Ranging in price from $10 to $3000, dozens of car integration solutions are now available for iPod owners. iLounge’s iPod Your Car Central Information Hub lists three types of iPod-to-car accessories: official solutions sold by car manufacturers and aftermarket integrated solutions sold by third-parties both require professional installation and create premium-quality audio connections between your iPod and car speakers. Additional products called aftermarket non-integrated solutions require no professional installation and cost much less, but generally offer lower-quality audio.
Need help choosing between these options? Download iLounge’s Free iPod Book 2.2, which canvasses what’s out there, and our Holiday Buyers’ Guide 2005-2006, for additional information on the topic.
Official Solutions
The following automobile manufacturers have announced “official” iPod integration systems for use with specific makes and models of their cars. Some of the vehicles listed below can be modified after purchase with these official kits, while others can only be purchased with the kits installed. Dealer installation provides car owners with full warranty rights and a guarantee of car and iPod compatibility. Installation charges often vary from dealer to dealer and may be negotiable.
These “official” kits vary in functionality from company to company and car to car. Some kits provide only an audio connection, others provide audio and charging, some provide audio, charging, and text display on the car’s stereo system, and still others provide audio, charging, and iPod navigation. One kit may do one set of things when installed in one car, and another set of things in another car – contact your dealer for specifics on your make and model. Additional makes and models are being added to this official solutions list as appropriate.
Notes: No matter whether your car is or is not on the list of officially supported vehicles, aftermarket solutions (below) may be available as well. Be aware that aftermarket solutions are not guaranteed or warranted by your car’s manufacturer. Some car makers also sell kits that are not iPod-specific, which are not listed here. Contact your dealer for additional details.
iPod Kit: Acura Music Link iPod Adapter ($250 + installation)
Models Supported: MDX, RL, TL, TSX
iPod Kit: iPod Pack (Price TBD)
Models Supported: 147, GT
iPod Kit: Audi iPod Interface Wiring Harness ($196 + installation)
Models Supported: A3, A4, A6, A8, Allroad, TT
iPod Kits: BMW iPod Adapter (2002-2006, $249), BMW Interface for iPod (2006, Price TBD)
Models Supported: 3 Series, X3 SAV, X5 SAV, Z4, M3, Sports Wagons 5, 6, 7, M5 Sedan, M6 Coupe
iPod Kit: iPod Integration Kit for Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge ($175)
Models Supported: Pacifica, Sebring, Town & Country
iPod Kit: Integrated Into Factory Stereos and Navigation Systems; Cable for iPod Connection (10,500 Yen)
Models Supported: 2006+ Model Years – Japan Only
iPod Kit: iPod Integration Kit for Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge ($175)
Models Supported: Caravan, Grand Caravan, Neon, Ram, Stratus Sedan
iPod Kit: TBD
Models Supported: 599 GTB Fiorano
iPod Kit: TBD
Models Supported: TBD
iPod Kit: TBD
Models Supported: Chevrolet HHR
iPod Kit: Honda Music Link iPod Adaptor ($250)
Models Supported: Accord, Civic, CR-V, Element, Fit, Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline, S2000
iPod Kit: TBD
Models Supported: TBD
iPod Kit: Jaguar Audio Connectivity Module ($317.50)
Models Supported: X-Type, S-Type, XJ, XK
iPod Kit: iPod Integration Kit for Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge ($175)
Models Supported: Liberty, Wrangler
iPod Kit: TBD
Models Supported: USA Models TBD, 2006+ Model Year Cars – Japan Only
iPod Kit: iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz ($299)
Models Supported: C-Class, CLK, CLS, E-Class, GL-Class, S-Class, SLK, M-Class, R-Class
iPod Kit: Mini iPod Adapter (BMW iPod Adapter, $149)
Models Supported: Cooper, Cooper-S
iPod Kit: Integrated into i Car (Play Edition) Only
Models Supported: i Car (Play Edition)
iPod Kit: Nissan iPod Interface (Requires Bose CD6, $205-$235)
Models Supported: Frontier, Pathfinder, Quest, Xterra
iPod Kit: Scion Pioneer iPod Upgrade ($260, installation included)
Models Supported: xA, xB, tC
iPod Kit: Smart iPod Car Kit (Price TBD)
Models Supported: fortwo carbrio edition i-Move
iPod Kit: TBD
Models Supported: Aerio SX, Grand Vitara
iPod Kit: Volkswagen iPod Adapter ($170.41)
Models Supported: New Beetle, Jetta, Golf, GTI, Passat, Touareg
iPod Kits: Volvo Adapter for the Apple iPod, powered by PhatNoise ($150, installed price $347.90, for S60, S80, V70, XC70)
Volvo iPod FM Transmitter ($179 installed price, for S40, V50, C70, XC90)
Models Supported: S60, S80, V70, XC70, S40*, V50*, C70*, XC90* (* = 2007 cars – Aux Input and MP3 Capability added to 2.4i Select Package and T5 Audio Package)
Aftermarket Integrated Solutions
The following companies sell iPod integration kits that are not endorsed by specific automobile manufacturers, and are installed by third-party installers with limited warranties. Installation and kit prices are negotiable and vary from installer to installer. Prices and features of these kits vary tremendously from company to company, and from car to car. Some of the solutions require the purchase of a compatible car stereo or navigation system, other solutions require only your currently installed car stereo.
iPod Kits: KCA-420i, KCE-422i Connection Cable
iPod Kits: Wire-Tunes
iPod Kit: Universal iPod Interface
iPod Kits: EA1251B CeNET iPod Interface ($150), EA1276B CeNET iPod Interface for DFZ675MC
iPod Kits: ice>Link Plus
iPod Kits: Dice iPod Integration Kit/Dice Cradle with Video
iPod Kits: Drive+Play
iPod Kits: KCA-iP500
iPod Kits: iCruze
iPod Kits: iOn
Peripheral Electronics Interfacing
iPod Kit: iPod2car
Pacific Accessory Corporation (PAC)
iPod Kits: AV-series, ic-series, IP2-series, iPAC-series
iPod Kits: AutoPort
iPod Kits: CD-IB100, CD-IB100II
Precision Interface Electronics (PIE)
iPod Kits: POD, POD 2, POD/S, Universal iPod Interfaces, Aftermarket Radio Specific Interfaces
iPod Kits: SoundLinQ (SLI) – Auxiliary Input Adapter with Apple iPod Interface
Aftermarket Non-Integrated Solutions
Many companies sell less expensive iPod accessories that do not require wiring or other professional installation into your car. iLounge has reviewed hundreds of these accessories, including ones in the following categories.
Car Mounts: These are brackets that hold your iPod for easier viewing and access in your car, as explained here.
Car Power Chargers, Kits, and Adapters These are electronic accessories that charge and/or output audio from your iPod to your car, as explained here.
