Customer Reviews

Jensen radio

Love it. Glad I purchased this item

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Works as advertised. Best for CarPlay map and phone.

It works, with the limitations mentioned in description. The sound quality from the unit is equivalent to a transistor radio if the audio output is not used to wire it to the car. It is powered only by the car lighter adapter, which (1) may be too far away for the supplied wire and (2) is subject to the vagaries of the car adapter. The too-short wire is solved by a supplemental wire at AutoZone for less than $20. Issue with car lighter socket not so easy to solve. Works fine when I plugged it in my 2018 4Runner, but sporadically in the 2017 BMW where it will be used (lighter socket is under a lid at the far end of small console necessitating extension wire). The unit lacks a small display light to show that power is reaching it - it either lights up the screen or remains dark. The "on/mute" button on the upper left corner of the screen doesn't seem to work as an on-off button, only as a mute button when the unit lights up on the occasions when power reaches it. The suction cup, as warned, doesn't grip a dashboard that is not completely smooth. Nor did it get good suction on windshield (where also would get very hot in the sun?). Luckily the unit wedged in on small dashboard and bottom of the windshield, with extra grip by $5 pack of stick-on Velcro. Thus, OK for CarPlay map and phone function on 7" screen at eye level (using provided wires for map antenna and microphone), not good for music. Will pull the power wire and use BMW adapter wire for Music (same $ as unit).

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Jensen JC7DM

If using fm audio you must turn it on every time you power up

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Jensen JC7DM

Only thing was the suction cup doesn't work on my textured dash.

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Not a good value

I bought this because Toyota discontinued all support for internet functions in my 2018 Highlander and I wanted CarPlay. When it works, it seems to do what is advertised. However, if AutoStop is enabled, the unit will reboot every time I come to a stop when the engine stops to conserve fuel. This indicates a serious sensitivity to voltage changes. I have to disable AutoStop every time I start the car to prevent this. Most units will show a warning indicating not to engage with the unit while driving to avoid distractions and then move on to the system. You MUST answer the unit prompts to allow the unit to work. It randomly reverts to the home screen and must force back into CarPlay. The audio functions do not work as advertised and rely on the car functions (which worked before). If I keep the car, I think I will replace the in-dash factory infotainment system and junk this!

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Crutchfield response on 4/15/2025

Jeff, we're sorry you're having issues with your monitor. While your order is beyond Crutchfield's 60-day return policy, please feel free to reach out to our Tech Support team for help, or for information about the 3-year warranty on this monitor. Lifetime tech support comes with every Crutchfield purchase.

Couldn't be happier

Works very well in my '07 Mercedes S550. Couldn't be happier.

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Jensen JC7DM

Although this did not work for us in our older vehicle it is a great alternative. What I must say is we received excellent customer service with Crutchfield! They were exceptional and would highly recommend to anyone.

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Good size Screen, Affordable, and Easy to Install

Installed in my son's 2011 Mazda 2. We both really like this device. Easy to install and configure with existing (old) Kenwood head unit. Can seamlessly connect iPhone via Bluetooth or hardwired. The 7" screen is clear, responsive and we like the touch screen to maneuver through the menu. I highly recommend this affordable device if you want to still use your old stereo system, but want Apple CarPlay and/or Android capabilities it's a nice upgrade without costly head unit replacement.

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Jensen JC7DM

Easy to install using the provided suction mount. I mounted to the dash and is very secure. Balance of installation is just plugging into the DC power port. I used FM Transmitter mode for the audio, because if you use the AUX cable option, the built in speaker on the back of the unit stays on, while the factory radio audio is playing and affects the quality of the audio, as the tiny built-in speaker isn't great. It's an awkward issue. Another issue is that the power off mode just darkens the screen and doesn't really power down the unit, which with cars that leave the DC port powered after shutting the car off, it will drain the battery. The power has to be unplugged from the port. I opted to purchase an adapter with an off button. Last thing, confirming Android Auto does work as a full-fledged Android Auto experience. Two separate Google Pixel phones connect with full function. Not sure why others have stated it does not work.

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Perfect

Great little addition for my prius! Love that I can connect my apps without messing with the prius bluetooth (which recently stopped working and would cost WAY more to fix).

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Jensen JC7DM

Dead on arrival. Jensen screen comes up when plug in power then goes away and blank screen. No bluetooth, no wired connection, nothing if you press buttons - absolutely nothing works. Nice QC sticker on the back but clearly didn't work when it left the factory. Not sure if I even want to waste my time getting a replacement or just get a refund.

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Crutchfield response on 3/18/2025

Phillip contacted our Customer Support team and set up a return. Purchases from Crutchfield can be returned or exchanged within 60 days.

Jensen JC7DM

Easy install, great quality. Recommended purchase for older vehicle that are crying for CarPlay.

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Just get it!

Had the Jensen CarPlay unit for just under a week now, and like some of the other reviewers said, the initial iPhone Bluetooth connection is bumpy, but after that, it has connected upon startup. I am connecting to my existing car audio unit via aux, and call quality, music, Siri, podcasts - everything is superb. I'm not a RTFM person, but unfortunately, there's some good info in there that is indispensable, so give it a once-over and keep it handy. So far, I am exceptionally happy with my Jensen and can unconditionally recommend it.

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Great alternative to replacing entire head unit.

Installed in my '08 FJ Cruiser. FM transmitter produces better sound than my previous Bluetooth interface using the AUX port. Quality and interface are great for Apple Car play. Tried a previous cheaper unit from Amazon/eBay and the sound quality was complete garbage. Best alternative to replacing the entire radio head unit. Very happy so far.

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Android Auto does not work

Android Auto does not work. The box says Android auto, and Crutchfield says Android compatibility, but they are both false claims. After some live troubleshooting Crutchfield even sent me a new unit to try and it still did not have full functionality of Android auto, and at that point they said there was nothing they could do. Definitely have lost trust in Crutchfield after this bait and switch fiasco and multiple visits to the UPS store to return the units that were not functioning as claimed.

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Crutchfield response on 2/19/2025

We're sorry for the confusion, MM. This unit does not have Android Auto, and we did not present it online with that feature. However, we're updating the online presentation to reflect that point better. Currently, the only way to use an Android with this Jensen would be through Bluetooth. Again, we apologize for any confusion and the returns you made.

Easy solution!

This is working well in our 2008 Toyota Highlander. Once I figured out that you need to really push hard to click the suction part to the back of the screen the install was easy. The sound is running through our car stereo no problem.

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Jensen JC7DM

I wanted Apple CarPlay in my older vehicle and this device delivered. I didn't want to have something installed and have to pay more money. This device is clean, reliable and just what I need to use my phone less in the car.

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Jensen JC7DM

Works fantastic. Easy to install. Only drawback is you might need to get a cigarette lighter adapter due to the short length of cord. Otherwise awesome product

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2017 Subaru Outback

Bought this to make my life easier since the navigation system I have isn't user friendly. Just hooked it up via the lighter adapter, a 4 channel aux cord, the phone mic, then set the head unit to aux. Works great! Sound is surprisingly good through the stock Harmon Karden system.

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Jensen JC7DM

easy install works as described

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Car play solution for 2005 Camry

Using in a 2005 Toyota Camry in Chicago. Was able to use fm tuner and my 17 year old daughter was happy. Bought a cassette aux adapter for about $10 and now my daughter is ecstatic. Sounds great! Car play works perfectly!

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Jensen JC7DM

My 2012 Hyundai Genesis does not have any options for replacing the existing stereo. Bought this as a supplement to the exisiting stereo to gain the Apple Carplay. Jensen JC7DM seems to be solid quality. Install was not difficult however due to my lack of tech savy did have to make a quick call to Crutchfield. They were quick to assist and very happy with the product and service.

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Jensen JC7DM

Great product and easy to connect! Great price on sale! Just wish the 6 din power cable was two feet longer so I could run it between and behind dash.

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Jensen JC7DM

Amazing and simple way to add CarPlay to older cars. Routed audio through aux inputs. Works great.

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Great item, poor directions

Works great once you get it installed - however, the directions are not very helpful

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Jensen JC7DM

this was purchased as a Christmas gift so it's too early to review, sorry

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Great Sound and Screen

Fits nicely on the dash of my 2013 Nissan Frontier and so far the suction cup is holding the unit in place. Very impressed with the music sound (I use Amazon music service) through the FM Transmitter - a note here: first you need to turn FM Transmitter on in Settings and then tune your FM number noted (mine is 98.1) - this step is not very well explained in the Quick set-up.

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Great addition to my old car

I'm really excited to have this product in my 2002 Chevy Trailblazer. The CarPlay function is amazing and it is truely plug and play. The unit come with a GPS antenna for improved map accuracy and an extention microphone for improved sound. In my case, the unit works exceptional without these two devices attached. The quality is amazing and the price is fair. I highly recommend this prodcut.

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This checks all the boxes...

This was the perfect solution for adding CarPlay to my 2014 Dodge Ram 1500! Installation was a breeze and Crutchfield came through as always with fantastic pricing and online tools to make choosing the right product simple and efficient!

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Jensen JC7DM

Works good so far no issues. Super fast shipping so will definitely purchase from again!

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Position

Using in 2009 Toyota Venza, works well at Center windshield,,Thinking about moving it to left side of windshield.

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Email support failed to reach me!

I never received the pdf manual sent to my email address.

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Excellent sound, easy install!

I got this to replace a no-name CarPlay tablet that finally succumbed to the heat. My 2006 BMW has some ridiculous stereo that can't be replaced easily and these tablets are the easiest way to add CarPlay to an old car. The Jensen JC7DM is far superior to the unit it replaced. It includes a gps antenna and external microphone, but they aren't absolutely necessary as there is a built-in mic that works pretty well, and I've had no problems just using the phone's gps. This means I only have to run one cable up to the screen! I connected a power socket to the radio's power wire and buried the aux connection and everything behind the dash making a much cleaner look than my last screen. The sound quality is amazing, but it takes work to achieve it. The EQ is kinda clunky on a touchscreen but it is effective. Some combination of adjusting settings on the factory stereo and the onscreen EQ has resulted in the best sound I've heard from this car in 4 years of ownership. Put on a good album you know well and head out on a road trip. Turn it up and tweak things until you're just listening and you forget you're supposed to be tweaking. I also love that there are individual level controls so that Waze, Siri, phone, and music are all at appropriate volume. The only things missing are a built-in light sensor for dimming and the option to add a reverse camera. I'm very happy with the build quality and I highly recommend it if your car has a suitable place to put it.

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Add CarPlay to cars "not worth" a full upgrade

Easy way to add CarPlay. My 2011 Sienna Limited with Nav was too hard to upgrade any other way. Connecting to it via 3.5mm Aux or FM and adding a screen was the perfect solution

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Jensen JC7DM

It did not work for my application.

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Jensen JC7DM

Unit works very well once it's connected, but on occasion it struggles to connect to my phone forcing unpairing and repairing, which can be frustrating.

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Fm transmitter sucks

All works well but the fm transmitters default is set to off, which means when using apples car play I have to go into my phone turn off car play, turn the transmitter back on then CarPlay back on every single time I start my car. It's an extremely stupid default that Jensen could have just added an extra option to leave this feature on. Instead when using CarPlay and the fm transmitter you will have 12 extra annoying step.

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Cool concept, too much DC audio interference for me

2 stars due to large amount of audio/dc interference. Sadly, this tons of interference makes the unit useless for our 2000 996 911 Carerra. I connected a standalone minidisc to the audio connector to verify the noise was coming from this unit. I've ordered filters to eliminate and will report back.

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Crutchfield response on 9/10/2024

Matthew, we're sorry you're having issues with your monitor. Whenever you encounter a problem with anything you purchase from Crutchfield, please contact our Tech Support team right away. They can help you solve the problem or set up a return/exchange within 60 days of purchase. Lifetime tech support comes with every Crutchfield purchase.

Jensen JC7DM

I just installed this on my 2017 kia sportage! I haven't tried out all the features yet, but so far I love it! My new car doesn't have apple car play capability but this was the next best thing. I do like the Bluetooth feature of adding your phone. Can't wait to use this more!

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Get this if you need CarPlay

This is an incredible solution at a good price point. SO much better than just putting your phone up there. Nice stand. Nice mount. Good size. Easy controls. Internal mic works just fine. Hooked up external GPS (provided) and works flawlessly. Easy setup. I use the FM tuner to broadcast to FM band. Aftermarket wanted to charge me $1300 to replace the head unit-- No thanks. This is perfect for under $150.

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Great sound with your Iphone

Super easy to hookup so no wiring issues with a new radio. Also the newer feature of apple car play using wireless is so much better than wired connection.

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Great CarPlay experience!!

Only a week so far but I'm loving this unit. Installed in 2013 Audi A5 which has a Concert Sound system but remarkably no Bluetooth. I've tried various BT adapters over the years and two versions of Alexa Auto but not happy with them. Install was easy as this is the perfect size to squeeze into the Audi dashboard and hide any wires behind it. The setup was easy, and I read all previous reviews to understand that you have to install the GPS antenna for the unit to work correctly with CarPlay. The sound is just incredible via 3.5mm cable compared with previous BT units. I'm using wireless CarPlay and it takes a few seconds for everything to sync up but works fine every time. The external mic works great, however the far end party occasionally hears a slight echo. Not sure why but it's not terrible. Overall I give this a 5 star review and don't think the negative reviews were justified.

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Jensen JC7DM

Great design, but needs to be able to connect to standard car stereo via usb 2.0 and not just 3.5 mm audio.

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Perfect for my needs

This is a great unit. I have two older cars (pre Bluetooth / pre CarPlay era) and neither had navigation. For one car I have an aux 3.5mm input and the sound is great. The other car is old JDM with radio frequency range of 75-90 MHz (?). The FM transmission is good but it is not as good as direct electronic input of course for power/volume. So for both cars I can keep the stock radios and get the full benefits of CarPlay (navigation, music, apps, etc.) at a very affordable price. I wish it had a backup camera input (probably the new model will have it). The suction cup mount is pretty sturdy on its own and there are rubber pads if you want to rest it on the dash. The touchscreen has a bit of lag (minor) and there is a slight lag when skipping to the next song (minor). It has Bluetooth, direct USB-A cable input and WiFi. I did not know it when I first connected to the unit but I connected via WiFi. The WiFi connection unlike Bluetooth is direct (not volume dependent like Bluetooth) so I think the input is better, at least it is more convenient. I am using it without the plug in GPS antenna and plugin microphone as the built in mic seems to work well for phone calls and my phone navigation covers the GPS signal. I am very happy I discovered this product in the Crutchfield magazine. It really is a huge, affordable upgrade for my older cars. I recommend it totally for anyone wanting to upgrade the user experience without modifying the installed audio system.

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Add Carplay (easily) to my 2015 F150.

Purchased as a "work around" to add CarPlay to my 2015 factory SYNC head unit. My opinion - works great for navigation & streaming. The equalizer function is nice as well - seems to boost the input level a bit when using the 3.5 jack. Display is reasonably bright & clear. Glad I made the purchase.

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Low quality product

Did not like it the sound is to low The bracket does not hold very well just did not care for this product. So I gave it to my boss because it's android compatible. Would not buy again. But other than that Crutchfield is still an amazing company.

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JC7DM- Plenty of Options

The JC7DM is a great performer. This receiver can be inserted into most all of todays modern factory car stereos. Plug and play!! Great sound and plenty of music apps, navigation and more! And last but not least - At a great Price!!

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Jensen JC7DM

Sharp Learning curve getting volume to work on maps and pandora. Works really good with 2024 Ram 2500 with only a 5 inch uconnect back up screen.

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Jensen JC7DM

I think it's a great product and I am enjoying it.

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Solid, Functional, Moderate Speed, Lacks USB Connection to Car

I have this display installed in my 2011 F150 to augment the older Sync system (which still functions well, just slow and with no carplay). The JC7DM is solidly constructed and the device connects via BlueTooth to my iPhone via wireless CarPlay without much issue. The screen's response is in the "moderate" range -- not quick, but not slow to the point it's annoying. Playing music or interacting with Siri works fairly well so far. The built-in microphone seems to work well. I have not tried the remote microphone or the GPS antenna. Some issues that have been detractors include: A suction cup arm that is about one inch too short to function well to support the device optimally in a 2011 F150. You can only connect to the F150's entertainment system via FM radio (a joke) and the AUX input (how I am using it). The AUX functions fine in my case. It would be better if the connection was USB and/or BlueTooth. The device does NOT power down if you have a 12V accessory power port (i.e., cigarette lighter) that remains on when the vehicle is shut down. The "power" button on the upper left of the screen is for the display only -- the Bluetooth and the system continue to operate. I am concerned this will drain the battery. The recourse is to rewire my cigarette lighter to shut off when the car ignition is off (a bit of a pain) or pull the adapter out of the socket each time I park overnight (which will eventually wear out the socket).

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Cost effective, simple upgrade to Apple CarPlay. Extremely satisfied!!

Installed in a 2016 Subaru Imprezza Sport with the 7"-Screen Radio Option. Could not be any easier to install. Directions were clear and precise, and well illustrated. Installation was simple. The unit synced immediately with the vehicle and with my I-Phone. Crutchfield was an absolute pleasure to deal with!

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Jensen JC7DM

Super easy to use and nice looking

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Plug-n-Play solution for older rides.

Once again, the Crutchfield team provides a solution to my automobile audio needs. What I needed this time was a way to safely see mapping apps in my '14 Outback Premium. Customer advisor Nate and I found an easy to install solution from Jensen, requiring no changes to my existing audio system. Picture below shows implementation with a couple of Velcro stick-on strips. Stays in my line of sight but not over the hood line, seven inch display is way easier to see than my iPhone. Power and audio cables go down to center console area. Apple Car Play wireless works great, audio sounds great. The bonus is that the JC7DM is easily moved to do the same job in my '04 Mazda MX5. Since the late 70's for me Crutchfield is the only place to go for my car audio needs. Thanks again!

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Unstable wireless CarPlay with some cars/phones

Product is easy to install and works as advertised, with good sound quality playing through my car's 3.5mm aux input. I don't use a lightning cable and purchased the JC7DM for its wireless CarPlay capability, and all seemed well using my iPhone 13 at first. However, our car is a 2013 Lexus RX350 and it has separate Bluetooth connections for phone and music. For example, the car allows simultaneous connections to my phone for calls and to my wife's phone for music. When an incoming phone call is received, the system interrupts a music Bluetooth connection and switches to its Bluetooth phone connection. This confuses the JC7DM because this disconnects an active Bluetooth (wireless) Apple CarPlay connection to my phone. When the call is ended, the JC7DM and my phone do not re-establish CarPlay. Even though both the JC7DM and the phone show they are connected via Bluetooth, the JC7DM says "an active Bluetooth connection is required for CarPlay" and the CarPlay icon remains greyed out. Power-cycling the JC7DM did not fix this; I had to reboot my phone to re-establish a CarPlay connection ... but the next phone call will again disconnect CarPlay. I don't know whether this is an issue with the JC7DM or with my phone, or whether this situation occurs with other car systems. Bottom line is the unit did not meet my expectations and I am grateful for Crutchfield's excellent return process.

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Awesome Unit.

I couldn't get an aftermarket touchscreen stereo for My 2010 Nissan Maxima. Something about the radio display being color. Crutchfield doesn't have a kit for it, but they did have this Jensen plug n' play dash mount unit. The only issue I had was with the aux port location. It has one on the back, but it's only for a microphone. Crutchfield told me that it doesn't have an actual aux port. I called Jensen. They confirmed that it does have an aux port and it's in the center of the charger that plugs into the cigarette lighter port. Works perfect with Android Auto. Says it works with Apple Carplay as well. I assume it works fine with that too.

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Jensen JC7DM

Just installed it and I think it will do what we want. We'll know in a couple of weeks.

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Jensen JC7DM

Easy installation and great customer service support.

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CarPlay with out replacing the factory unit

Overall, I am very happy with the unit. It gives me the versatility I was looking for without having to replace my factory unit. The connections are flexible and easy to connect. I found out that the extra phone mic is pretty much required. I do wish that the screen had been just a little bit bigger, but at the price point, I am satisfied with this product. I would recommend it to others.

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Finally CarPlay in my 2016 Hyundai Tucson!

I've been living with the Jensen JC7DM portable Apple CarPlay radio for two weeks and I am enjoying the experience so far. Comparable products are being sold from sketchy websites that have typos and no warranty. I decided to see if Crutchfield carried any portable CarPlay radios and I was excited to see this Jensen unit. Jensen is in the car audio business and the unit is covered under a 3-year warranty with a 60-day return period. I pulled the trigger and I'm so glad that I did. Connecting the audio out of the Jensen to my car speakers was not very obvious. The audio out port is located ON the 12v adapter. It's a short run to my AUX IN port which I like. I had trouble with the mount sticking to my dash so I switched to the windshield and it's been fine every since. YMMV. I can confirm that you DO NOT need to install the external antenna for Google Maps and Waze to work. The performance is similar to using your cellphone for GPS. If you anticipate that you'll lose reception in tunnels and plan for it while driving you should be fine. I have not had any issues. It might be a touch laggy but it hasn't been a problem. If you're worried then I would recommend installing the antenna. I would recommend installing the external microphone if you take a lot of calls in the car. I don't take very many calls in the car so I haven't felt the need to install the microphone just yet. Even with the cons I still rate this unit 5 stars. It's a good optio

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Jensen JC7DM

Very nice display. Easy to use with google maps for toad trips. Ha lots of toys.

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Easy CarPlay from Jensen

This item arrived from Crutchfield in 2 days as promised. I had it up and running in 5 minutes and didn't need to consult the directions. After an easy Bluetooth pairing, I finally have CarPlay in my slightly older Toyota. This product is exactly as advertised and highly recommended if you want CarPlay in an older vehicle.

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CarPlay, finally!

This was the perfect addition for my 2016 Crosstrek. However my model does NOT in fact have an aux port, but it doesn't matter bc I can still get music through my Bluetooth stereo. Love this option for CarPlay.

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Jensen JC7DM

This is a great unit if it will work in your car. Unfortunately, it did not work in mine. The main problem is that I was unable to use Siri (which is a huge issue for me) but other than that it worked fine. I have a 2019 Lexus IS 300 for reference.

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