I'd have a hard time trying to think of recently introduced or redesigned vehicles that don't have auxiliary audio jacks. But here you go – our long-term 2008 Veracruz doesn't have one from the factory.
I tried routing my iPod through the optional rear-seat entertainment system's RCA port, but so far I haven't been able to get that to work. So for now I'm listening to XM Radio and CD-burned MP3s on the Veracruz's 10-speaker, Infinity surround-sound audio system...
Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor
SubyTrojan says:
10:29 AM, 04/11/08
You and Erin have similar tastes! I hope the family has a nice weekend up there, Brent. :o)
brn says:
10:44 AM, 04/11/08
Being an old fart (in spirit anyway), I'd normally say who cares. However, I must admit that the next time I buy a newer car, I'd like to have an input jack.
misterfusion says:
10:47 AM, 04/11/08
This [non] feature also eliminated the Rondo from the list of small wagons I've been considering.
It seems like a major oversight on the part of Hyundai/Kia. You'd think that anyone who can offer a standard XM head unit could also toss-in an AUX port.
lvranger says:
11:14 AM, 04/11/08
BR: I know nothing about ipods and still rely on CDs(gasp). Still, that model looks way sturdier than a standard ipod. Which one is it?
bemanix88 says:
11:50 AM, 04/11/08
You'd get quite a bit better sound quality if you run your iPod out of the line-out instead of the headphone jack. You can get an adapter at most electronics stores for about $10 and you'll notice a big increase in quality, assuming the car's speakers are half-decent. It plugs into the dock connector.
Of course, this applies only to cars with an AUX jack....
85se says:
11:50 AM, 04/11/08
Newfoundland, Canada
First time posting but I've been reading here for months...I just had to register to express my surprise. My 2008 Accent came with aux input jack, yet the top of the line Hyundai SUV doesn't?
lvranger, that looks like an iPod with a rubber protective case around it.
santiagofdz says:
12:29 PM, 04/11/08
Thanks to the post's picture, I'll now be singing/humming that song for the rest of the day.
And even though I've been the owner of an iPod for barely a month, an aux jack (or a USB port) would be something I'd like my future car to have.
gossard267 says:
01:30 PM, 04/11/08
I'm always dumbfounded to find car sound systems lacking AUX inputs, considering my VR-4 has one...and was built 15 years ago.
daytona_500 says:
01:42 PM, 04/11/08
Brent where did you get your case from, and for how much? I've been looking for one for my iPod.
bromans says:
02:29 PM, 04/11/08
It's a Speck Toughskin case. Don't remember where or how much, but an internet search should turn one up.
lvranger says:
02:52 PM, 04/11/08
85se, bromans: Thanks.
dragonflight says:
03:59 PM, 04/11/08
Does the XM feature eliminate an aux in? I know many cars are like that.
bgw says:
04:33 PM, 04/11/08
85se,
Nice to see another Newfoundlander posting in this forum!
jr1m90 says:
12:38 PM, 04/19/08
If you're a bit tech savvy, I wouldn't rule out a new car just because they lack an aux input. I know some dealers, depending on brand, can install dedicated iPod (and maybe Zune now? not sure about that one) connectors that use the iPod's dock connector. My 05 Mazda3 didn't have an aux jack, so I installed an aftermarket one with a dock connector and 3.5 mm input. I love the quality and ability to control the iPod with the steering wheel controls.
http://www.therpmstore.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=42&products_id=142