2003 New Car Buyer's Guide

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The new concept in radio is satellite reception
By Bob Plunkett & New Car News

New communications equipment installed in some 2003 cars draws on satellites hovering in space to beam radio signals into special on-board players that connect to multi-channel programmers providing coast-to-coast coverage. The new satellite radio service is available by subscription through one of two servers, each with ties to various automakers.

Networks are labeled XM and Sirius. Both provide superior sound quality and reception across the country with a hundred digital channels. Diverse programming ranges from all kinds of music formats to news, sports and talk shows with a variety of subjects. Like cable TV service, subscribers for satellite radio pay a monthly fee -- $9.99 for XM and $12.95 for Sirius.

Cadillac became the first auto brand to offer the service late in 2001 for DeVille and Seville sedans, but more manufacturers offer satellite radio equipment as an option in various 2003 vehicles. Brands by General Motors and Honda -- corporate supporters for the XM network -- offer satellite radio receivers installed in particular models by Acura, Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, GMC, Honda, Oldsmobile and Pontiac. The Sirius network has financial support from Ford and DaimlerChrysler, with cars from these brands offering the hardware on 2003 models by Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury.

Other automakers without financial ties to the programmers also plan to offer the equipment for either network, such as Volkswagen and Audi, Nissan and Infiniti. Several other brands including BMW will apply the Sirius service. Equipment costs vary, but a typical satellite radio receiver runs $299 to $325 as installed by an automaker. Installation after the sale may also be made, for similar costs. What can you expect with satellite radio? Superior sound quality, programming uninterrupted by commercial messages, and continuing service while driving across the country. And a satellite radio is also capable of receiving local programming via AM and FM channels.