Customers praise the Apple CarPlay integration, sound quality, ease of installation, and affordability of this in-dash digital media receiver. They also appreciate the inclusion of a volume knob and the ability to connect a backup camera. However, some customers have mentioned that the glare on the touch screen can be an issue.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 1 Showing 1-20 of 1,580 reviews
Pros mentioned:
Apple carplay, Ease of use, Volume knob
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Not great if you have multiple drivers
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Posted . Owned for 1 year when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I want to start out by saying that I actually really like this stereo. We installed it in our 2000 Jeep TJ Wrangler using the Metra double-din dash kit. The big selling points for me were the backup camera input, Apple CarPlay, and a knob the volume. Overall the stereo works great, sounds great, and I think it's fairly easy and intuitive to use.
The problem for us, and this could be a common issue with aftermarket radios, is that it only ever remembers the last bluetooth device/phone it was paired to. If you're the only person that ever drives you car it's not an issue, but we have 4 different drivers in our house that drive this Jeep, so we're constantly having to re-pair our phones every time one of us drives the Jeep, which is annoying. The factory radios in our later model vehicles can remember multiple phones so you only ever have to pair your phone the first time and the car connects to whoever is driving after that.
Assuming I can find a different stereo that will remember multiple phones I will probably end up replacing this one.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Apple carplay, Volume knob
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Good basic upgrade to older OEM stereo
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Overall I’m happy with the stereo for the price paid. That said, you shouldn’t need to spend $1000 to get slightly better functionality.
Pros
Price was good
Fit perfectly in Jeep Wrangler dash
Has volume knob
Satellite radio ready
Supports Apple CarPlay
3 levels of channel presets
Simple operation
Comes with remote (not sure how useful this really is)
Cons
Bluetooth sometimes slow to connect for phone
Screen is not as bright as it needs to be during the day time. It can be hard to see the screen in bright sunlight. Brightness is fine at night. Attached pic are at night time.
Font size is rather small. Would like to be able to make it bigger
Volume knob could be larger and add a light or glow strip to it. Since it’s black it blends in with rest of radio and dashboard.
Not all steering controls worked, but that could be an issue with the vehicle
Suggestions for design improvement:
Make screen brightness level a user option
Allow switch from radio/satellite/CarPlay without having to hit home screen first
Add light/glow line to volume knob
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Apple carplay, Sound quality, Touch screen
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Get This to Get More Out of Your Commute!
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I recently got my hands on the Sony Apple CarPlay Built-in Bluetooth In-Dash Digital Media Receiver and I must say, I am beyond impressed with its performance.
Once it was up and running, the user interface was so easy to navigate, I didn't have to fumble around to find what I needed. The large 6.4-inch touch screen made it easy to access my favorite apps, control my music and navigate my way through the GPS system.
Speaking of music, the sound quality is top-notch. I am a self-proclaimed audiophile and the built-in amplifier did not disappoint. I was able to customize the equalizer settings to my liking and the bass and treble were well balanced. I also love that I could use my Spotify and Apple Music accounts seamlessly with the receiver.
The Bluetooth connectivity feature allowed me to make hands-free calls while on the road and I never had any issues with call quality or signal loss. It was also very easy to connect my phone to the receiver.
But the highlight for me was the Apple CarPlay feature. It was a game-changer for my road trips as I could use my iPhone apps, messages and even Siri through the touch screen. I could access all my apps from one place and I didn't have to take my eyes off the road to navigate through my phone.
Overall, I am extremely satisfied. It has made my driving experience more enjoyable and safe. I highly recommend this receiver to anyone in the market for an upgrade.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Apple carplay, Ease of use, Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I’ve had this for about 3 weeks so far love it! Nice upgrade for my 2010 Nissan Xterra. The apple play is so convenient I love using Siri to text while driving. I had Best Buy install it at the Colorado mills location the tech did awesome! He installed the receiver 4 kicker speakers and a backup camera. Everything looks and sounds great he even installed the little mic above the driver side. When I go into reverse the camera automatically comes on! I am very happy with the work her did. For the price and to have apple play and or Bluetooth works as expected. I included the before and after photos.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Apple carplay, Ease of use, Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Sony rocks
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Great unit and great price. Very easy to use and fit perfectly in my daughters Jeep. She loves it. CarPlay works great and mirrors her iPhone. Gives a map of her location which is very useful. Sound is amazing and the extra bass and eEQ let’s you dial I. To your personal liking.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Apple carplay, Sound quality, Volume knob
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Extremely happy with this Sony deck.
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I replaced my 2005 Lexus LS430 dated cassette/CD changer with this Sony radio, primary I wanted to add Apple CarPlay and now it's up to date 21st century. I bought a custom trim kit with amplifier adapter from BeatSonic and it retained the factory A/C, Navigation, amplifier and backup camera. I am extremely happy with the Sony radio simple menu and easy to use, the plus is with the volume knob! I was able to connect the Sony radio with the factory Mark Levinson sound system, it's now like a new system much better detail and clarity, the most obvious is now it sound like home stereo in the car cabin.
I was able to get an angle USB adapter to streamline the setup along with my Audioquest Jitterbug and Cinnamon lighting cable. It sounded amazing good!!!!
This Sony radio has the right features I need, I do not need DVD or Android so this is the bang for the bucks purchased.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Apple carplay, Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Nice upgrade for older cars!
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Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Nice upgrade for older cars. The reliable wired Apple CarPlay is a nice feature that extends/mirrors your iPhone usage without holding the phone while driving! I tested it running Apple maps, Apple podcast, and Spotify with no issues. You can still stream music wirelessly via bluetooth. I don’t have a backup camera hooked up to it yet so I can’t attest to its functionality. No comment on Android Auto since I don’t use Android but it has that feature as well. Sony boasts this unit able to provide 55 Watts RMS per individual speaker channel. Plus customizable EQ, Bass boost and LFE or Amplifier out. It significantly improved the speaker quality in my 2012 Camry Hybrid without speaker upgrades! I set the bass boost to max with “Rock” as my favorite EQ preset and it sounds amazing - almost live quality.
Also added for installation:
-Metra dash kit for 2012 Camry
-Metra wiring harness adapter for 2012 Camry
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Sound quality, Touch screen
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great device that I recommend
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Posted . Owned for 5 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The 6.2-inch touchscreen display is crisp and responsive, providing a clear view of maps and other apps. It's a good size for easy viewing without being overly distracting. The interface is straightforward and easy to navigate, even for those who aren't tech-savvy.
Bluetooth connectivity is another strong point. Pairing a phone with the receiver is quick and painless, and the connection is consistently stable. The sound quality for both music and calls is excellent, with clear audio that enhances the in-car listening experience.
Installation can be a bit of a task if you're not familiar with car audio systems, but it's manageable with some basic knowledge and the right tools. For those less inclined to DIY installations, professional installation might be a better choice.
The only minor drawback is the lack of a CD player, which might be an issue for some, but with the shift towards digital media, this is becoming less of a concern. Also, while the unit is generally quite fast, there can be occasional lags when using more demanding apps through CarPlay.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Apple carplay, Ease of use
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Makes older cars a decade younger.
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Posted . Owned for more than 2 years when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Wired Apple car play, back camera monitor & can play music off your phone. Easy self install into my parents 2005 camry. Needed a kit/ wiring harness & some electrical soder / iron. No experience/ not really mechanically inclined. Used youtube to figure it out.
Back up camera not included, but this can act as a monitor.
Great way to make an older car feel newer.
Back up camera is a must in parking lots/ child safety. it has been two years and no issues. One save > cost of head unit / camera.
Maps get displayed on to the screen while driving. Most states restrict phone use while driving, so decent way to use gps/ play music.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Apple carplay, Ease of use
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Love this Sony Car Stereo!
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Really love the ease of use of this unit. Plug in your iPhone in and it only boots up as Apple Car Play. The Sony interface is legit and I'm very happy. All I can say is if you are planning on replacing your factory stereo with a Smart upgrade this is the one
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Apple carplay, Volume knob
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Old car now feels like new. CarPlay!
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Works perfectly to view my iPhone on CarPlay. Can control volume from my steering wheel and the backup camera works like a charm.
Great deal and fits my 2006 Toyota Sienna like a glove.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Good stereo, worth the money.
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I wanted a stereo that still had the volume knob and didn't look too tacky. I previously had the Boss stereo very similar looking to this one, but unfortunately, it was not very well and I didn't like the blue lights and annoying beeping. Ended up finding this one, and though it was a little out of my budget, it was worth the money. The screen looks nice quality and is very responsive. The sound is amazing and I clearly hear everything. The only issue, like others have said, is that it's very reflective, but since the Waze map is white I can still see it when it's really bright so it's not a huge deal, just kind of annoying. My steering wheel controls still work well, and I like the equalizer option. Would recommend it to others.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Apple carplay, Touch screen
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Excellent and Easy to use.
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Owning a Chevy Silverado (2000-2003) then you know the struggle of getting a replacement radio. Most settle for a single DIN unit which looks horrible. Then I found this unit fits the dash dimensions. There was some struggle finding a bracket kit to work with the dash slide and click system. Honestly, I used two bracket kits - to creat the double DIN with the slide and click insertion. The opening was just enough for the 6.2” to be in full operational view.
The Apple CarPlay is absolutely the best and exactly what I wanted — and didn’t have to settle for less than
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Sound quality, Volume knob
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Works great in 2008 Dodge Ram.
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I put this head unit in a 2008 Dodge Ram ST 1500. Base model 2 door ram. A speaker in each door…that’s it. This is only Apple CarPlay ready. I bought the head unit, Metra antenna adapter, Metra dash kit, and PAC steering wheel control unit all from Bestbuy. My truck does not have steering wheel control but the installer said everything is easier to hook up and should work better with the adapter. I was ok with that. The volume knob and front USB are really handy. Why don’t more have that. Head unit only has the front USB. So no hooking up usb from your existing car plug to the back of the unit. I’m using a basic Walmart ONN USB cable. After changing a few settings…this unit sounds great.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Apple carplay, Ease of use
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Chevy Suburban, Great for Apple phone users
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Posted . Owned for 3 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Easy to install and all the features work flawlessly it only supports apple carplay not android auto is my on dislike.
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
Posted .
Hi Nicholas, Fantastic! We're thrilled to hear that you found your XAV-AX1000 easy to install and that all the features work flawlessly with your Apple phone. We appreciate your feedback regarding the lack of Android Auto support. Your input is valuable to us as we strive to improve our products. Enjoy your new setup in your Chevy Suburban and thanks for choosing Sony! - Romeo
Pros mentioned:
Sound quality, Volume knob
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Solid choice
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Posted . Owned for 7 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
When I was shopping for stereos I was specifically looking for one with a volume knob rather than buttons as it’s much easier to use. This is one of the last ones with the feature available on the market and it’s fantastic! The sound quality of this thing is amazing too. Absolutely love it.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Volume knob
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Good looking stereo!
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I purchased this stereo because of the look and the volume knob. I am overall very satisfied with it but I have faced/facing two issues. The mount bracket that is recommended for this stereo is not quite compatible with it, especially in SN95 Mustangs. However, the geek squad employee who installed the stereo on my car did a custom work on it to make it fit better in my car. The second issue is that the radio goes off and on by itself (not a lot, maybe once a month). The stereo may itself not be responsible for this problem, it may have something to do with my car's battery. But let's see if I can make it go away by doing something with the battery cables and terminals.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Apple carplay, Sound quality
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Great CarPlay stereo for the price
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This stereo has great sound, bass, and works great on android devices through Bluetooth and its compatibility with Apple CarPlay is great! Amazing value for the price, I only wish you could set custom wallpapers and I wish Sony would respond on how to retain steering wheel controls on my 2013 Civic LX.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Apple carplay, Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Modernize your vehicle!
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Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Amazing head unit, works flawlessly in my 2010 Corolla. Best way to modernize an older car with CarPlay. While it does not have built in navigation, CarPlay works great. By just changing the radio, the sound inside of my car has dramatically improved without even upgrading the speakers too! Can even install a backup camera onto the unit which is also a bonus.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Apple carplay, Ease of use, Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great stereo!
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Great sound and very user friendly! Clean look and works great with CarPlay feature.