Consumer Reports Declares Current Infotainment Systems Are A Disaster - Do You Agree?

The influential US magazine released its annual results for the reliability and quality survey of the US auto industry. Some brands kept their places, others moved up or down. One thing though was clear – people are increasingly having trouble with the latest infotainment systems.

At the top, new-vehicle owners again placed Toyota and the Lexus brands for a one-two podium sweep (just like last year) and at the bottom we found yet again the Chrysler Group brands. But, besides brand placement, one thing emerged clearly – the auto industry has reached a level and it won’t go up until the new technologies – especially the infotainment systems – don’t get sorted out.
 

TheSteve - 10/29/2014 6:01:44 PM

+2 Boost

Yeah, pretty much. The user interface (UI) is typically lacking, big-time. The designers don't seem to give consideration to (or just plain old don't have the expertise to know) what works well and what doesn't for real-time data input and situational awareness.

It's the same for factory GPSes. A $2,000 option is rubbish compared to a portable $399 Garmin unit.

(Sigh)

atc98092 - 10/29/2014 7:41:40 PM

+1 Boost

I agree that factory GPS is way overpriced. that said, I much prefer the large screen in the dash vs. either using my phone or my Tom-Tom stuck on the windshield. I have the Tom-Tom for when I travel, so I don't have to rent a unit.

Perhaps it's because it's rather plain and lacking in features, but the US in my 2014 Passat with the RNS-510 radio is easy to use and simple. No issues, other than the touch response is kind of slow.

MDarringer - 10/29/2014 8:08:19 PM

-1 Boost

I'm 28 and I despise infotainment screens. I'd rather have knobs and buttons for mundane functions and MAYBE a GPS screen. In my opinion, if you have no idea where you're going, your but should not be behind the wheel of a car watching TV.

trmckin - 10/30/2014 2:33:24 AM

+3 Boost

I drive to customers all over a large metro area. Nav comes in handy on a regular basis. Just because some people rarely break from their routine, doesn't mean some don't find it useful.

40flash - 10/30/2014 1:12:05 AM

+1 Boost

I nominate the infotainment unit in my BRZ for worst, most un-user friendly piece of junk ever. If smaller aftermarket manufacturers can make one that's decent you'd thing the major car makers could offer a decent product. The last 5 times I've attempted to use the nav feature I have given up after messing with it in the driveway for 20 minutes and just used my galaxy 4.

trmckin - 10/30/2014 2:31:48 AM

0 Boost

Despite the horror stories I read about myford touch... I'm rather pleased with it so far. Has redundant buttons for the most frequent functions. Has yet to freeze or not recognize my phone. Nav is a little hard to use but it's passable.

carsnyc - 10/30/2014 11:57:40 AM

+1 Boost

It is the only thing I dislike about my car

TauronB2G - 10/30/2014 7:02:11 PM

+1 Boost

I recanted a Chrysler 300 last year. It had the Garmin unit and I thought it was great. It's huge and it had large icons. It was a pretty good unit. When compared to the command in my Mercedes I liked it more. I can work command well but the Chrysler unit was a lot better to me. I've used BMWs iDrive and Audis MMI and neither was as good to me. Too much back and Forth. I also tried Lincoln MyTouch once for a few mins and though it required me to take my eyes off road for too long.
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