Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

After I read some of the negative and highly critical reviews posted on Amazon.com, I must confess that I was a bit apprehensive purchasing the Jensen VX7020 "infotainment" system for my 2007 Ford Focus. However, after my first experience with installing a non-OEM navigation/stereo unit, I must admit that what I received in return for my efforts was the best-sounding and best-performing piece of technology I'd ever installed on any of my vehicles. If you buy the correct wiring harness, the right trim-kit/adapter, and if you spend some time tracking down the correct wiring-diagram for your vehicle, and you follow the instructions, you will come away from the process with some good experience and an infotainment system that's ready for today's needs. Things to be aware of: Volume: Some have noted that the volume of this unit can be awfully high whenever you start/restart the unit. This is an easy fix: turn down the volume to a comfortable level and depress the volume knob until you hear two beeps. Thereafter, your unit's volume will remain set to the level you selected. “Fatal Error” on Navigation screen: For whatever reason, the navigation software for the Jensen VX7020 was not updated to the latest and best version—and some users report seeing a Windows CE “fatal error” on their displays whenever attempting to access the navigation app. The fix, again, is relatively simple...just register and download new software via the www.naviextras.com website. You'll need to get their special updating tool and use it to update the microSD card on the Jensen VX7020. This update upgrades your unit's software and also updates your maps. Satellite antenna-placement: You can opt place the magnetic antenna for the navigation system somewhere on the roof of your vehicle; however, the system will work perfectly well with that antenna placed on top of the Jensen VX7020 unit within the dashboard. Don't locate the SiriusXM antenna under the dash, though (if you also equip the Jensen VX7020 with an optional SiriusXM tuner). Given the location of the satellites utilized by SiriusXM, you are best off placing that magnetic-mount antenna on your vehicle's roof. Microphone location: You need to select a good spot for the Jensen VX7020 microphone that allows you to make hands-free calling. This means you will have to thread that wire to a location where it will be close enough to work without getting in the way. Bluetooth: By default, the unit is set to pair via Bluethooth using the “0000” passkey. This can be changed by the end-user (read the instruction manual). Hands-free calling can be easily handled via the Jensen VX7020 once paired with your telephone. Beyond telephony, though, the Blueetooth connection will also play music files found on your phone—and it will also easily play audio from apps such as iHeartRadio, TuneIn, YouTube (audio only), etc. Pandora is integrated within the Jensen VX7020, but thanks to Bluetooth, you aren't limited just to Pandora for streaming Internet radio or music. Screws: For reasons know only to Voxx (the parent company of Jensen), the unit fails to ship with screws with which you can attach to Jensen VX7020 to your trim-kit adapter. Luckily, I had four screws left over from a ceiling-fan installation I'd done a few years ago...and those for affixing those wooden fan blades were a perfect fit. Why they fail to include those very necessary screws with the unit is a mystery—and a potentially big pain in the rump. Local radio tuning: Many have noted that the unit fails to pick up local stations. I, too, scanned for local stations and found that the unit missed many when scanning through the spectrum. However, when I input the frequencies of those stations, they came in beautifully, loud-and-clear. The problem seems to rest in the way the radio scans for stations—and this can be adjusted if you follow the steps outlined in the unit's manual. If you listen to particular favorites, write the station frequencies down on paper and then just input them into the Jensen VX7020. I have a stub-antenna on my Ford Focus (not the longer OEM whip), and even that thing reeled in stations from distant locales on the FM band. iGO Navigation: It works well and the choice of voices means that you aren't badgered by that same horrid woman who tells you to rescan your item at the self-checkout lane (as is the case with my Garmin Nuvi). Directions, however, tend to favor fastest routes (e.g., the interstate) in lieu of slower side streets. If you don't set the navigation settings to offer up advanced warnings for course changes, you might miss that left or right turn you should have taken-- and, instead of re-plotting your course, you may be badgered with repeated suggestions of “at next intersection, turn back.” Also, some have made a big issue of the warnings made by this unit when you go over the speed-limit. The nav app settings can be adjusted to warn you of excessive speed visually, both visually and with a voice/sound, or not at all—and you can also set the speed above the limit at which those warnings will be made (up to 130% of the speed-limit). Conclusion For $300 (more or less), the VX7020 offers a lot of value. If you are aware of the aforementioned issues and you actually read the instruction manuals, you will be rewarded with a unit that does what it is supposed to do—and one that also makes your drive pleasant, safe, efficient and entertaining.