Nav system via Onstar?

[Andy Seibel]

I agree with all the other complaints- OnStar is a total scam. The only thing that I Might pay a small fee for is use of the app forever. I'm unhappy that it expires after 5 years. But I'll cross that bridge in 2020.

 

As for paying for the data or OnStar service to get navigation, DON'T DO IT. The navigation was horrible, I tried it once during my free trial and immediately went back to using google maps on my phone. Just buy yourself a little phone holder to stick on the dash and you're all set. Pretty much everyone already pays for data on their phone, so the OnStar is 100% useless in 2016.

 

I haven't tried it, but I have heard that even with no subscription, if you hit the red emergency button, someone answers. There is some law about cell phones must be able to call 911 even with no paid service.

[Xavier_SS]

Well, I had previously never seen a system like this. Before we even rolled out off the lot, the salesman was quick to set it all up for us, so it just worked ALMOST like any other nav until the free trial of On Star ran out and the nav now tells me to subscribe. A Garman GPS is like $50 to $100, so it would seem that if you're going to be spending that many thousands of dollars on a truck, that the nav would be nearly standard, especially when you have this big square screen in your dash that has maps on it when you drive it off the lot. That was the first brand-new vehicle I have ever had experience with, so I guess we live and we learn. Will definitely know what to look for next time ...a Ford!! lol Just kidding! ;-)

 

Yes, Fords are good trucks, but I am still sticking with the ol' Chevrolet. :-)

[Xavier_SS]

Well, I had previously never seen a system like this. Before we even rolled out off the lot, the salesman was quick to set it all up for us, so it just worked ALMOST like any other nav until the free trial of On Star ran out and the nav now tells me to subscribe. A Garman GPS is like $50 to $100, so it would seem that if you're going to be spending that many thousands of dollars on a truck, that the nav would be nearly standard, especially when you have this big square screen in your dash that has maps on it when you drive it off the lot. That was the first brand-new vehicle I have ever had experience with, so I guess we live and we learn. Will definitely know what to look for next time ...a Ford!! lol Just kidding! ;-)

 

Yes, Fords are good trucks, but I am still sticking with the ol' Chevrolet. :-)

[Xavier_SS]

Well, I had previously never seen a system like this. Before we even rolled out off the lot, the salesman was quick to set it all up for us, so it just worked ALMOST like any other nav until the free trial of On Star ran out and the nav now tells me to subscribe. A Garman GPS is like $50 to $100, so it would seem that if you're going to be spending that many thousands of dollars on a truck, that the nav would be nearly standard, especially when you have this big square screen in your dash that has maps on it when you drive it off the lot. That was the first brand-new vehicle I have ever had experience with, so I guess we live and we learn. Will definitely know what to look for next time ...a Ford!! lol Just kidding! ;-)

 

Yes, Fords are good trucks, but I am still sticking with the ol' Chevrolet. :-)

[HawkeyeSierra]

I used the OnStar Nav one time and won't use it again. I needed directions for an address on Dubuque St. Well, the rep couldn't spell Dubuque. i spelled it for her and she still couldn't get it. Tried to tell me there was no such address.

 

I punched it into my Garmin and went on. OnStar called me back with directions. I told 'em NVM.

[Rayce08]

put in where you wanna go using your onstar app , send it to your truck , you never have to talk to onstar , of course you have to have onstar service to use it .

 

if you didnt know you had the map nav or not thats on you , it would say it on the window sticker , did any of you go through the trucks features before you bought it ? thats a pretty big feature to overlook or not notice .

 

as far as the onstar nav , i think thats a standard feature with onstar so every newer GM car or truck with onstar has it .

[Robert.jean1]

I couldn't disagree more. I love the onstar system and have used it on all my vehicles dating back to '04. I use it all the time when out and about because I'm to lazy to research things. I've pushed the button to ask silly questions like where is the nearest liquor store and boom, takes me right to where I need to go. So for me the the added feature which is all it is operates exactly as advertised. Oh and by the way hope I never need it but the automatic emergency feature is pretty cool also, but each to their own.

[15 Z71]

I couldn't disagree more. I love the onstar system and have used it on all my vehicles dating back to '04. I use it all the time when out and about because I'm to lazy to research things. I've pushed the button to ask silly questions like where is the nearest liquor store and boom, takes me right to where I need to go. So for me the the added feature which is all it is operates exactly as advertised. Oh and by the way hope I never need it but the automatic emergency feature is pretty cool also, but each to their own.

I agree..my wife has had it in her Acadia since 2011. She uses it a lot, for all sorts of thing. And I do like the fact that if her and my kids need help for anything all she has to do is push a button. And she said she feels safer with it. Like you said to each is their own.

[jbradyr]

I always just input the address on the OnStar app and send to my truck. Never had an issue and never had to speak with an OnStar Rep.

[buckwuk]

Another option may be to look into MVI. They sent me some modules and now I have Android auto in my 15 Denali. The on star nav is I don't have any experience with...but the GM nav is junk. Takes you on stupid routes, in circles ect for some reason. And then plus you have to pay to update the maps. With Android auto all Google maps updates are free and it mirrors onto your truck screen.

[Andy Seibel]

I use it all the time when out and about because I'm to lazy to research things. I've pushed the button to ask silly questions like where is the nearest liquor store and boom, takes me right to where I need to go.

 

I can do that too. I open google maps, search for liquor store, then follow the directions. I get all that without having to pay $350 per year.

 

If you don't own a smart phone, I see why it could be valuable. But with onstar you are basically paying for a second smart phone data plan.

[Robert.jean1]

For persons worried about saving money where that is your priority then I will concede to your opinion. I don't really have that problem when it comes to my truck and enjoy each of the options for what they are. Same as paying for the XM radio that I don't really use, but can listen when ever I want because I pay to have it. I'm of the opinion that we are offered lots of things in life that we don't need but we want if only for shits and giggles.

 

 

I can do that too. I open google maps, search for liquor store, then follow the directions. I get all that without having to pay $350 per year.

 

If you don't own a smart phone, I see why it could be valuable. But with onstar you are basically paying for a second smart phone data plan.

[Craig777]

Install a new My Link unit then. They are on eBay for around $700. I was planning to put one in if I couldn't find a 1500 with the MyLink Navigation built in. A lot of salesman say the OnStar Navigation is navigation. I disagree. I will not subscribe to navigation. Installing a new MyLink would be cheaper than subscribing to OnStar in the long run.

[Thomcat]

Garman around 200.00 and up, they are better than any built in GPS I have ever used, in any car or truck. You can take it inside with you too. Oh by the way test out before you buy, so you know what you are getting.

Built in Nav was a $495 option independent of OnStar and worth every nickel..and no need to pay for the OnStar Nav direction option.......went through 3 Garmin/Magellans over the years and gave up on stupid suction or bean bag mounts, dead batteries, and setting them up every startup......not to mention being an attractive nuisance and having to hide it or take it with you to prevent some jacka$$ from breaking a window to steal it. My Nav is better than any handheld I ever had and ready at a moments notice to act upon voice command or steering wheel button entry to find the nearest gas station, restaurant or GM dealer and provide voice guidance and display the map on a large builtin 8" screen instead of squinting at a windshield or dash mounted 5" screen. And it makes the vehicle more desirable and worth extra bucks when it comes time to trade.

 

The '16s MyLinks without Navs can get the auto android upgrade and then network your cell phone through the usb bus and show videos or better use Google maps on the 8" screen working almost like the factory Nav and better than any aftermarket handheld GPS.

[Craig777]

The '16s MyLinks without Navs can get the auto android upgrade and then network your cell phone through the usb bus and show videos or better use Google maps on the 8" screen working almost like the factory Nav and better than any aftermarket handheld GPS.

 

 

Data hog though.