Ford Navigation

If anyone has the Ford Sync 2 like my 2013 has be sure to download the free 3.8 updated from Ford, it's a great improvement over the last update with updated voice recognition and some input improvements.

Denny

I don't remember which commercial maps supplier Ford uses for their GPS mapping system but there are only a few. Chances are that you will find the same company supplying maps to several car manufacturers. There is always lag time - I don't know who is fastest/best.

It also helps to know when the last update was released. If it was over 6 months ago, I would wait for the next release instead of buying the current one.

If my maps were up to date at time of purchase (it was new) then the mapping company they use is hideous. I know after Katrina all casinos were gone and have all changed. They are not on the system as POI's. POI's I can live with, but roads no. New Orleans has had major interstate modifications, and none of these changes are on the map.

Good thing I don't need this nav for traveling. I will let you know how Ford is in comparison. We purchased our 2015 For Focus last night to tow behind our MH. The sales rep says maps update for free as needed, we will see.

Thanks for all the information.

GoPackGo wrote:
Note there are also operating system software updates for these things too. These are free. You may need to update the software first before loading the updated maps.

For once - a reason to drive a Ford! My GM 'Nav' is hideous and out of date. $200 for a map update and no firmware updates to address operating deficiencies.

It would have had the latest map version already installed if you bought it new. I fulltime so I buy the latest update every year in the Spring before I head out to start traveling. 2013 F350.

Note there are also operating system software updates for these things too. These are free. You may need to update the software first before loading the updated maps.

Thanks, I should have made some major complaints after I purchased,, but time got away and now warranty is over. I could have probably gotten an update free.

We have a 2015 Ford Expedition, not with Sync 3 though. But the maps were very up to date when we bought it new in Jan 2015, and we live in a rapidly growing area. Certainly much, much newer than 10 yrs. I really like it now that I have learned how to talk to her. She is particular about answering her questions in the way she wants it when seeking directions.

I also have a 2012 F350. The maps on it are still pretty accurate, just missing new streets built since I bought it. Have been considering updating, but just not missing enough yet to make me do it. I think an update every 4-5 years is good enough.

BTW just looked, looks like I DON'T have Sync 3 in my 2016 Explorer, just Sync with MyFord Touch. But I imagine the navigation maps are coming from the same place.

I'm not sure if I have Sync 3 in mine, but I have a 2016 Explorer with navigation. I haven't used the navigation a ton, but my neighborhood is on there and it's a new neighborhood. I know when we first moved in in Feb 2015 it didn't show up on many people's navigation systems. So definitely not 10 years old!