Pioneer - 6.8" - Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™, Bluetooth®, and SiriusXM-Ready™ - Multimedia DVD Receiver - Black

Access to Spotify alone makes this purchase worth it. It's as much fun as getting a TV for the first time. I can choose what bands want to listed to -- things I'd never hear on terrestrial radio like: Dispatch, Lucky Boys Confusion, The Czars, Australian Country Music Artists, almost anything you can imagine! The user interface can be tricky though. You cannot easily input a new GPS destination EVEN WHEN STOPPED because the car is worried you're driving. I usually have to pull the jack out or speak loudly towards the microphone --several times in a row-- to get voice activation to work. Still, this is so much more enjoyable than my factory head unit. I can't wait to take even a grocery store trip so I can listen to Spotify.

I bought this item on 9/16/2020, I was able to get it installed 2 weeks after 9/16. I waited 2 weeks for a harness and interface to fit a 2012 Malibu. Literally a week after installation, CarPlay quit working. I got a message and took a picture of it. I called Bestbuy, and unfortunately I don’t have their extended warranty, so they didn’t help me. I called Pioneer Electronics and that was a total disaster. They have no idea what this product even existed and I thought that was strange. I am dealing with it now, and for those that do not care about Apple CarPlay or the USB connection, take your shot but you’ll probably have a better experience with this product than I did. But, if I can go back, I would have got a different brand. Pioneer electronics are not very helpful.

Amazing head unit that’s loaded with features! I have a 08 Trailblazer SS that was in serious need of an update when it came to audio and modern functionality. Got a harness and this head unit from Best Buy and honestly I love the performance. Was able to tune the crossfade, so that the factory speakers can play at the right levels. CarPlay makes the car like new, and the hands free functionality makes it a safe ride when responding back to texts while driving back with the baby. Would recommend!!

So far- so good. Really nice unit with capability to do so much. I plan on adding on the Maestro feature this spring, along with cameras. That’s what I like about it....if you can’t afford to do everything at once, you can add features 1 by 1. I’ve never been a pioneer fan, I usually like Kenwood. But, after seeing a review on the Money Pit feature on Donut media’s Facebook page- pitting pioneer against the exact Kenwood model I was contemplating, it won me over. Granted....the unit they reviewed was a 1500 NEX- if I went with a more expensive model it should be just as good, if not better. The call quality on both ends are great. After seeing mine - I have friends and family looking to upgrade.

I installed this in my 2009 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited to replace the factory radio. I also installed the iDatalink Maestro module to retain all of the factory original features and was required in order to control front to rear fade as I kept the factory Infinity amplifier. The Maestro also gives me an engine gauge screen on the new Pioneer, tire pressure, door status, battery voltage, and engine error code display/reset via the ODB connector. I also replaced all of the factory speakers. JBL Harman components in the front, JBL coaxials in sound bar, and a Pioneer low profile sub in the rear. Finally I also installed a backup camera which is displayed on the Pioneer screen. So far I love the Pioneer head unit. Amazing sound quality, great features. I have a Samsung Galaxy S9 and the Android Auto is really cool. Allows me to run Waze navigation and other apps like Pandora when my phone is plugged into the Pioneer USB port. My only complaints, thus the 4 stars: (1) Wish there were two USB ports, keep switching between USB thumb drive loaded with music files and my phone for navigation. (2) Control buttons on left side are rather small. Overall a great radio and great price! Was $450 but got it on sale for $299. TIP: The Metra dash install/trim kit I used has very soft/cheap plastic, cracks easily. I've read that Scosche makes a better quality one and will pursue that brand for future installs.

So far so good however it has an iPod option that I think is unnecessary since I don’t think anyone has an iPod any longer and I’d like to be able to remove it since it was accidentally accessed and now shows up. Also Apple play should be a Bluetooth option that allows you the same access as using your usb cord to connect to Apple play I thought I was upgrading my stock stereo and screen for a great experience with this pioneer one but I’m not totally thrilled. Also I have a iPhone 12 Pro Max which uses a type c cord and the radio has a USB port/cord connector and this stereo is compatible with all the first series of iPhones it says up to 5s or something like that so yeah I fill cheated since it was bought in October 2020 I feel like I need another stereo with more capabilities. Also the screen is a little difficult to see at times.

The best car stereo I've ever had. I'm still learning all the stuff this stereo can do. I have before and after pictures.

Install went very well. Everything I expected!! Technician John that did my install was kind and patient. Product met up to its expectations.