New Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge iPod integration

I could only wish. There are many decks that are iPod ready and Apple touts all the integretion by car manufacturers and third party deck options but they all just about suck with one compromise or another.

I have been looking for a ipod deck option for my car (no fm tranmitters) and there are many that look great but none that is worth getting.

For example they either do not play Apple's DRM, only display one line of text, are very slow to load, require expensive components, or have very bad navigation.

Alpine has probably the best ipod decks but they still need some improvement. They do only require a direct cable and a compatible deck. I'm hoping Apple shows off a iDeck at MacWorld :)

I'd suggest you take a visit down to crutchfield.com or the like and see what's really out there. I bought a USA Spec iPod integration kit (also includes a stereo in jack for connection to laptops and DVD players) for my Dodge RAM's factory radio and it works brilliantly. All I had to do is plug the device into the CD changer port on the rear of the radio and I was good to go. The iPod resides in my glove compartment and I can even directly control and play any tune from my iPod with the steering wheel controls. Playlists are also supported as if they were different CDs so customization is there. The iPod also is charged by this system and I have to say that the audio fidelity is fantastic!

Per your complaints, the only one that is valid for my system is the lack of info for the currently playing song, but that is hardly the fault of the device. DRM, speed, cost (~$129), and navigation are all excellent IMHO. I really don't have a single complaint about this adapter.

While not a Chrylser integration, I am really happy with the iMIV video iPod adapter for my Volvo - it not only fully integrates audio through the headunit's controls, it allows the iPod video signal to play on the Navigation screen ( http://www.imiv.ca/ ) and its only $159!

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yet another reason why I love my jeep liberty

Thank God that Apple has built a great product AND marketed it properly and dominating the market with a GOOD product. It's long overdue for Apple to enjoy such success and for US to have so many great options, and accessories that work well and are nearly universal.

Will the Wall Street analyst STOP making predictions for MW? Geez, rumors just 3 days ago said the iTV will probably be delayed because of software issues. For these analysts to expect any new device is insane, and is only hurting the company by automatically deflating the stock prices. Quote: "no sign of this product would be a negative," [iPhone] - thats just BS, c'mon let's not get anyone's hopes up. Apple's track record has almost always been not delivering the great rumored device, but bringing out something else we weren't really looking for.

Toyota is about the only major manufacturer that refuses to add full iPod integration (just an AUX input jack isn't enough; I want to control my iPod from the console or steering wheel controls). They also seem pretty Mac-hostile with their websites. When I bought my Prius earlier this year, I wasn't able to complete the order in any Mac browser - I had to use IE under Parallels.

Check out a Scion, unless they're not posh enough for you. I have the xB Special Relase, which comes standard with an Alpine head, which is iPod ready, as well as two video screens on the back of the front headrests.

The Alpine is still less than perfect. You get a whopping nine characters of text to notify you of Title, Artist, Playlist, etc. It's scrolling mechanism is archaic; you can't even press-and-hold to scroll through playlists. You actually have to sit there pounding the thing until your playlist arrives (if you can decipher it in nine characters). I have 90 playlists!

Back in 2001, I went to nearby dealership and test drove a PT Cruiser. It had retro looks, great ergonomics, and a small footprint. The handling was surprisingly smooth. What was really sad was the engine. With a 150 horsepower automatic, the PT Cruiser was pathetic- forcing me to walk away.

With the 2006 model year of the PT Cruiser, things have greatly improved. With the initial test drive of my Inferno Red GT, I was hooked. I took my Dad with me, and he was impressed with its power. This year’s PT GT has as much power as my 1998 Dodge Dakota pickup with a V-8 (230 hp.). While most people see this car as another cute little PT, no one has any idea how much power in its pt cruiser borla exhaust has until I come roaring past them!

Performance behind the wheel:

The power seems consistent throughout the entire application of acceleration. Apparently this is an improvement over the original, 2004 PT GT.

If you choose to acceleration conservatively, the engine performs like a normally aspirated engine. Push the accelerator hard, and the turbo screams to life along with the rumble of the exhaust system.

The Autostick transmission (standard on GT automatics) works surprisingly well. You can use it to hold gears longer and use engine breaking to save the brakes (this is great in stop and go traffic when most autos tend to over shift). If you forget to shift, the system works to up shift (when engine revs to 5400rpm) and down shifts when you come to a stop. Also, the Autostick safeguards from down shifting too soon. If you don’t feel like shifting, simply engage the shifter into “D”.

Steering under hard acceleration produces a fair amount of torque steer (the car wants to veer the opposite way of the intended direction). For this reason, don’t let an inexperienced drive operate this vehicle.

This car rumbles like a Honda with aftermarket performance parts. It is not the quietest vehicle on the market. Under hard acceleration, it is sometimes difficult to hear the stereo.

The car can cruise at 80 mph with little effort. With the turbo, it can easily accelerate at this speed. I hope I don’t get into trouble with this kind of power!

The turning radius is truly awful! With its 17 inch wheels and shallow wheel wells, this PT feels like I am steering my parent's Ram Mega Cab 4x4. Thank goodness it’s shorter than a Dodge Neon.

Overall, I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who is interested in purchasing a PT Cruiser. Yes, I know that the PT GT is significantly more than a standard PT Cruiser, but it makes you realize that having more power makes this vehicle a more enjoyable vehicle to drive. I also test drove PT GT convertible (due to one sales manager’s attempt to bait and switch me in hopes that I would spend even more). While I found it to be a roomy