Pioneer AVIC Z-1

Pros: Great Features, screen

Cons: Some great features don't work correctly. Map data is old, although they tell you it's 2005, when there are many areas that were developed in 1998 that don't appear

Summary: Great potential unit, get sold on the features, etc. but get used to working with it's downfalls.

The voice command is great, especially for the Bluetooth on your cell phone, when it works. My phone worked no problem for 3-4 months...then the Bluetooth on the Avic would connect and disconnect in areas that aren't travelled frequently. When in my regular driving area/town the Bluetooth stays connected. This started happening about 3-4 months after perfect operation. Called Pioneer, they blame the phone. Tried a different phone and same thing...worked fine for 3-4 months...then same problem.

When using the voice command/hands free Bluetooth is great when it's connected.

The map data is claimed to be from Teleatlas, updated in 2005 according to Pioneer. But areas that were developed in 1998 don't appear on the map.

This unit has been out on the market for one year and there is no update for the maps, although Pioneer decided to come out with the AVIC-Z2. Wouldn't touch it either if they can't fix and admit the flaws from their AVIC-Z1.

I also found Pioneer easy to blame the phone when calling their support. It's not support if they are not going to admit of take onus for problems that start occuring as mentioned above, even under warranty. They seemed arrogant on the phone (in Canada) when discussing the problems, like their unit is supposed to be perfect.

Do your homework and look at some more reliable companies out there with a reliable and service commited product.

And, look at the other reviews of this product. Seems more and more complaints arising from this poorly engineered expensive piece. Definetly not high end!