Welcome to the Crutchfield Research Garage
Here at Crutchfield, we have a database of information for more than 16,000 vehicles
on the road today. When we research a vehicle, it’s crazy how many measurements
and photos we take. We routinely use this knowledge and our expertise to tell you
about your car when you shop with us. But we want to do more. To that end, we've
put together this "garage" where we profile some of the most popular vehicles
that visitors look up on our website.
Take a look at any of these profiles to see the kind of information available to
our advisors. Even if your vehicle isn't on this list, our advisors have this
kind of info available to them to help make expert recommendations about adding
car A/V gear to your specific vehicle. Contact us for the best advice when
you're shopping, and top-notch support afterwards.
Matt Holliday
3/19/2012
Chevy's Silverado is a workhorse, and its toughness is evident by the number of older trucks you still see on the road. This truck may get the job done, but the factory stereo comes up a little short. There are plenty of ways to bring it up-to-date with better sound and features like satellite radio and Bluetooth® to make the Silverado a complete package.
Matt Holliday
2/3/2012
Chevy's Silverado remains one of the most popular trucks on the road today. GM built this particular version from 2003 to 2006, and then kept it on as the 2007 Silverado Classic when they switched to the new body style. It's a great-looking truck, but the factory stereo comes up a little short. There are plenty of ways to bring it up-to-date with better sound and extra features that'll make this Silverado a complete package.
Rick Carlton
12/10/2012
The Cobalt replaced the Cavalier as Chevy's midsize car, and boasted upgraded 'everything,' including a bottom-to-top suspension and chassis re-design. But the car's sound system is starting to age a little, and has room for improvement.
Jon Paulette
4/24/2013
Whether you have the standard wagon or the panel wagon, the Chevrolet HHR gives you the everyday utility you'd expect, but without the bland, boxy styling that makes it hard to remember which one's yours every time you walk out of the hardware store. A design like this will look cool for a long time to come, so why not make it sound cool, too?
Jon Paulette
9/28/2012
The 2006-12 Chevy Impala has quietly built up quite a following. Considering its stylish looks, roomy interior and decent road manners, we're not a bit surprised. In basic form, the Impala is a sane, solid family car. In high-performance SS trim, the Impala is impressively fast and almost totally invisible.
Charlie Pastorfield
12/2/2011
Pickups aren't just about hauling what's in the bed or on the hitch anymore; they now feature interiors that rival some luxury cars. Chevrolet equipped the Silverado 1500 Crew Cab with plenty of high-tech gear, but if you want to improve on what's already there, you can add anything from a simple speaker upgrade to a complete mobile theater makeover.
Jon Paulette
3/28/2013
In a world full of dull, grey sedans, the Chrysler PT Cruiser's combination of retro form and modern function attracted a large and loyal fan base. The PT is one of those rare designs that still stands out, even after a decade-plus on the road. If you want your car to sound as nifty as it looks, the PT is a great platform for an aftermarket stereo system.
Jon Paulette
3/8/2013
The fifth-generation Chrysler Town & Country offers everything you'd want in a luxurious, family-friendly people mover. With more space, more features and clever ideas like the Stow-N-Go rear seat, this Town & Country remains a solid choice for anyone who wants to haul kids and cargo in comfort. It's a no-brainer to upgrade the audio system for the long haul.
Charlie Pastorfield
2/16/2012
The Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab truck had two audio options: a 4-speaker system or an Infinity system with seven speakers in the dash and doors. You have a lot of options for upgrading the audio system in this popular truck.
Charlie Pastorfield
2/16/2012
Two options are available for these Dodge Ram 1500 regular cab trucks: the standard 4-speaker system, and the Infinity system with seven speakers. It can be a little confusing to upgrade the audio system in this truck, but the good news is that you have options.
Jon Paulette
10/4/2012
The 2008-10 Dodge Charger is handsome, roomy, comfortable and, if it's "got a Hemi in it," almost ridiculously powerful. Chargers are easy to shop for, easy to work on, and well worth the investment. If you're planning a killer stereo installation, you've purchased the right car.
Jon Paulette
12/20/2012
The redesigned 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan improved upon all that was good about Chrysler's genre-defining minivan line. The GC is a comfortable, capable people-mover with plenty of room for audio and video improvements.
Rick Carlton
12/3/2012
As an American compact/crossover, the first-generation Ford Escape received mixed reviews but created acceptable sales numbers throughout its first seven model years. The little SUV's entertainment package was vanilla to a fault. As a result, you should have a lot of fun upgrading your stereo system.
Matt Holliday
11/8/2011
One of the longest-running sport utility nameplates on the road, the Ford Explorer is a classic. These days it does way more than haul kids to soccer practice - over the years Ford has added all sorts of options, including several for the Explorer's stereo system.
John Pollard
11/8/2011
Ford must have had car audio fans in mind when they built this truck. The roomy interior offers plenty of space for new speakers, a stereo, and much more. The F-150's remarkable popularity ensures that you'll have plenty of options to choose from, and the modular design makes installation surprisingly easy.
John Pollard
12/2/2011
The F-150 SuperCab gives you more room for family, pets, stuff--and audio upgrades. The roomy interior offers plenty of space for a new receiver, speakers, and even a subwoofer. You'll have plenty of great products to choose from, and the modular design takes the hassle out of installation.
Charlie Pastorfield
10/12/2011
The F-150 SuperCrew is a true "do-anything" truck. It can haul the kids to school and haul an old projection TV to the recycling center--on the same trip. The roomy interior gives you lots of space for entertainment upgrades and the modular construction makes it easier to turn your dreams into reality.
Rick Carlton
7/30/2012
2005 saw the return of the legendary Mustang, and with it the return of the classic American muscle car. The modern Mustang is a great car for creating a custom stereo system. And even if yours is loaded with the Mach 1000 sound system, you can still make it sound even better.
Matt Holliday
10/12/2011
The latest version of the Mustang coupe has become popular for its retro styling, increased horsepower and improved fuel economy. Ford offers several stereo systems for the new Mustang, many equipped with the popular SYNC interface system, but there is plenty of room for improvement. There are options for everything from replacing a few speakers to adding a completely new system.
John Pollard
10/3/2012
The GMC Sierra 1500 is a well-built and tough pickupevidenced by the number of older trucks you still see on the road. Upgrading the stereo in this truck is straightforward, and you'll have lots of options for improving the audio.
Ken Nail
6/27/2012
The late '90s and early 2000s cemented the reputation of the Accord as a well-built, reliable, and popular car. Top seller nationwide in its class in 2001, you'll still see plenty of 1998-2002 Accord sedans on the road. If you're interested in updating the sound system in your Accord, there are plenty of good options available.
Matt Holliday
8/3/2012
The Honda Civic is one of the most popular cars on the road, in part for its wide variety of aftermarket goodies, and just how easy it is for the first-time do-it-yourselfer to add to his or her Civic's performance. That goes for under the hood and in the cabin - upping the sound performance in these compacts is even simpler and more rewarding than bolting on the go-fast parts.
Matt Holliday
7/30/2012
Reliability, affordability and efficiency have made the Honda Civic one of the most common cars on the road. And a long lifespan keeps them there. If there's ever been a vehicle worth investing with a new stereo system, it's the Honda Civic.
Buck Pomerantz
4/9/2012
The Honda Accord sedan is the poster child for what the automotive industry does right, that's why it's one of the most popular cars in the world. The 7th generation (2003-07) Accord is comfortable, well-engineered, safe, very reliable, and will maintain a high resale value. Most people keep their Honda Accords for a long time, so it makes sense to upgrade the stereo system.
Jon Paulette
1/5/2013
The Honda Element is one of those versatile vehicles that can handle just about anything you throw at it or in it, and it's also a great setting for an upgraded stereo system.
Rick Carlton
2/26/2013
The Honda Civic rapidly evolved from its humble beginnings as a sub-compact coupe, to become a leader in the luxury compact segment. By 2011, it regularly topped nearly all competitors in U.S. market sales. Our profile of the Civic explains what to expect when you're ready to replace your factory stereo system.
Jon Paulette
2/1/2013
The 2007-2008 Fit looks kinda cool, holds a surprising amount of stuff, gets out of its own way on the interstate, and actually provides comfortable seating for at least two adult humans of normal size. No wonder it was a perennial fixture on numerous car magazine "Best of" lists.
Jon Paulette
2/18/2013
The second-gen Fit improves upon all that was good about the original and adds some cool new stuff to the mix. It's a little bit bigger, a little more refined, and a little more composed, but it still has the practicality and tossability that made the Fit a hit in the first place.
Rick Carlton
8/3/2012
The Infiniti G35 was named 'Car of the Year' in its first production year, and was included in the 'Top Best List' by Car and Driver Magazine in 2003 and 2004. It's a great car that has tons of potential for audio upgrades.
Rick Carlton
3/20/2013
With the 1997-2002 iteration of the fabled Wrangler, Jeep continued to improve the vehicle's around-town capabilities without compromising its off-road bona fides. Upgrading some parts of the stereo system in these off-roaders is relatively simple, while there are a couple of areas that require some good old American DIY ingenuity.
Robert Ferency-Viars
4/16/2013
The redesigned 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee was slightly larger than the previous version and had a new interior layout, yet it retained that classic Cherokee look and style. As time has shown, the new Grand Cherokee was here to stay, and our profile discusses what you need to know about replacing the stereo and speakers, and adding an amplifier and subwoofers.
Traci Benoit
6/21/2012
The 2002-07 Jeep Liberty Sport is a compact SUV that's as capable of tackling the rocks and trails as it is at handling city streets. The Liberty factory audio options were somewhat limited. If you want to take your tunes to a new level and enjoy them off-road, you'll have plenty of options for this Jeep.
Charlie Pastorfield
10/12/2011
Traditionally, great sound and Jeep Wranglers have not gone hand in hand, but this particular Wrangler actually gives you some pretty cool options for building a rockin' audio system.
Charlie Pastorfield
12/2/2011
This particular Wrangler Unlimited gives you some pretty cool options for building a rockin' audio system. You'll find enough room in the dash and sound bar for just about any replacement speakers, and some interesting options for bass, ranging from replacing the sub in the center console to amplified subs that fit behind the rear seat.
Jon Paulette
4/19/2012
The Kia Soul is a nifty, fun-to-drive little box with a style all its own. Kia has definitely come a long way from their origins of producing unremarkable cars that came with remarkable warranties and yes, you still get that remarkable Kia warranty.
Jon Paulette
3/28/2013
When you're driving a Mazda MX-5 Miata on a curvy, country road, music probably isn't all that important. But, let's face it, into each life a little rain must fall and the only thing to do when that happens is put the top up and enjoy some music. You're driving a great little car, so why not enjoy some great stereo sound?
Rick Carlton
2/14/2012
Throughout the decades, the MINI Cooper has always offered practical utility, oddly dramatic styling ('boxy but cute,' 'powered roller-skate' etc.), and a healthy dose of driving fun, particularly when considering the car's performance variant the "Cooper S." Since the 2002 roll-out, the 'new' MINI has been a solid hit.
Jon Paulette
1/14/2013
When Nissan designed the 2002-2004 Altima, they knew that anything with four doors and a place to tie down a child seat would sell like hotcakes. But they designed something interesting anyway. This Altima is roomy, practical, safe, and - surprise, surprise - fun to drive.
Traci Benoit
3/14/2013
The Nissan Z has been around for a number of years - it's always been a sporty car that combines power and performance. The 350Z offers plenty of speed and handling, and it does so with a refined cockpit and plenty of extras. However, unless you have a model with the upgraded audio system, chances are good that yours is a little out of date.
John Pollard
2/17/2012
The 2005-06 Nissan Altima with its efficient engine and sharp styling has been an excellent choice for commuters and car lovers alike. For this Altima, Nissan offered a basic system and upgraded Bose stereo system, and plenty of aftermarket upgrades are available for both sound systems.
Rick Carlton
3/1/2013
The Nissan Xterra has enjoyed wide appeal since its introduction, and held a singular position in Nissan's product mix until 2008, when the Nissan Rogue was introduced. Even after the Rogue came to town, the Xterra's sporty design and performance help it hold its own in the light SUV and crossover market.
Jon Paulette
5/15/2013
The Pontiac G6 is a long, sleek car that's available in a variety of body styles and trim levels. From a 4-cylinder base sedan to the performance-oriented GTP coupes and convertibles, the G6 range offered something for nearly everyone.
Jon Paulette
3/22/2013
Scion's first-gen xB was a welcome addition to an often bland automotive landscape. The xB isn't for everyone, but if it's the car for you, you'll be rewarded with a surprisingly vast amount of interior space, decent road manners and an impressive list of standard features.
Rick Carlton
2/1/2013
Although the Scion tC did not appear to be particularly innovative on first blush, there was a clear difference between it and its competitors in the compact-car category. The tC was entirely designed around five central customer-satisfaction points: price point, available options, performance & driving experience, purchase confidence, and modern vehicle-entertainment packaging.
Rick Carlton
12/3/2012
The Subaru Impreza WRX sedan made a name for itself based on its sporty speed and handling. Give your older WRX something to sing about by replacing the factory stereo gear with new equipment.
John Pollard
4/4/2012
The 2008-11 Subaru Impreza Wagon is a popular AWD vehicle, especially big with the tuner crowd and in areas that suffer from harsh winters. The WRX version, in particular, has made its mark as a sporty, high-performance vehicle with lots of room for mechanical and cosmetic upgrades. The Impreza is a straightforward vehicle for car audio installations.
John Pollard
2/14/2012
The 2003-08 Toyota Corolla is an economical car with a high reliability factor. If you've picked up a used Corolla and you're checking out your audio options, we've got good news for you. First, you bought a nice car. Second, you can install a great stereo system in your Corolla.
John Pollard
2/28/2012
The 2005-11 Toyota Tacoma DoubleCab is a rugged hauler with plenty of room for passengers. Toyota built this tough truck with a basic stereo system and an upgraded JBL stereo option, and you'll find lots of possibilities for upgrading either system, including easy replacement of the stereo and speakers.
Jon Paulette
3/29/2013
The 2007-13 FJ Cruiser is the spiritual descendant of Toyota's original FJ40 Land Cruiser, a rugged machine known for its legendary off-road prowess. The modern FJ combines the original's trail-breaking, dune-climbing ability with modern conveniences and retro styling that helps it stand out from ordinary SUVs. All you need now is a stereo that stands out from other FJs.
Rick Carlton
11/7/2012
The Toyota Tundra was created to compete with American brands of full-sized trucks. This comfortable pickup has a decent audio system from the factory, but you can still improve it with aftermarket gear.
Traci Benoit
2/4/2013
Designed to capitalize on the immense popularity of the original VW Beetle, the New Beetle made its bubble-topped debut in 1998. The vehicle remained largely unchanged throughout its production run, which lasted until 2010. The highlights: replacing the stereo is fairly easy, but the speakers will take a little more work.
Jon Paulette
3/12/2013
The Volkswagen Routan offers an interesting blend of American ingenuity and Teutonic engineering. It's based on Chrysler's fifth-generation minivans, but there's much more to the Routan than a simple case of badge-engineering.