Good morning!

In response to your feedback, Scion is studying the potential of offering only one feature packed audio unit. This would take the place of our current audio strategy of offering a base and six-disc model. The new unit would include features such as iPod connection, mini-jack connection, MP3/WMA cpability, and multi-jog rotary knobs.

What is your feeling with this idea?

Thank you for your feedback! Much Appreciated!

not only ipod conection but control it also.

if you really want to get fancy, offer a remote control.

Steering Wheel Controls Dammit!

Like the rotory knob idea. Hate Volume control push buttons.

Other stuff is just OK. I want more power/better sound.

I don't mind the lack of a rotary knob--it keeps the dash smooth and clean. But having controls on the steering wheel (standard on the Mazda 3) would be great.
But since that wasn't part of your question...

I understand that iPods are popular, but I personally don't have one and don't care if my car stereo had an adapter for one. I know that BMW and other manufacturers are offering stereos with iPod hook-up/controls 'cause they're getting so popular, but I still don't think the demand requires it. For about 6 months, VW gave free iPods to buyers of New Beetles, along with a special adapter, but many people I know that got them do not use them and have sold them on Ebay. And now that a newer version of the iPod is out, many people are stuck with an out-dated version. Battery life has also been an issue of discussion with the iPod.

I personally think the 6 Disc unit should be the standard for Scions. The Single Disc unit utilizes the same space, which seems like a big waste when it only operates a single disc. I have the 6 Disc and love it. I would have opted for the XM antenna as well if it wasn't so darn expensive.

Secondly, with these cars being geared towards picky young people, including myself, we want the best at a cheap price. Power is the main issue. I understand that 160watts is better than many OEM stereos out there, but it leaves a lot to be desired as well. Power is the main reason so many buyers remove the stock Pioneer unit for something else. A system putting out 200+ watts with clear speakers would be great, and I think more would opt to keep their OEM units rather than going with an aftermarket one. A better optional subwoofer is also needed. Many who bought them with their Scion are trying to sell them for a 1/4 of the price they paid in order to buy a better one. Heck, you could even mount a factory amp under the passenger seat if needed....

Just my $1 - $0.98

Originally Posted by WagenMaster
I don't mind the lack of a rotary knob--it keeps the dash smooth and clean. But having controls on the steering wheel (standard on the Mazda 3) would be great.
But since that wasn't part of your question...

I understand that iPods are popular, but I personally don't have one and don't care if my car stereo had an adapter for one. I know that BMW and other manufacturers are offering stereos with iPod hook-up/controls 'cause they're getting so popular, but I still don't think the demand requires it. For about 6 months, VW gave free iPods to buyers of New Beetles, along with a special adapter, but many people I know that got them do not use them and have sold them on Ebay. And now that a newer version of the iPod is out, many people are stuck with an out-dated version. Battery life has also been an issue of discussion with the iPod.

I personally think the 6 Disc unit should be the standard for Scions. The Single Disc unit utilizes the same space, which seems like a big waste when it only operates a single disc. I have the 6 Disc and love it. I would have opted for the XM antenna as well if it wasn't so darn expensive.

Secondly, with these cars being geared towards picky young people, including myself, we want the best at a cheap price. Power is the main issue. I understand that 160watts is better than many OEM stereos out there, but it leaves a lot to be desired as well. Power is the main reason so many buyers remove the stock Pioneer unit for something else. A system putting out 200+ watts with clear speakers would be great, and I think more would opt to keep their OEM units rather than going with an aftermarket one. A better optional subwoofer is also needed. Many who bought them with their Scion are trying to sell them for a 1/4 of the price they paid in order to buy a better one. Heck, you could even mount a factory amp under the passenger seat if needed....


I Agree with wagon master on this one!! More power would be nice! I also think a better optional sub would be something that dosent take up all the cargo room!! Lots of optional boxes out that fit into the cargo area! Only down side they are expensive! It would be cool to have one designed in!!! One of the reasons I'm glad I didnt get the 6 disk is that there seem to be so many complaints about the dreded disk error with the six disk! make it more reliable!

that sounds good but the CD player really does need a Knob on it. I do like the idea of ipod hook up but also you should include another cig lighter for he ipod to hook up to and charge. Like in the Honda Element. also controls on the steering wheel would be nice even as an option. What color HU are you guys thinking of doing. Black again? white? Mybe make the HU color match the exteriror color? just an idea.

I like all the ideas personaly.. now send me one to test in my xB :P

I like all the ideas personaly.. now send me one to test in my xB :P

yeah me 2 :)

Knobs would be nice but only if the unit could be included at the same or lower price. Don't include a fancier unit standard and up the price. Half the fun of these cars is modifying them. Whatever the factory puts in, a certain percentage will replace it and a certain percentage will whine about it and do nothing. Steering wheel controls raise the complexity of making modifications. Scion got it right the first time: KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid!).

You've got good ideas, but I'd scrap the ipod connector idea.

Most people have their cars for a few years, the average lifespan for an automobile is something like 10-15 years. The ipod is not going to stay in its current form for another 5 years, let alone 10 or 15, so it'd be a better idea to just have a 3.5mm line in on the front of the stereo face plate.

With a line-in on the faceplate and in the back of the HU (you could include an ipod dock that fits into the square cupholder on the drivers' side) we wouldn't be locked into technology that's likely to become obsolete in a few years.

The knobs and wma features are a great idea, and in truth I'd buy a new HU for easy ipod connectability in a second, especially if it worked perfectly with the stock sound system. Take away from that what you will, it's just one 17 year old ipod owners' persepctive.

how about an ipod connector and a free ipod?

Maybe partner up with apple? Get color matching ipods to your car? Hahahah maybe that's too much to ask. . .

Like the idea tho, would like to see a prototype.

- Better speakers, find a way to accommodate larger ones front and back

- Heavier guage speaker wiring throughout

- The ability to seek/scan DOWN the dial as well as up. (If the current radio does that, I haven't figured it out.)

- Volume KNOB

- Faster loading/unloading of CDs

- Total connectivity/control/power for iPods

- Prewire for subwoofer

- More power outlets, like at the back of the center console, so we can plug in phone, computer radar detector, whatever, at the same time (Remember, we're the gadget age people)

Common - one of the biggest gripes is the lack of RCA-outs on the unit. I know that adding them on is probably seen as a sales killer for the bazooka sub, though.

As for the audio inputs, I'm all for the iPod connection :)

Whatever you do, please make sure that it's backwards compatable with older xBs!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, and how about this -- offer a full blown audio unit -- or the option of NONE AT ALL so we can take the money and install what we want.

Common - one of the biggest gripes is the lack of RCA-outs on the unit. I know that adding them on is probably seen as a sales killer for the bazooka sub, though.

As for the audio inputs, I'm all for the iPod connection :)

Whatever you do, please make sure that it's backwards compatable with older xBs!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Werd. If they came out with a better 6 disc changer cd player with knobs and stuff I would buy that and make it work in my 2005.

yeah, i think that i would really like the rotary knobs and an auxilary plug in, for ipod, md player, or whatever else i wanna use. that would be awesome. also, maybe a special discount for current scion customers......

Common - one of the biggest gripes is the lack of RCA-outs on the unit. I know that adding them on is probably seen as a sales killer for the bazooka sub, though.

As for the audio inputs, I'm all for the iPod connection :)

Whatever you do, please make sure that it's backwards compatable with older xBs!!!!!!!!!!!!!

smart! Not only would we love you, it would make you guys more money!

Volume dial with push button in the middle to switch between bass, fader, etc
Better ergonomics in general - raise the buttons a little and group them together so I can control the radio by feel instead of having to look at it.
Front and rear line-in
Dual line-out
Steering wheel controls
Heavier wire leading to the speakers to support owner upgrades

That's it. No need to specifically support Ipod or what have you. Maybe sell a cool ipod holster as a dealer option.

I vote for RCA outs, on whatever the radio is.

Also make the Nav system an option. Maybe 6 disk can be standard w/ the navigation as an option.

Hi, my comment might not mean much since i am from singapore driving a bB but one change i hope to see is this :

Move rear speaker from the boot area to the rear pax doors and do a bit of modification to allow the installation of at least two 10" sub using that original rear speakers location. And knowing that you guys have a "secret" compartment in the boot area next to the spare tire, i reckon it will be best if you have a amp installed in there to rock the sub. Just my little comments.

Dcool.. Be Cool..

good ideas.....sounds very interesting.....just listening....

gotta have the rotary knob...i hate the push buttons. And the lack of steering wheel controls sucks ___. i'm so use to using them ALL the time in my grand prix!

Like the rotory knob idea. Hate Volume control push buttons.

Other stuff is just OK. I want more power/better sound.

go aftermarket or higher than 15k if you want better sound.

Also make the Nav system an option. Maybe 6 disk can be standard w/ the navigation as an option.

Agreed. The MatriX I beleive had that option. I Am lookin at the AVIC N1 but if Scion offered a stock Nav unit..... hmm i'd take out the aftermart Pioneer and put that in.

Scion should offer a trade in program for current owners. Offer the unit to us at half price if we trade in our old headunits for the new one :)