iSimple ISTY571 Gateway Automotive Audio Input Interface Kit for 2004-11 Select Toyota and Lexus Vehicles

Installation was pretty painless - just make sure that you have a ratchet, a 10mm socket and a plastic pry tool for the console removal. For basic installation, it only required the pulling of one wire from the back of the radio and installing one device wire. The biggest problem was running the cable that connects to the iPad/iTouch/iPhone - thankfully, I wasn't running it very far. It only took about about a 1/2 hour on a Toyota Sequoia. Pressing the CD button twice (once for the CD, second for iTouch) made my music play! And the steering wheel controls worked, too! The only issue to be aware of is that you have to turn the volume up considerably higher than the other modes so you need to be careful if you want to change back to radio (especially if the next mode is AM and you get blasted with static and Oldies from the burbs of Kansas City). All in all, an excellent device to make your iThing play your music in your dated Toyota!

I had never installed any internal after-market products in my car before (with exception of a trailer hitch). I went to ToyotaNation.com and YouTube to find how-to's, and found one thread with pictures at ToyotaNation.com for a similar Toyota Highlander. This helped guide me enough to give me the courage to open up my car panel and work on the audio system.I had purchased the USA SPEC BT35-TOY Bluetooth module for my Toyota Highlander 2008 Sport and was thoroughly dissatisfied with that product's poor sound quality. It had no bass oomph.So, I took a chance and purchased this PAC product. It was easy enough to install. The iPod cable is thick and solid, and although it worked with my iPod Touch 4th generation, I have since bought the 5th generation with the Lightning connector. You have to purchase a 30-pin-to-Lightning adapter if you want to continue using it. However, keep in mind that the adapter is only useful for CHARGING your iPod. Audio would not play through it. Bluetooth, which is what I bought this kit for, would be the only connectivity option.I also purchased the Bluetooth add-on module (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZYRFPG/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_86), and this review is mostly about that functionality.Sound quality is superb through Bluetooth! Much, much better than the BT-35. No hissing, plenty of bass response. It does not sound as good as a CD or a direct cable connection, however.I connected the module to be used as my SAT (I don't subscribe to Satellite radio.) I wanted to keep AUX available for cable connections, and still be able to play CDs.Bluetooth pairs fairly quickly, but you have to be quick: have your device ready to be paired, THEN turn on the radio on SAT (or wherever your Bluetooth module is configured to connect to.) This will then pair the device. If you miss the pairing, simply switch to another channel (AM/FM/CD), and back, and it'll attempt to pair again.The Number 2 key on the stereo acts as Pause/Play, the Track Up/Down is for switching songs, and the Number 6 key is used to control the iPod by Voice. The Steering wheel controls work too.I decided not to use this kit for pairing with my phone. Let's say you are listening to the Radio, and your phone receives a call. Unlike what's mentioned in the product description, the radio did NOT switch to SAT/Bluetooth to take the call. I had the same problem with the BT35-TOY, and didn't bother to troubleshoot it beyond what I had already checked.However, if your phone IS paired, and you leave your radio on SAT/Bluetooth, it does take calls well. Sound quality was decent and the other party could not tell that I was on Bluetooth.The microphone can be moved around easily, and the manual even gives you some guidance on how to reroute it to your rear view mirror. I opted to leave the microphone hidden in the dash for now (again, I do not use the phone functionality.)It paired well with my iPod Touch 5th generation, 4th generation; Samsung Galaxy S3, Google Nexus 7; Laptop equipped with Bluetooth.Please keep in mind that if you are watching movies or play games, there is a slight delay of what you see on the screen and what is heard. So, if you plan on playing games (passengers, not drivers!), this product's delay is disappointing. For movies, it's somewhat... with some reservations... acceptable. I'd recommend using the AUX audio cable for watching movies in the car instead.In the end, I am fairly happy with this kit, and because it is modular, I know that I can add other functions in the future as needed.EDIT 4/25/14: I recently got a "NOT AVAIL" message on my car display while trying to pair Bluetooth with my new phone. I initially wasn't sure if my new phone was to blame, but the iSimple wouldn't pair with my iPod either. I immediately went to look for instructions on how to reset the iSimple. I suspected that there were too many devices paired with the product, and I'd either have to reset it, or remove devices from its pairing table. The manual was a bit difficult to understand, but I eventually figured it out, and am now sharing my findings here.1. One method to reset the iSimple is to disconnect it from the radio overnight. However, I did not want to open up the car and do so.2. This method allowed me to adjust many iSimple settings:a. Hit the "3" button. This changes the display to "Settings".b. Hit the Tune Up button. It'll now show "BT Search". Keep hitting the Seek/Track Up button to cycle through the choices, including "Devices", and "Remove".c. To select an item, hit the "3" button. Cycle through the choices via the Seek/Track Up button again.d. I removed all paired devices until none was left. I was now successfully able to pair my new phone to the radio, and everything was working fine again.e. If you don't want to make a selection, simply wait a few seconds, and the menu will exit itself.You may also adjust the speaker, microphone, and other volume settings by cycling through the Settings screen. On my car, everything was set at "12". This probably is the default setting.

I have tried many different types of devices to get my iPod to work with my car stereo. This device sounds MUCH better than the other types I've tried, but that really is NOT saying much.I've tried the devices that use FM frequencies, the headphone jack type connectors, AND the kind that use your car's tape drive. They all sound HORRIBLE and I had almost given up and purchased a new stereo for my car.On the plus side: This one is relatively easy to install. It uses the iPod USB type connection, so it charges your device while you use it. Finally, your stereo controls are kind of compatible with this device. Just average though, not all that impressed with the display or operation and usually just use the iPod controls.Downside: I believe that the sound quality that an iPod will support in general, is just not all that great. Sure it works for headphones or docking stations designed for an iPod. However, for audiophiles who can hear poor quality easily, there is no comparison to actually playing the CD. Not even with this device.Don't get me wrong, it's a great for convenience to have access to all your music library on a whim and/or if you don't have a CD player in your car. But I won't be getting rid of my normal stereo and CD collection anytime soon. There is just NO comparing the sound-quality that an iPod will support to a good old-fashioned CD.Also, be warned that you have to jack the volume way up to hear it. Settings are twice as high as what you use listening to the radio. SO, BE CAREFUL when you switch back to another input mode. I almost blew my eardrums out when I switched back to FM the other day!

Great product and works as advertised without any issues so far for a year. Chord is long but can easily be wrapped inside the console.

The gateway did not work properly. The cable is designed for old ipods. I have to use a apple adapter for it to work but it does not work all the time. One of the ports on the gateway is broken and the directions do a poor job of explaining connection.