Pioneer AVIC Z2/Z3 Install

[harley909]

Bought a used AVIC Z2/Z3 and installed it in my 2003 Pilot EXL.
It came with the Sirius Radio module, Bluetooth module, Ipod module, PAC SWI steering wheel controller and was "bypassed". It has the Z3 upgrade with newer maps etc.
Overall the install was pretty easy. Hardest part was finding somewhere to put all the modules. They ended up fitting nicely right under the console. The side panels were easily removable.
All the info on this forum (AVIC f90BT post) made it that much easier to do the install. The Metra kit and the harness adapter worked well, I had to trim the metra faceplate a wee bit on the screw holes to make it fit perfect.

So the million $ question is, how does it work?
Here is my honest opinion so far (3-4 days of use)
1. I had a Sirius Starmate 5 before. It was hooked up through a USA Spec HON to the factory radio. The true Sirius radio has a way better display than the Pioneer does. IThere is no difference in sound.
2. I had a Garmin C330 GPS. The GPS in the Pioneer offers way more "goodies" as far as options go (different views 2D/3G/Split etc) but the Garmin (with the newest maps) simply has way better maps. The Pioneer certainly has a larger display at 7inches.
3. I had a USA Spec HON device and hooked the Ipod direct. No display on the factory radio. I have an Ipod Touch with the cable for the USA Spec for it to charge it. The AVIC Z does not have that option for the Itouch. The AVIC display of the Ipod...well it just sucks. It will certainly play the music...but it sucks. Pure disappointment....simply just by losing the charging ability.
4. DVD works great, great picture quality...and plays burnt DVD's well.
5. The Bluetooth seems to work great but is not compatible with my phone (Samsung) and so far my ITouch is not connecting...so I am less than happy. Probably not the AVIC's fault..but it sure would be nice if it worked.
6. Steering wheel control...works great, fit nicely behind the bezel on the left side of the AVIC. Pretty easy to get at once I pop the bezel off. Programming instructions leave a little to be desired.
7.Generally this AVIC has way too many options...from the ability to display the Gforce on acceleration (yes it does) to the page after page of FM station programming (if you want it). I suspect it will be way too intimidating for someone who just wants to hope in their Pilot and listen to the radio or pop a CD in.
8. It looks good in the dash..not out of place. The Metra Kit fits quite nicely making it look almost "factory".
9. Upgrades- it seems to be pretty darn easy to add a larger hard drive/update the AVIC Z2/Z3. The price to do so is really reasonable (in the $100 range). There is loads of information available on this at www.avic411.com

I know there have been complaints of Pioneer AVICs being slow to load up/start up etc, but that is not an issue with the AVIC Z series...at least not from my perspective. I was actually expecting it to be worse than it really is...so I was pleasantly surprised.
I would give it an 8/10 overall....so far.

[harley909]

I have to update my opinion of the AVIC Z2/Z3.

I just came back from a 4300km round trip through western Canada and the US.
During the course of the trip I got to use alot of the functions of the AVIC and I am alot more satisfied. I think once you get familiar with how it works, what buttons to press and all that stuff, it just gets better..you get used to it.
1. Got the Bluetooth to pair with my Samsung cell and it works great. The echo is pretty bad but i am sure i can make it better by moving the microphone.
2. The GPS may be a little less glamourous than the Garmin i used to have, but it really did work well. The multiple route option was great. Once i got to spend some time using it I have found it really has tons of options. It sure shows alot more detail in populated areas than i am able to do where i live...where it is less populated.
3. The iPod interface turns out to be a bit better to. Ya, it isn't as flashy as the iPod itself, but it works well.
4. The Sirius radio display options are still pretty lame, but they work and you get used to them.

In the whole trip the AVIC never missed a beat...not one little problem or glitch. Watched DVD movies...the sound was awesome and the picture was really nice.

When I got home i hooked up the backup camera...it was pleasant surprise...works perfect, good view and in colour.

overall i am very happy with the AVIC Z2/Z3

[pilot_man_dan]

nice review! got any pics?