Just Installed AVIC-F90BT...and it SUCKS!

[Fadiddy]

Whasup everyone,

Ok check this out....I was looking to install a navigation system ever since I purchased my 08' T4R (i should have purchased the NAV feature, but didnt feel like paying the $3k Toyota markup). Anyhow, after searching, I came across a few forums and everyone seemed to rave about the Pioneer AVIC units. So, I thought I'd give it a shot! I origianlly was looking at the AVIC-Z3 and wanted that...but, then saw the new AVIC-F90BT and thought "hmmm...a new AVIC has to be better." Well, on paper it was...but in real life, the phuck'n thing sucks! (pardon my french). Here is a list of whats "whats suppose to be good" but "really sucks" in the AVIC-F90BT or "F" seriers:

1) Screen Size - pretty standard 5.8' yet, extremely poor visibility in the sunlight.

2) Startup time - VERY VERY slow! I counted a full 45sec from when the "System starup...please wait" came on and went off.

3) The Bluetooth - is sooooooooo bad on this unit, it alone will make you return the thing. Poor connectivity, and response time. I dropped connection three times within a 30min time frame.

4) THE AVIC-F90BT IS SLOW! The response time is not good at all. You tap an option, and it will react in about 2-3 sec. By then, you will have double tapped, thus, taking you into the second screens subfolder...makes scense? I didnt think so..

5) The GPS - is difficult to use and the options are buried deep. The views are poorly layed out, and you only have two views, 2-D and 3-D...the AVIC Z3 gives you 4 views!...with better graphics.

6) Fit and Finish - Pretty nice look, sleek black finish, and cool customizable colors to match interior lighting.

7) Advance voice Recognition - don't even bother, there is no way the AVIC-F90BT voice sounds like the voice in the Pioneer commercial...no way...trust me!

Overall, I hate it and will be returning it tommorow for the AVIC-Z3, which is a MUCHHHHHH better unit. My opinion, look at better Pioneers or Kenwood units. I will post pics tommorow morning before they remove it. Here are some pics too:

 

[ImOnAPlain51]

Well damn the devil, thanks for the review Fadiddy....I have been reading up on these at AVIC411.com forums for quite a while now and it seems that most people have had the same experience as you have. I have one on order from Al-Eds.com, but I guess I need to cancel it until Pioneer decides to do some updates and Q & A on them. Hopefully you can return it for a full refund...I just haven't seen many other in dash navigation systems that I like, maybe a Z3?

 

[Fadiddy]

Well damn the devil, thanks for the review Fadiddy....I have been reading up on these at AVIC411.com forums for quite a while now and it seems that most people have had the same experience as you have. I have one on order from Al-Eds.com, but I guess I need to cancel it until Pioneer decides to do some updates and Q & A on them. Hopefully you can return it for a full refund...I just haven't seen many other in dash navigation systems that I like, maybe a Z3?

Pioneer needs to do more than Q & A on the "F" series, otherwise it will be early retirement for that lineup. I would definitely recommend the AVIC-Z3...after playing with it for an hour at the store today, I was very impressed! Look at the Kenwood DNX-8120, it has a nice interface, but Im not ver thrilled about the map detail....but its still a badass HU.

 

[Mike07SE]

Thanks for the headsup on these new units! For longest time I've been set on the Kenwood DNX8120 since it already does everything I'm looking for the unit to do, but started to have possible second thoughts with the new Pioneer units. Glad I didn't pull the trigger yet!

As far as navi goes, as long as the system is quick, tells me when to turn, and gives me POI's, then I'm ok without having a screen that has 3D buildings and circus' going on.

 

[ImOnAPlain51]

Hey Fadiddy, just letting you know if you still have your F90bt, Pioneer has stopped production of these units and is working on getting the software corrected. Hopefully for your sake it'll just be a update you can do via the SD card slot and no hardware will have to be exchanged.

I think if these units worked the way they were supposed to, they would be some of the best all around in dash navs available, hopefully they get the problems ironed out.

 

[Fadiddy]

Hey Fadiddy, just letting you know if you still have your F90bt, Pioneer has stopped production of these units and is working on getting the software corrected. Hopefully for your sake it'll just be a update you can do via the SD card slot and no hardware will have to be exchanged.

I think if these units worked the way they were supposed to, they would be some of the best all around in dash navs available, hopefully they get the problems ironed out.

Nope, returned it and got the Pioneer AVIC-Z3....and it is 110 times better than the F90BT! I don't even want to bother with update headaches and what not, ya know what i mean? Now, the problem im running into is, the DDIN dash kits for the Limited T4R's do not support the Z3 7 inch display...$hit....im seriously considering just going OEM for the Nav, cuz it seems like nothing is working out on this ef'n system!