OnStar
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Silver Spring, MD
OnStar
It seems that OnStar is locked-in with GM. Is there any possiblity Ford will offer OnStar or an equivalent service in the future? It seems like it is a clear niche that GM has over Ford, although given GM's current woes, I'm not sure if it helps or not.
Kent Kester
Kent Kester
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
I know of no plans on Ford's part to offer anything like it. I know it sounds great in their TV and radio ads (would you expect anything less?), but it's expensive ($17.95/ month for basic service after the first year) and not always accurate. I know of one instance where Onstar said a vehicle was in one location after the collision, but was actually about 10 miles away, on a different road. That doesn't do you much good if you've been knocked out.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
GM leases On-Star bandwidth to other manufacturers- I believe mercedes and VW are using their versions of On-Star, and the GM satellite. On-star can also be insalled into a Ford product by your friendly GM dealership. 
re: innacuracies. Some owners have modified their On-Star unit ("hacked would be a better word) to inferface with other commercial mapping services. If you've ever heard of innacurate location reporting, that's the answer.
re: innacuracies. Some owners have modified their On-Star unit ("hacked would be a better word) to inferface with other commercial mapping services. If you've ever heard of innacurate location reporting, that's the answer.
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Hotshot
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From: NW burbs of chicago
that is true, Some newer models require you to keep the stock HU hooked up if you want to install an aftermarket HU
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From: Washington State
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From: Massachusetts
Originally Posted by bulletbaby
Hu? what is that
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
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Onstar
Taking into consideration the "whole pkg" OnStar is over priced. The BASIC fee per month is about $12. Which does NOT include the personal calling option which is another $10 or so for 50 minutes of cell phone air time. THIS IS WHERE ONSTAR SHINES(IMHO). For I'd rather have INSTANT access to emergency services and/or communication capabilities Vs a moon roof or heated seats. So YES, GM did "outdo" Ford in a major way here. The same can be true for some of Ford's gadgets Vs GM of course. But communication at ones fingertips in a vehicle can indeed be a lifesaver and is extremely handy. I use it all the time ANYWHERE in the U.S..
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Joined: Jun 2005
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From: ABQ NM
Funny On-Star here in ABQ NM
A couple of cousins were working on their trailer hooked up to a big On-Star equipped SUV. Put one of their toddlers in the SUV to keep him out of the way, but the keys were in the SUV.
Next? Probably guessed: Toddler locked the doors.
But he eventually pressed the On-Star button (don't know if he was coaxed by family or not), but eventually the police arrived and slim-jimed the door open to get the kid out.
And then locked up the dads for transporting about 6000 lbs of marijuana in the trailer.
Next? Probably guessed: Toddler locked the doors.
But he eventually pressed the On-Star button (don't know if he was coaxed by family or not), but eventually the police arrived and slim-jimed the door open to get the kid out.
And then locked up the dads for transporting about 6000 lbs of marijuana in the trailer.