So I'm looking at replacing my stock radio. I have a 1990 4Runner with the 2DIN radio in it and I initially thought to replace it with one of those fancy ones with the Android display and all that mess, but I feel like the entire unit is too low to be of any real value. For example, if I'm using the map tool, it requires too extreme movement to look down that far. But I'm also not entirely sure of my conclusion, so I'm asking anyone to talk about their replacement radios. Did you just put in a 1DIN basic unit, a 2DIN basic unit, or one of those fancy units with the big display. What is your personal experience with it, and what do you recommend?

I'm currently looking at a 2DIN Kenwood without the video display, but if people have the kind with the screen and report good results, I might just go that route instead. .

Anyway, thank you in advance.

 

My sentiments. Too low for me to reach, plus I like the bin in the lower slot for misc storage. Went with a single DN CD decades a go with wireless remote. Have to have the remote. Now looking to go to a no CD media player that takes thumb drives. I have 330 classic rock albums and adding more on a thumb drive. I use my Garmin GPS unit for the few times I need map guidance. The Apps I have on my phone work for me there and don't see many being of much use in car stereo unit. You can stream from your phone to a media player anyways. Simple. That's just my take for my needs.

 

I got the 2DIN display with mapping. (The tape heads literally wore out on my original radio.) Would it be better higher and with an angle? Sure. Is it usable as it is? Definitely. And let's face it; if you're okay with translating Chinglish to English, they're basically giving them away. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805305366028.html

 

I find that 200GB of music is much easier to navigate with a touchscreen. The 1st and 2nd generation 4runners do have a lousy radio location.

 

Toyota got pretty pissy about warranting radios during that time.
"Well, don't put the stupid cupholder right in front of it."
So they moved it. Put the cupholder above the radio.

That said, I'd love to find a radio that is as easy to use as the oem, fits the space using the Toyota radio brackets, and has a port for a usb thumbdrive.
I have a Panasonic right now. Fits perfect, takes usb, but is a button nightmare