one other option is to buy the mustang and then add a factory nav unit from ebay. I am working on trying to get my subs in the Shaker 1000 to work. Also note these two things, Shaker 1000 and Nav were non compatible options for some strange reason. I think this is the reason for the rarity because between the two most people will pay for the Shaker and aftermarket the NAV.

 

Both my '08 and '09 Mustangs have the factory NAV unit. I haven't played with the '09 that much yet, but the one in the '08 works nicely.
It may not be a common option, but the factory units are out there, and seem to work well. Given the choice, a portable unit would be just fine for me. When I bought my cars though, the NAV was in 'em, and those just happened to be the cars I wanted anyway.

 

That could be. I was told 2008 but I could be wrong. Perhaps people are talking about 2009 models that came out in late 2008.

 

to the OP, I really don't understand this unique comparison of a caddy and a stang....IMHO, it boils down to fun or refinement. choose wisely
j

 

A map cost $1.50. Buy the mustang, a map, and use the other $1998.50 you saved and start modding.

 

It was definitely an available option on the 2008's as of January 2008.


Norm

 

And to me, your comparison seems a bit over-polarized. Yes, the Caddy is a bit more luxury oriented in its interior, but it also features a 6.0 litre 400hp motor and upgrade suspension/brakes that I'd say would be quite fun.

Likewise, the premium package interiors of the GT stangs aren't bad by any means, and to me, the factory navigation looks quite refined. Furthermore, it features a decently powered American v8. I don't think the comparisons between the two vehicles are that different. Perhaps its because one is a Cadillac that many think its not a fun ride, but more of a laid back cruiser.

Forgive me, but I like a navigation unit. My job has me traveling a lot within big cities, and it's not fun or efficient to be driving downtown with a map in front of me. I realize people have done it for years, but just because that is true doesn't mean its the best way to go about something.

This post was based on the notion that 90% of aftermarket nav's that I have seen in person look out of place, or look cheap when compared to factory units. While portable units probably work fine, I really hate the idea of having something suctioned to my windshield or dash. It's a personal taste thing, and while it may differ from others, its the way it want it .

 

Factory NAV began as a late model year 2007 option. I just picked up a 2007 GT/CS Convertible with the factory nav (manufactured in aug 2007).

I wasn't looking for NAV, but this one happened to have it. I'm pretty satisfied with the system. Now I just need to get a newer navigation data DVD.

 

The factory navigation system was first offered in the 2008 Mustang. I believe it was a stand alone option then. My 2010 Fusion has the navigation system but it was a part of a $4000 package. I wanted the Nav only but it wasn't available that way. However, I have come to appreciate all the other features that I would have done without had the nav been available separately.

 

Just to confirm, 2007 was the first year it was available:

"Major options include a Shaker 1000 sound system, Sirius satellite radio, and later in the model year, a DVD-based navigation system. "

Source: http://www.edmunds.com/ford/mustang/2007/review.html