Replacement Radio for 2002 Eddie Bauer

[jeff5]

I have a 2002 Eddie Bauer Explorer with the 6 CD changer. I really want a radio with built in Bluetooth, aux inputs (for iPod), etc. I am utterly new to after market radios and would like some suggestions. Most likely I'd take it to someone to be installed, but I am not opposed to doing it myself and am generally comfortable with electronics and such.

Thanks in advance!

Jeff

 

[Scorpion8]

In my 2006 I just installed a Kenwood Excelon KDC-X798 head unit. I do not have a sub, and the thing sounds great with just the door speakers. I got mine at Crutchfield.com, but depends on how much you want to pay (of course). It has Bluetooth that works flawlessly with my iPhone 4S, CD (hidden behind a cover which I like), front panel 3.5mm AUX input, both front and rear USB inputs, HD Radio, and a host of stuff I don't use like SiriusXM compatibility. What I liked was having actual buttons for the radio stations, because I listen to a lot of radio here and having the push-turn-select-push type control that takes your eyes off the road is a PITA. Very easy to install with the supplied wiring kit. The reason I chose this unit was also that it plays all types of music files, even Apple AAC from iTunes so no conversion process is needed to make either a CD or a USB drive with tunes.

Others that I would recommend are:
Sony MEX-GS610BT (but does not play Apple AAC files)
JVC Arsenal KD-AH75BT
Blaupunkt Toronto 420BT if you're into simpler designs.

 

[DjDom]

Are you looking for a Touchscreen unit, or a good regular unit, with buttons and such.

 

[jeff5]

Honestly I'm open to either. It doesn't have to be touch screen. I do want Bluetooth and an interface for my iPod at the very least.

 

[DjDom]

A decent bluetooth touchscreen starts at $300 for something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/DDX470-Car-DVD-Player-Touchscreen/dp/B00B7IPTHI

If you want a double din regular unit, something like this is about $120, it has bluetooth and all that good stuff: http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-FH-X700BT-In-Dash-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B0091UW7F6

Or, if you want a compact, single din, which is the smaller radio, something like this for $120:
http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-DEH-X6500BT-Receiver-Bluetooth-MIXTRAX/dp/B0091UX3QI

In your case, I'd recommend the second one, since it still fits the original hole in the dash completely and I don't like single dins in a double din slot.
Unless you want to get the touchscreen, which is a nice upgrade, there are a few Pioneer and Kenwood ones that are lower end but packed with tons of features. However, Navigation will cost you.. very few brand name units under $500 have nav.

 

[jeff5]

Thanks for the recommendations guys! I don't need touch screen and don't want to pay that much!

I've been doing a bit of research on installation, and it seems pretty strait forward. The only curve ball is that my truck has the 6 disc CD changer. Is there anything special I need to do with that? I don't care if it works anymore since I won't be using CDs, so I would probably just disconnect it. But does it make installation difficult?

 

[DjDom]

Thanks for the recommendations guys! I don't need touch screen and don't want to pay that much!

I've been doing a bit of research on installation, and it seems pretty strait forward. The only curve ball is that my truck has the 6 disc CD changer. Is there anything special I need to do with that? I don't care if it works anymore since I won't be using CDs, so I would probably just disconnect it. But does it make installation difficult?

Just don't hook it up. You'll have an Aux and Bluetooth and a Single CD if need be.

 

[jeff5]

Thanks! I intend to use my smartphone/iPod for music so I wouldn't hook up the CD changer.

Last question (I think!). I plan to order the adapter for my steering wheel controls. What level of difficulty, if any, does this add to the install? I would think it is pretty straight forward but I want to be sure. Thanks!

Jeff

 

[zpn_by]

Thanks! I intend to use my smartphone/iPod for music so I wouldn't hook up the CD changer.

Last question (I think!). I plan to order the adapter for my steering wheel controls. What level of difficulty, if any, does this add to the install? I would think it is pretty straight forward but I want to be sure. Thanks!

Jeff

info please! i'd love to find out about this too - my in-dash changer doesn't like to eject anymore, and I really want my bluetooth and NAV built-in, but I really enjoy the steering-wheel controls and hesitate to give them up. I've got the '02 EB with the Audiophile 6-disc in-dash unit....

 

[DjDom]

Steering wheel audio controls
Some Explorers also have steering wheel controls for the factory stereo system, and these are easy to retain with an adapter. Two companies (PAC and Axxess) make adapters that let you connect your Ford steering wheel audio controls to a new car stereo. The Explorer has a single-wire connection for the steering wheel controls, so both adapters are equally easy to install.

Source: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-knljpaj2QwO/learn/2002-04-ford-explorer.html

 

[jeff5]

Great, thanks!

 

[DjDom]

It's quite simple.

No problem!