Last December my D3 got stolen. I finally got my insurance money and bought a F90BT to replace it. I knew the F series had some issues, but I had no idea they would be this bad. My unit is supposed to have the 2.0 update installed. I didn't want to try any other navigation systems, because I was already set up for everything to plug-in play with pioneer units.

Here is my list of annoyances with this unit compared to the D3. I'm seriously considering selling this unit and going back with the D3.

1. Takes way to long for the backup camera to come up.

2. Unit still takes a long time to boot up with the 2.0 update installed.

3. Operation of the unit lags quite a bit. Kinda like a old computer running programs it can barely run.

4. No track up on 2D mode. Pioneer programmers must have been smoking something to miss this. I hear there is another update that might fix this. That would make the unit more usable.

5. In 3D mode the track arrow is huge. There is no need for this. However, I hear this can be modified.

6. In 3D mode you can't zoom out enough.

7. When searching for a POI I want to be able to type in the name of the place and have the unit try and narrow down my search as I go. D3 did this.

8. There is no way to have the navigation lady speak over the music. I don't want my music to mute every time she speaks.

9. No remote control.

10. The map moves in a jerky manner, and it takes awhile to register that I've already turned. The D3 was much faster in this aspect. Yes, I have the VSS wire connected.

11. The volume knob is almost useless. I know you can get replacement knobs, but another thing pioneer overlooked.

12. No motion sensors. I kinda liked that feature on the D3.

I guess I'll list some positives.

1. Graphics are much better than the D3.

2. Integrated bluetooth.

3. Ipod cable came with unit.

5. Shows elevation. D3 didn't.

6. Can be modified easier.

7. Like the D3 this unit is easily bypassed. I won't buy a unit that can't be bypassed.

Edit: I did play with this unit in the store, but some of these things you don't find out until you actually use the unit.

Thanks for the review of your unit... I just bought my first aftermarket head unit (F700BT)$450w/warranty I'm looking forward to getting it installed even with all the complaints.

I really hope they come out with another major update to fix the glitchy F series and listen to your opinions and everyone else.

I also just "upgraded" from a D3 to the F700. I had been eying the F700 on sale for $699 CDN and finally upgraded when I had issues with my D3. Of course my issues were self inflicted by using a bad burnt copy of the new Pioneer Map CD.

I have to say I agree with all your points, the F series has some major annoyances. The top 2 for me are the ridiculous long boot-up time and the no track up option. I've since burned a good copy of the new maps for the D3 and am considering switching back. But every day I look at the gorgeous screen on the F700 it makes it harder to decide. Can I live with 30 second load times and upside-down 2D maps in exchange for better graphics? Tough call..

I really wish Pioneer was more helpful. If they promised that they were addressing these issues in a version 3 firmware I would stick with my F700 but right now I don't know.

I agree with most all of your points. The lack of remote is retarded! Aren't they embarrassed that you can but a cheapo pioneer cd player for less than $100 (probably less than $70 online) and it comes with a remote control? But for $1200 you're screwed if your car doesn't have factory steering wheel controls. How the hell am I supposed to change presets from the map screen without pressing like five buttons on the touch screen that take like two seconds each to react? Anyhoo, I think problem #8 on your list is fixable in the settings. Totally agree with the rest though

The D3 does the same thing for #8 though.

For the 2D issue why can't you just tilt 3D map to get the top view?

For the 2D issue why can't you just tilt 3D map to get the top view?

Then you get the gigantic arrow and you can't zoom out far enough.

The D3 does the same thing for #8 though.

There was a setting that you could change to where the music wouldn't mute when the navigation lady spoke.

There is on the F-series too. Deck has to be in the 'OFF' source and its in the navigation menu

wow....i couldn't agree with your points more. what my biggest problem is w/ the f90 is not the fact that it loads for very long, but the fact that every turn/exit/ or whatever i take, the unit reacts like 2-3 seconds later. that pisses me soooo off. and when im on a road that the map doesn't have, that stupid arrow is so confused and keeps on spinnin....

wow....i couldn't agree with your points more. what my biggest problem is w/ the f90 is not the fact that it loads for very long, but the fact that every turn/exit/ or whatever i take, the unit reacts like 2-3 seconds later. that pisses me soooo off. and when im on a road that the map doesn't have, that stupid arrow is so confused and keeps on spinnin....

Oh, yeah I forgot about that one. Yeah, the D3 would just keep straight like you were flying or something.

Makes 3D mode useless when the road isn't there, then you can't do track up on 2D mode to make it better

your issues #1 & #2;

I am very new to the F-series but since I ALWAYS back in to where ever I am going to park (unless I can drive through to be able to drive out) I don't have to wait at all for the back up camera. As a matter of fact my reverse cam comes on so quick that even shifting (GMC truck) from park to drive the Reverse camera comes on for an instant. (but I do use my remote start so I can't complain about long boot time I am reading about)

#4) Agreed took me 10 mins of search the displays and settings to finally decide to read the CD owners manual! To find it doesn't exist! PIONEER HELLO!

#5) Yep there is a hack to address this.

#9) Yes! Why not provide a remote? (could solve #11 also)

#11) Factory steering wheel controls addresses most of these issues for some.

Very good list and spot on for the most part.

your issues #1 & #2;

I am very new to the F-series but since I ALWAYS back in to where ever I am going to park (unless I can drive through to be able to drive out) I don't have to wait at all for the back up camera. As a matter of fact my reverse cam comes on so quick that even shifting (GMC truck) from park to drive the Reverse camera comes on for an instant. (but I do use my remote start so I can't complain about long boot time I am reading about)

 

#4) Agreed took me 10 mins of search the displays and settings to finally decide to read the CD owners manual! To find it doesn't exist! PIONEER HELLO!

 

#5) Yep there is a hack to address this.

 

#9) Yes! Why not provide a remote? (could solve #11 also)

 

#11) Factory steering wheel controls addresses most of these issues for some.

 

Very good list and spot on for the most part.

Yeah, after the unit as already booted up the backup camera works fairly quickly, but still not as fast as the D3. When just starting up the vehicle and backing up I'm already completely backed out before the back up camera comes on.

is it just me or do the buttons also respond wayyyyyy to slow if you click on them twice?

and i have the pac remote thing for my steering wheel. that thing ALWAYS skips songs when i hit it, and it never adjusts the volume right. it either skips or doesn't do anything.

there is like a waiting period of whatever button you push, u gotta wait 2-4 seconds before you can push it again on the steering wheel

wow....i couldn't agree with your points more. what my biggest problem is w/ the f90 is not the fact that it loads for very long, but the fact that every turn/exit/ or whatever i take, the unit reacts like 2-3 seconds later. that pisses me soooo off. and when im on a road that the map doesn't have, that stupid arrow is so confused and keeps on spinnin....

 

Oh, yeah I forgot about that one. Yeah, the D3 would just keep straight like you were flying or something.

 

Makes 3D mode useless when the road isn't there, then you can't do track up on 2D mode to make it better

it even gets better if you park on a parking lot next to a major road. at first the 3D mode won't figure out what just happened and keep spinning, n then it will just think u r actually back on the main road even tho u haven't moved!! lol

is it just me or do the buttons also respond wayyyyyy to slow if you click on them twice?

 

and i have the pac remote thing for my steering wheel. that thing ALWAYS skips songs when i hit it, and it never adjusts the volume right. it either skips or doesn't do anything.

 

there is like a waiting period of whatever button you push, u gotta wait 2-4 seconds before you can push it again on the steering wheel

Same here. I was gonna add that to the list too, but I'm not using the pac remote so it may be even slower then

i don't understand why pioneer would even release such a product. i got the f90bt and i thought when i got it that it would be the best.

my judgement was based on the D2 is better than D1. D3 is better than D1, or D2, so therefore the F90BT should be better than ALL other prior models. but its not! only some things are better about it. im really upset at this! i thought it would be the worlds best unit....but it rates under the worse top 5

For those of you that need a remote the Sony RM-X4S wired remote will solve the problem. Crutchfield has them and I believe I have a referral code to get 20 bucks off.

For those of you that need a remote the Sony RM-X4S wired remote will solve the problem. Crutchfield has them and I believe I have a referral code to get 20 bucks off.

so thats actually a handheld sony remote that will work on a pioneer unit? you are certain of that?

I use it so yes, Im certain.

I want a remote that lets me change presets like i can on the D3. Hope they fix that someday

What new models will Pioneer release this year? Do they plan on addressing the issues of the F-series units?

The D3 does the same thing for #8 though.

 

There was a setting that you could change to where the music wouldn't mute when the navigation lady spoke.

No way. Please elaborate as to where I can find this setting.

No way. Please elaborate as to where I can find this setting.

It's in the manual... Failing to read that, Switch AV source off, go to AV Settings, and change it...

The D3 does the same thing for #8 though.

 

There was a setting that you could change to where the music wouldn't mute when the navigation lady spoke.

 

 

No way. Please elaborate as to where I can find this setting.

Check out page 144 of the 90BT manual. It does work. When I get directions the song can still be heard under the guidance voice. The setting attenuates the music but does not mute it. Didn't try it with Samatha though (just too irritating listenting to her).