Mine has read everything that's thrown a code so far. I bought it way before free apps and bluetooth magic. If I was doing it now I'd probably go the Forscan route, although having a unit under my seat that I can plug in and read is convenient so I can use it on my wife's car too. My bluetooth adapter is tucked up under the dash and zip-tied into place so it's not very convenient to move between vehicles.

If all you want to do is read codes then a cheap one should get you by (as long as you don't lose connectivity) but if you are planning on using it for any real-time data while you're driving then I agree with Shovelheadrob...dont' get a cheap knock-off. Plenty of people have gotten one for $20 or so and it's worked for them, but many haven't. Rather than roll the dice and coming up snake eyes several times before getting lucky I paid a little more up front to get a good one. I have a PLX Kiwi and it's still working great 3 years later. I think they are now on the Kiwi 2 and a bit more compact than my dongle with 3 ft of cable. Back then the market was much more limited since it was just starting to get popular. Now there's a plethora of choices.

For a total of about $130 (PLX Kiwi with shipping, Torque Pro, windshield cell phone mount, and an old Android cell phone) I have almost any gage at my fingertips. You can't beat a deal like that.

 

I 2nd the ScanGauge II. This TOOL will read and clear most codes in almost any OBD2 vehicle. I often get in someone's ride and ask if they know why the check engine light is on. If they say no, I grab my SG2.

It will also display any 4 parameters the PCM monitors at one time. This will help you self-diagnose at least 90% of the problems you are likely to have.

Retails for $160 and sold at autozone, etc - but like previously mentioned, you'll have to program the PID's yourself. (tedious, but not a big deal)

I also like the Aeroforce Scangauge. It is a standard size gauge that does all of the above (only displays 2 things at a time, but can scroll through up to 20 if you wanted) - but it also performs the Buzz Test and Cylinder Contribution Test.

 

This.

While it will work on the late model 2002+, it will not work on the older ones.

 

I have AE also for the heavy lifting when needed, but found this accomplishes a lot of things for me when I need it to, including the live monitoring. I do have a 2002 so that may make a difference as Husp mentioned?

I find it a lot easier to just plug in the adapter, fire up the app and get rolling. Whereas with AE (dreaded Giotto!) I have to set it up each time for my vehicle. Once set up though AE is extremely useful and versatile, well until someone cuts me off and my laptop ends up in the floor as I stomp on the brakes!

 

I would say there is an app for that, but sadly the only option is a good mounting system similar to what I use