So while I was at the dealer I asked about how Navigation updates are conveyed and performed as I have never been notified of updates and the truck is now 2 years old. The service rep nor the manager had no idea how it works; in fact, the service rep said "go to any map service and download their maps to update your navigation..." Uh, yea, uh huh... riiiight.

SyncMyRide doesn't show any thing regarding updates for the navigation system.

My iPhone navigation apps have gotten consistent and numerous updates over the past couple years.

There's been some reconstruction of some on-ramps near my house and the F150 NAV always is telling me "to make a u-turn as soon as possible" because its maps are outdated for that stretch of road.

This is just confusing and frustrating that even the dealership has no clue.

 

Ahh and here is the problem with dealer based in dash Nav!

I would assume you would have to get an update disc from ford or see what map system is used (Navteq, ect...) and see if they can get you an update.

Garmin with lifetime updates is the way to go!

 

Navteq makes the maps, its kinda spendy but all the older versions are on the internet torrent sites for free, I havent seen the new version out there yet, but Im gonna wait, cause it will be. No way Im paying for new maps, haha! I believe its the 3.1 version is the newest. If you do buy it, burn me a copy would ya? thanks. http://www.navigation.com/is-bin/INT...cx5hJTcZkd22i?

P.S. Factory installed nav system is 1000X better than a garmin portable. Ive had both, and they both have their flaws, but the factory system is way better over all.

 

Myself and thousands more on gpspassion, gpsreview, etc. forums would disagree strongly with your evaluation. The newest Garmins are in a league of their own as far as a navigating device.
Integrated into your vehicles in dash systems is a classy approach but does not guarantee a great navigating system for the cost.

 

I would agree that the Garmin is way better. Factory is slow and has a terrible interface. The graphics are clunky and not nearly as nice, and the kicker, I can input while driving! lol

I wish the oem's would get with Garmin or Tom Tom to integrate the software like the aftermarkets have done.

Another thing that was pointed out, it cost's big time just to update vs gamin, tomtom, ect...

 

I've owned 7 gps units, 6 Garmins and a Magellan. When I first got my truck 5 months ago, I also thought the Garmins were far superior than the Sony unit but now that I've used it in various situations, I can say that it's not as bad as I first thought. There are pros and cons for each system. I don't like the direction the newer Garmins are going, dumbing down their interface more and more with each new gen device. My 2610 was the best gps I've used yet. They all do the job needed which is giving you turn by turn directions from point a to point b. The reason I like the older units is because it's easier to route your preferences each time which is much more useful on a motorcycle than in a car. On my bike, I sometimes want to get someplace just using backroads. The newer units force you to set it in your preferences for every time you need directions.

The factory nav does take some getting used to but it's not that bad. Recalcs are faster than Garmin most of the time. Map updates to new construction usually take 3-5 yrs to show up in the software and both Garmin and Sony use Navteq so for accuracy, neither is better. Garmin does have more POI's than Sony. I love the way the factory nav is integrated into the truck and not having a device stuck to the windshield is a huge plus.

For those that want to update their maps, I just looked it up and the latest v3.1 for Ford is July 2010, available direct from Navteq for $199 (http://www.navigation.com/).

 

My buddy's 2011 grand cherokee has built in garmin nav. Slick unit but jebus is it an expensive option. $200 for a slick unit at Costco, or pay the ford cost of significantly more. Hmmm...no brainer to me on that one.

 

Ok so everyone send me a dollar and I wll order the update and then you can download from me...LOL....

 

What model do you guys recommend for a portable Garmin? I didn't get the nav system because I can get any model from a buddy's business at no cost. So I've been looking at the 1490T but not sure if it is a good unit. Thoughts/experiences?

 

The factory nav is much more than just a nav system. It's not cheap but I thought it was worth it.


Doesn't quite work that way. You need a # from your truck to get a serial number from Navteq to install.


I have the 1350 and it's a great unit. The 1490T is newer and should be fine. I really liked my 1350.