Engadget echoed a story from AutoBlog (duh, I just noticed that they’re both from Weblogs Inc.) about an iPod integration kit that works with most all 1998-or-newer cars: iPod2car.
First, it gives a clean line-in to the stero from the iPod, then it gives next and previous track as well as rewind and fastforward control on the stereo. Sure, you can buy a 2005 BMW and get the same deal as an option, but this is cheaper.
Most importantly, it’s compatible with both my Scion xB and Sandee’s Honda Civic. The FAQ answers some questions, and links to the [installation manual][6].
The manual also helps answer some basic questions about the xB stereo. For instance, all Toyota (1998 – 2005), Scion (2003-2005), and Isuzu (1998 – 2003) factory stereos apparently have the same connections. But, Toyotas require a cable adapter that’s only available from the dealer (part #08695-00370). With this in mind, I can probably get a cheaper audio-only input adapter. [I went looking][7] for such a solution before, but details about the Scion radio are scarce.
Also in iPod2car FAQs is a link to carstereohelp.com’s [stereo removal guides][8]. And, back at Autoblog, they’ve got an entire [section devoted to the xB][9].
Then, for home-use, I can’t help but like the [Bose SoundDock][10].
Related iPod stories at MaisonBisson:
Integration: [In Car iPod][11], [In Car iPod Take 2][12], [iPod Integration Kits Proliferate For Home And Car][13], [Saab][14], and [PIE iPod Input Adapter][15].
Hacks, laughs, and background: [iPod Hacks][16], [iPod Giggles][17], [What Does Proprietary Mean Anyway][18]?
[6]: ipod2car-com-ipod2car_manual v1.5.pdf “installation manual” [7]: /post/10181 “I went looking” [8]: http://www.carstereohelp.com/stereoremoval.htm “stereo removal guides” [9]: http://www.autoblog.com/category/scionxb/ “section devoted to the xB” [10]: http://www.bose.com/controller?event=VIEW_PRODUCT_PAGE_EVENT&product=nfb_sounddock&pageName=/home_entertainment/help_choose/new/index.jsp “Bose SoundDock” [11]: /post/10181 [12]: /post/10257 [13]: /post/10311 [14]: /post/10340 [15]: /post/10338 [16]: /post/10382 [17]: /post/10450 [18]: /post/10055