iPod Compatible Cars - Pod Mania, The iPod Authority

If you drive to work you are spending way too much time breathing in noxious fumes and listening to a stream of dumb commercials and the blabber of disc jockeys filling time. Your options are limited; include silence, carrying a bunch of CDs or installing satellite radio (still plays songs you may not like and charges a monthly fee too).

Until recently the idea that you could carry your entire music collection in the palm of your hand would have seemed absurd. Then the iPod was introduced (about 5 years ago) and the rest is history. We should say making history because setting up an iPod in your car and getting your music your way while enjoying a drive is still, in some ways, difficult.

Initially, to get your music in your car meant an installation fee or poor sound quality or in many cases it couldn't reasonably be done. Now, Apple and the automakers are starting to gain ground. Some luxury automakers were quick to offer complete iPod integration and more are finding they need to be competitive with an iPod option of their own. Provide your potential buyers easy ways to pipe in their music and you'll likely have a customer. You'll notice, we said luxury autos. What about the rest of us who still work for a living? We're in luck, listed below are ten vehicles that come standard with iPod compatibility, or require simple upgrades to make using an iPod in the car simple and easy. Best of all, they're under $25,000.

The ability to use your iPod successfully in your car will change the way you listen to your music collection while on the road. No longer will you have to fiddle with trunk loading CD changers, search for the one CD that is just right for your trip, or worry about your CD carrying case being stolen.

Feb 08, 2007 | Scion tC Receives Freshened Styling and Standard Apple iPod Connectivity for 2008
The Scion tC, the best-selling vehicle in the Scion lineup, raises the bar in the sports coupe segment as it receives sharp styling revisions, new standard equipment and safety features for 2008. .......Apple iPod connectivity is standard across the Scion lineup for 2008. Scion's standard 160-watt maximum output Pioneer AM/FM/CD audio system features a head unit with iPod control. This head unit integrates track, artist and album information from the iPod into a one-line display on the head unit's screen. Connectivity is achieved by simply plugging the iPod into a port via a connector cable, providing outstanding sound quality through the car's stereo system and constant power to the iPod. Music is controlled through the head unit and steering wheel audio controls. A standard mini-jack port also allows users to listen to their portable music collection through the tC's Pioneer speak..

Jan. 4, 2007 | DaimlerChrysler's original equipment manufacturer, Mopar (from Press release), Chrysler ipod integration

has expanded availability of its factory-engineered iPod Integration Kits for most Chrysler Group vehicles. The Integration Kit provides direct connectivity, the iPod attaches to the custom cable port located in the glove box. The iPod adaptor module is concealed under the vehicle dash. Once attached, all iPod control functions are available through the vehicle's audio sound system. Using the audio system or steering wheel controls, drivers can browse their iPod music collection of playlists, song titles, and artists that are viewable on the radio display face.
The following iPod Integration Kits are available for purchase and installation at Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships across the country:

Dec. 20, 2006 | Survey: Half of 2007 cars offer iPod integration
According to Telematics Research Group, nearly half of 2007 automobiles offer iPod integration. Calling iPod support the most sought after feature in cars, the firm says iPod integration is up from only 12% of vehicles last year. Meanwhile, auxiliary input is supported by nearly 60% of 07 models, and MP3 and WMA audio file support will be available on 75% of 07 vehicles.