphone when a basic phone plan that can do half of what OnStar does runs for about $45 per month.


What on earth are you talking about?


False again. OnStar reduces the amount of time, they are dispatched through a separate and private line to E911. They send specific GPS coordinates to the emergency services. On average it has saved people 5-15 minutes for waiting for emergency systems because OnStar has the power to update EMS' GPS with the coordinates directly.

OnStar sends the coordinates to the location and then adds details as the details come through. I have used it a few times and the emergency personnel have thanked for using OnStar because it is easier for them to find it. Cellphone triangulation is no where near as accurate as OnStar's system and has often failed when I tried it using my cell. I was even asked once by E911 to turn on my four way flashers while the cop was looking for where we were when reporting a drunk driver. Never had that issue when I was using OnStar.

I suggest you read up:
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/o...n-emergencies/


For someone who claims to be a CIO or even work in a telecommunication industry, you really know nothing about OnStar.

Wow. Dedicated trunk line access, full GPS capability, and even the ability to shutdown/slow the car? Its a wonder anyone would steal a GM product. You'd have to be fairly sophisticated. I bet word will get around to the basic thiefs, don't mess with GM cars.

What I can't wait for is teenager mode. You could login and set max speed, alert limits, acceptable range etc. Why isn't this here now?