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Strengths: Bulit in DVD plater, Bluetooth and iPod ready.
Weaknesses: Smaller LCD screen than the D2
Summary: 2007-07-05 14:31:06
My experience with the D3:
-INSTALLATION-I installed the D3 in my 05 Pathfinder. The overall process was ok except that I had to use a set of different screw holes other than the ones suggested on the mounting brackets. If not a considerable gap (almost ½ inch) was going to be shown between the dashboard trim and the front end of the unit. This also helped ease the tension on the wiring harness plugged in the back of the unit. Pioneer recommends hooking up the “speed sensor” wire of your vehicle for better accuracy and to enable the speed counter of the NAV unit. I have yet to find that wire in my car, but discovered that you can omit this wire and go entirely on satellite mode. The parking brake wire, however, MUST be hooked up in order to access full navigation menus. -LOOKS - The D3 looks very nice. I specially like the ability to change the display color to match that of your vehicles. The non-tilting 6” screen seams adequate large enough for viewing with plenty of detail, although I wish the time clock was a bit larger. Another thing I dislike a bit is the volume knob, I wish it as push to hide when not in used and stay flush like the rest of the hard buttons.
-NAV PERFORMANCE-Don’t be discouraged by DVD navigation. Although HD type navigation units are better (since there is no need to insert any DVD’s) this unit processing power rivals most HD and portable units it took just a few seconds to calculate a rout from Virginia to New York. The turn- by- turn guidance is clear and detailed and the sexy female voice command volume can be adjusted separate from the main volume. The D3 will also switch to memory mode after you have selected your destination then decide to take the navigation DVD out in place of a movie DVD or music CD. I seldom do this since I use my iPod adapter and XM radio most of the time.
-AUDIO PERFORMANCE-talking about iPod and XM radio, the audio performance of the D3 is very good. But is hard for me to notice any major sonic difference between my previous Bose based system and the D3. But having access to functions such as parametric EQ and loudness controls beats the hell out of the simple bass and treble adjustments.
-VIDEO PERFORMANCE-The high resolution TFT screen of the D3 makes DVD look pretty good. However due to it’s non tilting ability you must position yourself almost directly (perpendicularly) in front of the unit to really appreciate it. It took me a little while to figure out how to make the movie play after all the previews and after reaching the start menu.
-OVERALL- This reasonably priced Nav unit performs as advertised. It has lots of features and great expandability like iPod adapter XM, Serious (or both) satellite radio, Bloothouh adapter CD changer, and rear vew camera makes you wonder why pay almost twice for the Z2.
Although the D3 was intended to be an upgrade to the well performing D2, and in some aspects it is. But if you were to compare them side by side you'll notice other than being able to play DVD'S it may not be much of an upgrade after all. The D3 has a slightly smaller screen due to the single CD slot placed above the non-tilting, non removable LCD screen. Gone is the detail mapping for metropolitan areas that the D2 offers. New to the D3 is the ability to play DVD all in its own and the bluetooth and iPod ready slots. But Pioneer still failed to add features like built in hard drive, HD Radio ready, Memory Card slot, RDS, and ASL (automatic sound levelizer) like the competition. But for just over $700 (internet) the D3 is a nice unit to have.
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