After several months of considering a head unit upgrade for the Ford GT we've taken the first steps. The factory unit is passable, but that's about it. Sound quality is rather impressive for a two-speaker system with no external amplification, but the Sanyo head unit can't even play MP3s. And if you're looking for an external audio input to play satellite radio or an iPod through...well, you'll have to look really hard.
After taking a stab (several, actually) at removing the audio system myself I realized I was much better at gouging the head unit than I was at getting it out of the dash. A quick drive to the local Best Buy had the unit out in less than 10 minutes. Normally the removal and installation of an audio system is included in the price of a new unit, but I didn't actually buy anything at Best Buy (still want to do more research). Thankfully the audio guys were happy to pull the unit for free (they did a great job, too, with no scratches to anything -- except the ones I'd already made). I'm thinking the Ford GT had something to do with their willing nature. They probably wouldn't have been so helpful if I'd driven up in a 1988 Dodge Diplomat.
Now it's time to figure out what to put back in. The requirements are simple: CD, CD-R, DVD, DVD-R, DVD-Audio, Satellite Radio, MP3, WMA, iPod control, hard drive, video output, Navigation and Bluetooth.
Okay, all I really need is MP3 and Satellite. But the rest would be nice...
Karl Brauer, Editor in Chief, Edmunds.com at 7,610 miles
7driver says:
10:37 AM, 03/12/07
Hm, looks like a single-DIN unit. If that's the case, the JVC KD-NX5000 has everything on your shopping list for $999 for the base unit (Bluetooth, iPod and sat are extra cost options).
editor_karl says:
11:01 AM, 03/12/07
Good call. Guess what I ordered last night? I beat the MSRP by a large chunk after going with the right seller, too.
blueguydotcom says:
12:07 PM, 03/12/07
Karl,
The JVC KD-NX5000 is sort of an odd duck given it's a Single DIN and has a 3.5 inch LCD - unlike the motorized ones from Pioneer/Eclipse. That said, you probably found it for under $700 and it has a 40 GB hard disc drive built into it - so no need to carry an iPod.
Let us know how you like the JVC. My fiancee is in desperate need of some kind of Navi but most of the single DIN options (Pioneer Avic-N3, Valor NVG-720WT) seem like compromises. Actually the Valor NVG-720WT is a great buy given it's got bluetooth built in and a large screen. I just can't find any reviews of it.
playdrv4me says:
06:15 PM, 03/12/07
Man, Ford has got to seriously learn some lessons when it comes to audio hardware. Yes, there is an upgraded system for the GT, but not everyone wants the hump between the seats taking up so much space, not to mention the 2000.00 premium.
Likewise, most other Ford vehicles have nice Navigation systems as options, but the factory headunits are absolutely diplorable. The factory HU in the GM GMT800 trucks was actually almost as nice as the Nav unit in fit and finish by comparison.
Now I see they went and grabbed the cheapest off the shelf CD player they could find with some semblance of a brand name for the non-upgraded GT. Glad you upgraded.
editor_karl says:
12:45 PM, 03/13/07
Even the "upgraded" McIntosh head unit for the GT couldn't play MP3s, and it also didn't offer an auxiliary audio input. That $2K just got you a prettier face plate and the intrusive subwoofer (and about 80 pounds additional weight according to one Ford insider). Thus, I gladly skipped that option when ordering the GT, but unfortunately most cars were ordered by "maximum-profit-seeking" dealers, so at least 90 percent of all Ford GTs built had the McIntosh. Unfortunate.