GM products advertising On Star systems for analyzing engine codes via satallite: does this really work? Do Chevs really need this much help? Are their any Ford systems similar to On Star? Wouldn't a cell phone for emergencies be just as good? What does it cost?

 

if your knocked unconsious in a country road and theres not any cars around you'd want it.

 

So this system notifies of accidents or breakdown automatically?

 

It's a neat system.. I'm not sure about the diagnostic capabilities, and what it could actually do if there's a problem but you can read about it, www.onstar.com .. It does automatically notify authorities about an accident. You can also get directions, stuff like that - and make telephone calls. A cell phone would be almost as good unless you were in a remote location... Also On Star can unlock your doors, stuff like that. It uses a satellite signal so the only thing that could stop it is some garages, and BIG things between it and the sky

 

Does ford have an equivlent?

 

Not that I know of

 

You can have on star installed on any car in an aftermarket fashion, The other big 1.5 in Detroit will probably end up using Onstar sooner or later, I also believe Sirius radio will fold up due to Xm's success with the huge oems like Gm

The beauty of having a gps tracking device with you at all times seems unappealing to me, but what do i know I may already have one in one of my newer cars ? Might as well have the gps device implanted in my head.......big brother is watching ?

 

I was wondering how long that was going to take. Am I the only one that see's a problem with this system?

 

If you really feel that way you dont have to buy it

 

It could be a deciding factor on my purchase in 05, I'm hoping ford still doesnt use it, but whos to say they dont now, there are so many modules and boxes in these new cars who knows, and there all hidden all over the car

i know the new Pontiac Gto will have it, I havent ruled that car out yet tho, Im betting on a Lightning tho

I mean we all know any OBD2 car will play back several seconds of the drivers motor functions right before a crash, which is like all sold in USA since 1996

 

I never will buy a vehicle that has this crap in it. This is OBD3. It is considered an invasion of privacy and the only way it was allowed to be put in was that it be made an option (to be turned on). It has its benefits like unlocking your doors and notifying someone in case of an accident. Did you know that there are also transmitters installed with it so that if your vehicle thinks that it is polluting, it sends a message to the state to let them know. ( then you get a letter in the mail to go have your vehicle tested) Also they know where you are at any given time. Where you live, where you go, what days you go to the bar....

No thanks, I'll stick with the older stuff that I still have control over.

 

Like I said before, if you really feel that way dont buy it. Also I dont think its standard and if not you can opt to not have it at all. Also it lowers your auto insurance(just pointing it out)

 

many used cars will be sold with the option unsubscribed, and even if you dont pay for and use the service, they still have your number as long as that module has 12v battery power.

One good thing i could see is them being able to ignition kill the car in high speed chases and what not, but having a tracking device in all these cars seems absolutley ludicrous, I bet the government is already spending money on this.........tax money that is

 

what I meant in my previous post is that you dont have to have the module

 

On Star seems like a great idea... but I don't trust the government that much. Before you know it, it will be in every vehicle.

I am not the type of person who wraps himself in tinfoil to keep "those signals" the government sends out to control the minds of citizens, but I can see where this is going.