A friend of mine is thinking about getting between a 2001 and 2004 ES with the navigation option. He's going to sell his 98 ES since he bought a stand alone GPS unit to use in it. What I'd like to do is ask your opinions on the quality and functionality of the factory GPS, especially when it comes to giving verbal directions. Does it use street names in the directions when its ready for you to make a turn, is it easy to program, and so on. Most of all, would you get the unit if you had it to do over again or would you buy an aftermarket one?

Thanks........... I have an SC400 and GS300 and niether has navigation except when my wife rides with me and tell me where to go. I'd be grateful for any and all impressions you might have. My friend is a priest and visit many people in all parts of the area and country.

 

The factory Nav units in the Lexus's are considered better then ALL the other NAV systems installed by other automobile manufacturers!

The Lexus units in the ES's give you vocal turn directions, but it doesn't announce the street names.

Just as in any piece of new electronics. there is a learning curve to be able to master all that these units can do, but I didn't find it difficult at all.

I love it.....especially when you're traveling to strange new areas. The database has over 5 million points of interest that cover the USA & Canada.(Gas Stations, Hotels, Restaurants, Shopping areas, etc)

To sum it up......I would NEVER buy a car without this option.

 

yea. the navigation is awesome and very easy to use.

the lexus navi is hard drive based, so it runs pretty quickly. it stores the whole US (plus canada i think) in its database. for input, it has a touch screen, so entering addresses are a breeze.

and although it doesnt say street names, it does say highways and stuff like
"i-90-5" or "R-T-40-3"

another feature is the ability to store addresses in it marked with little icons u choose on the map.
altho, if this is ur first car, i suggest u dont use it much or u will become dependant on it to get around.

and with the navi upgrade, u get the mark levinson stereo package which has clear and crisps sound with enuff bump to satisfy most.

my es300 is still complety stock and ive had it for almost 3 years now. (i was one of the first ones to be rockin it round south jersey/philly in 2001 )

ill get nav in my next car too. its great for roadtrips.

 

I really am grateful for the feed back.

Thanks....

 

I have Navi in my Jag S-Type and I love it. I think my next Lexus will have to have it as well. I'm gettin g a wee bit spoiled.