I know most people on here have criticized the Yaris's center gauges but once you own a car with it they are equally as likable as traditionally placed gauges. I find them easier to view actually.

Anyway, I have long been waiting to use the extra space behind my wheel for a GPS (I knew that I'd put one here even before I bought the car).

Now it's in and it's as great as I imagined. What a perfect spot for a Navi!
It's an entry level Garmin Nuvi 205 and it's awsome! So easy to use.

A great argument for center gauges? I think so.

 

Crafty, good idea sir.

 

You stick your hand through the steering wheel to operate it though?

 

I can easily if necessary but you should never operate a Navi while driving. The destination is preset when it's out of it's cradle.

 

I've seen that done before.

You did it extremely well. Very clean install.

 

OK, I'll say it - I think that looks ridiculous. But hey, if you like it that's all that matters.

 

It makes more sense when it's on the dashboard because you can still see the road. I don't know about the rest of you but if i'm lost i would rather look towards the road.

 

What do you not like about it's location bit? I'd really like to know.

Isn't it no different than viewing your speedo through the wheel?

I think there is no better place to have a nav screen. It's much easier to view than in cars where it's over by the radio area.

 

When it's on the dash or stuck to your windshield it obstructs your view.

People complain about gauges in the Yaris being essentially where you are saying the Nav should be. They say that the center gauges take your eyes off the road more. Now, I have the Nav where traditional gauges are, and people are saying that it takes your eyes to far from the road.

Which is it?

Guy's, this setup takes the same quick glance as looking at a speedo does. It's within inches of viewing the road. Plus, with voice prompts, your barely looking at the nav screen anyway.

 

you just have to be careful when using it
because if your hands are through the steering wheel when the airbags go off, you will have major bone breakage

otherwise it is a clean install and a good idea if you the GPS model that speaks street names
but since 205 doesnt, u still have to look at the screen quite often
so i would place it a bit higher to be on the safer side

 

There is no reason to have to use controls while driving. The destination is preset and you're good. If the unit was along the middle console, you shouldn't use it while driving either. Pull over when contolling any device.

As for the lack of "text to speak", I have found that it doesn't matter. With all the prompts, I don't see how one could miss a street just because it doesn't say the name. It says, "turn left in .2 miles", then "turn left" (as you approach the turn). At the top of the nav screen, the street name is listed and takes a split second to view if their is any confusion.

It's a brilliant unit in it's simplicity.

 

its very chrysler pacifica. that is all.

 

JLSC4,

I think I going to have to differ on most of your points. I've owned a old Triumph with the gauges in the middle of the dash and never did get used to it. Didn't like the central cluster in the Atos we rented in Greece either. Mini dealers are sure selling a lot of those optional instrument clusters that go in front of the steering wheel.

The local Lexus dealer used to install Garmin navs in front of the tach. The main problem with that or with your installation location is that the passenger can't reach it. The driver shouldn't be using a nav while driving.

When driving on trips, the main user of my portable nav is my wife who frequently checks on what is available at the next few upcoming exits on the "Exit POI" screen. I'm sure not going to try to do it. I think most people would be happier with a portable nav being within reach of the front passenger like in the photo of my Lexus.

Personally, I think announcing street names is the most important feature in a nav device. We rented an Infinity M35 with a Hertz Neverlost nav a while back for 10 days in MA/CT/RI/NY area. The big issue was on the more complex rotary/roundabouts. Hearing only "take the forth street at the roundabout" just doesn't cut it, particular on some of the weird roundabouts in the centers of some cities. A Garmin that announces street names costs only a few dollars more.

 

I didn't even think of that.

Chrysler Nav software can't compare to Garmin though.

 

To each his own I guess.

I mostly drive alone and the above setup is way out of view and a far reach.

When I am with a passenger, my Garmin clips off very easliy and can be controlled in the back seat if necessary.

And the text to speak feature was much more than a few bucks more. It would have been at least $75 more to get that feature (I spent $170 for my on sale unit). I haven't missed a street yet.