Radio suggestions? Simple easy to see and use with CD

[Blakers]

I would like to replace the AM/FM/CD in my 03 with something else as the radio is starting to fail and the CD failed long ago. I want something with a CD and something that is easy to see and has big buttons like OEM. I hate the replacement JVC radio the previous owner put in my wife's Nissan Pathfinder as it has no CD and the buttons are tiny little things that are hard to see or push while driving.

I'm almost 60 years old and wear trifocals. It's hard enough seeing the buttons on the original radio, little lone the tiny ones on some of the aftermarket ones out there. And I have a bunch of CDs that I like. I know I can load my iPhone up with music and play it over my radio, but I don't want to bother with that.

I want a radio that fits in the same hole as the original. Bluetooth for connection to my phone would be nice.

Is there anything out there?

 

[Regcabguy]

Maybe just look for a stock replacement. E-Bay's your friend or someone on this forum.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/JEEP-Chrys...987352?hash=item3410502598:g:8PkAAOSwdiFdR2U-
No Bluetooth but nice big buttons that I miss.

 

[Blakers]

Thanks! How late of a truck would use the same size radio? I'm wondering what years would be a direct replacement?

 

[Ozymandias]

I think 2005 was the switch to the new dashboard with the facelift.

U can use any Chrysler Radio that has the same shape, doesn't need to be out of a RAM.
Make sure they provide you the PIN code with the "new" radio as you need it for install.

 

[DavidC]

Have you checked here
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-XUmqx5HGhyZ/

 

[Blakers]

Have you checked here
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-XUmqx5HGhyZ/

Thanks! There are a lot of choices there. I'll have to study them better. Looks like they'll fit and they have CDs. Now find something that I can see good and with buttons that are easy to push.

 

[MGreer]

Take a look at 1factoryradio.com

 

[ScottLewis]

I have the OEM that I pulled out of my '06. If it will work, you can have it for shipping cost. I rarely played CD's but it worked fine when I did and held several. email me at danavilla@msn.com if you want it.

 

[Ozymandias]

Thanks! There are a lot of choices there. I'll have to study them better. Looks like they'll fit and they have CDs. Now find something that I can see good and with buttons that are easy to push.

They all need adapter harnesses and adapter dash bezels. You said you don't want this. So you are strictly limited to factory radios.
Also every known to me aftermarket radio has tiny buttons.

06 Radio doesn't fit 03 dash.

 

[Ozymandias]

I have the OEM that I pulled out of my '06. If it will work, you can have it for shipping cost. I rarely played CD's but it worked fine when I did and held several. email me at danavilla@msn.com if you want it.

Doesn't fit his dash.

 

[Blakers]

Doesn't fit his dash.

I have the OEM that I pulled out of my '06. If it will work, you can have it for shipping cost. I rarely played CD's but it worked fine when I did and held several. email me at danavilla@msn.com if you want it.

Thanks for the offer, but I guess it won't fit my dash.

 

[Blakers]

They all need adapter harnesses and adapter dash bezels. You said you don't want this. So you are strictly limited to factory radios.
Also every known to me aftermarket radio has tiny buttons..

Well I may have to live with tiny buttons. Crutchfield says the basic installation kit is free. I don't have steering wheel controls anyway.

 

[Blakers]

Looking at Crutchfield, it's amazing how cheap some of the name-brand radios are. I paid over $200 for a Pioneer and for a Kenwood back in the 80s. And they even had auto-reverse cassettes!! LOL

 

[DavidC]

I don't have anything bad to say about Crutchfield. I have bought about 3 or 4 for different vehicles and never had a problem including installation.

 

[seafish]

Crutchfield in fact has excellent customer service.

That said, the new head units, even brand names ones, are inexpensive because they are ONLY a collection of cheap IC's and cheap mechanisms (if they even have a CD player) with too many "hi tech" features and colorful flashing lights. NOT for me!!!

Have you given up on finding an oem HU on ebay ?

 

[Blakers]

Crutchfield in fact has excellent customer service.

That said, the new head units, even brand names ones, are inexpensive because they are ONLY a collection of cheap IC's and cheap mechanisms (if they even have a CD player) with too many "hi tech" features and colorful flashing lights. NOT for me!!!

Have you given up on finding an oem HU on ebay ?

I haven't had time to look. Working on hydraulic pump coupling on Ford 2600 tractor today.

 

[Regcabguy]

Crutchfield in fact has excellent customer service.

That said, the new head units, even brand names ones, are inexpensive because they are ONLY a collection of cheap IC's and cheap mechanisms (if they even have a CD player) with too many "hi tech" features and colorful flashing lights. NOT for me!!!

Have you given up on finding an oem HU on ebay ?

I miss the buttons on my stocker. That's it. There's so many options for a Smartphone on the new ones. Spotify,Syrius,Android and Apple Play,Bluetooth,CD etc. Bluetooth is really handy. I've got a Pioneer touchscreen. Modest size screen and no navigation. I just use my trusty Garmin on the dash.

 

[Blakers]

I miss the buttons on my stocker. That's it. There's so many options for a Smartphone on the new ones. Spotify,Syrius,Android and Apple Play,Bluetooth,CD etc. Bluetooth is really handy. I've got a Pioneer touchscreen. Modest size screen and no navigation. I just use my trusty Garmin on the dash.

Yeah, some of those goodies sound pretty nice. I definitely want a CD. I want Bluetooth for hands free phone, and if I want to, I can link to the phone for music. I see no need for navigation, as, like you, I have the Garmin on the dash. But even the Garmin is out classed by my iPhone, which gives better and more up to date directions.

 

[Ozymandias]

If you want the goodies then go for a double-DIN head unit, doesn't cost a lot more but is easier to use because the buttons are bigger and the screen easier to read.
Not a bug deal to install it.

 

[Regcabguy]

I have the double din and the buttons are still tiny. Thank God for progressive lenses. Many of the functions can be accomplished using the touchscreen.