OK - I think a little perspective here.
From a manufacturers point of view there are (in my opinion anyway!) going to be two areas where they are going to never win:
1 - The audio system (quality or lack of features etc.)
2 - Sat nav (where they will never compete with after market companies)
A car manufacturer has a seven year life cycle to look after whereas Pioneer, Kenwood can introduce stuff every 8 months.
Years ago Mercedes & BMW took flak in the press for not offering standard radios, now I suppose they are slated for exactly the opposite – stereos and sat navs that are too integrated with vehicles.
Sure Honda should do better and they probably are working on it, but hey I chose the car (or rather my wife did) because of the Style, Space, Performance - the look of the dashboard etc. along with other intangibles.
VW, Audi, Toyota all build great cars but I know what is most important to me on a day to day basis.
One thing I think car manufacturers should do is liaise with the likes of Pioneer – I'm sure they could build a better cheaper system while maintaining the “look” of Honda.
Finally - fact of life, all car oem options and extras are over priced.
Rant over, and yes I will be first in line for the iPod kit when available.
Mike
