Head/radio suggestions to replace OEM

[knewstance]

Another vote for the Sony XAV-AX100. After messing with a Joying unit and a JVC that I didn't like, I settled on the Sony and I like it the best even though it has the fewest features (but still has every feature you listed). One of the things I love is how compact the physical unit is. Aside from the screen, the body of the unit is single DIN size, which makes it much easier to install and route cables:

It's also got one of the best volume knobs I've ever seen/felt on a modern stereo. It's a solid, machined and knurled piece with very positive feeling detents and a good amount of resistance.

I also like that you can toggle on the rear camera on command, instead of having to put it in reverse.

It doesn't have a lot of extras: Only one USB input, no AUX inputs, no video out etc. All of the extra functions are done through your phone via Android Auto/ Car Play. If that works for you, it's a great option.

I also add one more to voting on the Sony! I have one in my Civic and will be installing one in my 100 series. The volume knob and forward/back buttons are awesome. Also the touch sensitivity is really great compared to others that I have used.

 

[LX470Beast]

Is there a way to install a modern "Car Play" unit into later year 100's that have the A/C controls intrigarted into the radios?

I initially moved my screen and later did a nav delete. Moving the screen is more cost effective. I used pioneer AVIC-8200 and cannot be more happier.

Successfully Moved Navigation Screen To Make Room Pioneer AVIC-8200

 

[cnnrblksl]

Third vote for the AX100. Like the others said I love that it has an actual volume knob. The sound quality is great and the screen is clearly visible in the sun. It is also easy to wipe off fingerprints with a microfiber. No need for spray or any cleaning solution. The matte black bezel also blends well with the rest of the black plastic in the dash.

 

[Trailguy]

I might also say I purchased my unit on Craigslist for $200.

 

[PabloCruise]

I have a Kenwood ddx9904s really love it but due to a very poor installer it really screwed some things up on my truck. I think the installation is just as important as the head unit itself. I required a dash camera and to be able to turn in the backup camera as I drove along. Those two things ruled out a lot of units on the market. Also didn't want a cd/DVD but almost no one offers that yet. I am having the stereo reinstalled next Tuesday and I hope that will solve many problems I'm having.

I know Pioneer offers a few double-DIN units w/o CD/DVD.

On my AVH-4201NEX, I can turn on the back up camera anytime.

 

[PabloCruise]

Third vote for the AX100. Like the others said I love that it has an actual volume knob. The sound quality is great and the screen is clearly visible in the sun. It is also easy to wipe off fingerprints with a microfiber. No need for spray or any cleaning solution. The matte black bezel also blends well with the rest of the black plastic in the dash.

A real volume knob is a definite plus!

 

[fblainen11]

I initially moved my screen and later did a nav delete. Moving the screen is more cost effective. I used pioneer AVIC-8200 and cannot be more happier.

Successfully Moved Navigation Screen To Make Room Pioneer AVIC-8200

I picked up the parts necessary to delete nav in my 02 for $100.
At the end of the day after I sell my completely functional factory nav unit, I'll come out ahead. I'm using that money to help with the purchase of a nicer wireless android auto head unit. I have a Kenwood Excelon currently.

 

[jerryb]

kenwood does make a better product than pioneer. I dislike mine. Kenwood excelon is next when this one breaks.

 

[Cleric Duran]

I

kenwood does make a better product than pioneer. I dislike mine. Kenwood excelon is next when this one breaks.

Do perfer Kenwood (in my Name Miata) but I got a good deal 4100nex on Craigslist I could not pass it up.

 

[Pyrenees]

Subscribed. I'm about to buy a 100 and I've already started doing the headunit research.

I'm looking for something that can run DashCommand or Torque on-screen, as well as Apple Carplay and has backup camera compatibility. It's probably going to cost me a ton, or I'll nix the OBDII integration and get something else.

Really want that OBD-II on screen though.

 

[BEG]

Subscribed. I'm about to buy a 100 and I've already started doing the headunit research.

I'm looking for something that can run DashCommand or Torque on-screen, as well as Apple Carplay and has backup camera compatibility. It's probably going to cost me a ton, or I'll nix the OBDII integration and get something else.

Really want that OBD-II on screen though.

If you want the most seamless integration of Torque Pro et al, you want a head unit that is pure Android and that is compatible with whatever OBD dongle you buy (my old Joying was not compatible with my OBDLink, much to my dismay). Unfortunately, the only available pure Android HUs are of dubious quality with poor support and no way to update to a current version.

However, there are work-arounds for using it with Android Auto equipped head units. There is a plug-in available for Torque Pro to display on Android Auto, but AFAIK, it only works on rooted phones at the moment:
[APP][5.0+]OBD2 Plugin for Android Auto - Use Torque with AndroidAuto

If you run your phone and Android Auto/ Car Play concurrently, Torque Pro keeps the phone from locking back to AA if you swipe to unlock, so you can display Torque information on your phone while running AA on your head unit.

 

[Pyrenees]

Thanks for the useful info. Any idea on dashcommand? I am an apple guy currently.

 

[YOTALUVER]

Wow, replacing the radio was nerve racking endeavor for me! I'm happy all the research paid off and now I'm happier than a 100 series on the trails. Things to note for the others that have a 1998.

1. You don't need a kit or trim ring for the double din in a 1998, I used the factory radio brackets and 'massaged' them where I needed them.

2. Bypassing the factory amp is optional. I used METRA 70-8112 for the harness and it was basically plug and play. Still have the factory amp, but now I have a beautiful Alpine sound processor to control it. The harness kit requires front and rear pre-outs so buy a nice radio that at least has two sets of pre-outs. I noticed the Brown wire for the internal ground was tired into the speaker side of the harness which kept the internal speaker ground solid and quiet. No white noise for me and that's awesome!

3. Buy the Alpine iLX-w650, it's great! Video playback via usb memory only, but its very responsive and car play works beautifully.

I read A LOT of information on here and things definitely seem complicated for the later years, but don't be intimidated if you have a 98 or 99, it's super easy. Now I just have to return all the crap (trim rings, brackets, speaker wire, line out converters, etc.) I ordered from Amazon, but didn't need.

 

[oakback]

I just want regular FM radio, bluetooth to play stuff from my phone, and an actual volume knob. I'd like single din, because the additional pocket would be nice.

For my needs, what's the difference between a $50 unit and a $200 unit? Is it fine to just pick one off the shelf at Walmart or Best Buy?

 

[YOTALUVER]

I just want regular FM radio, bluetooth to play stuff from my phone, and an actual volume knob. I'd like single din, because the additional pocket would be nice.

For my needs, what's the difference between a $50 unit and a $200 unit? Is it fine to just pick one off the shelf at Walmart or Best Buy?

Short answer, sound quality or LCD screen.

I was thinking like you initially, the 'I just want something simple vibe.' But decided since it's almost 2020 and I have this 1000 dollar computer sitting in my pocket that it would be nice to utilize it while driving. 300 bucks on the Alpine was a steal! ABC Warehouse gave it to me for 270 since I declined their 'free' installation. I didn't think I'd want all these features, but now I cant wait till the next time I'm stuck in traffic or have a long drive.

If all I wanted was a single din with Bluetooth I'd chose something in the 100 range from Best Buy or Wally World from the big two... Pioneer or Kenwood depending on preference. Just my two cents. The 100s already ride better than most new cars and trucks, with the addition of Car Play I feel like I'm not missing anything and will happily daily drive my 1998 for many years without feeling inadequate in the tech side of things.

 

[jerryb]

shallow mount kenwood single din with rca outs, radio, BT, and usb in. 60 some dollars.
It sounds better than the top of the line pioneer 8200 avic @ 7 bills.
I've swapped that one in more than once while pioneer repairs/sends a new one to me.

look at the KMM-X503 that would be the excelon version of the cheapy, and still on;y 129 on amazon. I'd buy that any day.

@oakback

 

[CBeckFJ]

Is there a way to install a modern "Car Play" unit into later year 100's that have the A/C controls intrigarted into the radios?

@LX470Beast did it. He put the stock MFD in the center console where the CD changer went and put the aftermarket unit in place of the mfd.

 

[TXSunDevil]

I have had enough of my JVC KW-V230BT. I cannot see the display in the sun and I am one of those guys that is constantly changing channels. Anyone running a Pioneer AVH-521EX in a sunny part of the world? I am thinking of getting at Crutchfield because they will match the $219 at Best Buy and offer a 60 day money back guarantee if I am not happy. I should have done that with the JVC

 

[TXSunDevil]

I took one for the team and ordered the Pioneer AVH-521EX. I drove it yesterday in the afternoon and it is much better in the sun. I have 60 days with Crutchfield to return and if I am in doubt after 60 days I will send it back.

 

[gregnash]

Nice. Seems like a nice little unit at a pretty decent price. With CES just happening there will be all kinds of new stuff out shortly here.
Really debating on whether or not I want physical buttons. Capacitive screens have their drawbacks and while I like my JOYING unit a lot, one of the things that I did not necessarily like about it was the touch control volume.
This has been the unit I have been looking at, should fill the stock hole nicely and their customer service has been awesome in the past. Will end up grabbing their HD backup camera for install as well when I get. But got other things that need attention first.