Top 10 Sound Systems in Cars Under $30,000 for 2004

[Civic Lover]

In spite of the massive number of aftermarket audio systems available, you don't have to take your newly purchased set of wheels to the local Circuit City or Best Buy to get some thumpin' sound in the cabin. More than ever, carmakers know that a given vehicle's sound system is a high-priority item for many shoppers. A good audio system is one of those rare things that can be fully enjoyed. Consider how often you get to really use that 200 horsepower under the hood versus how many times you can crank up the stereo while doing your best Springsteen impression as "Thunder Road" blasts through the speakers.

As far as sound systems go, tastes can vary quite a bit. Some folks prioritize tight, punchy bass over separation while listening to Dr. Dre, while others want to be able to distinguish a violin from a cello while enjoying Mozart. And then there are those who have wide-ranging musical tastes that demand a more well-rounded performance from their car's audio system, and that essentially mirrors our sentiments.

Although we test well over 100 new cars and trucks every year, we can't cover every vehicle, so this "Top 10" list represents what we believe are the best out of what we've driven. And as it sometimes comes down to splitting hairs (as well as considering the somewhat subjective nature of such evaluations), there is no ranking in this list.

Audi A4
If you're buying an A4, we strongly suggest springing for the optional Bose Premium Sound system. Although this system has some ergonomic deficiencies, such as a lack of steering wheel controls, it more than makes up for it with its superb sound quality. With a generous 215 watts of power and a total of 10 speakers (including a subwoofer in back and a centerfill speaker in front), you'll think you're on the audio autobahn with this one.

Ford Focus
No top 10 list would be complete without the cool little system in the Ford Focus. Neither the loudest nor the flashiest, it has the best ergonomics in its class (including handy auxiliary controls that make changing stations, volume or mode a left finger-flick away) and pleasing sound quality. This "Audiophile" package also boasts AVC (automatic volume control), which automatically raises and lowers the volume to adjust for road and wind noise, as well as an available in-dash six-disc CD changer.

Ford Mustang GT
Whether you're a fan of AC/DC or Linkin Park, you'll want to check out the Mach 460 system available in the 'Stang. If you like your music loud and we mean really loud, then give it a listen. The GT Premium comes standard with this system, which includes an in-dash six-disc CD changer, eight speakers, three amplifiers and 460 watts of total system power. If this ain't enough to assault your eardrums, you can order the Mach 1000 (MSRP $1,295), which has six amplifiers and 1,140 watts of total peak power. But be forewarned: either one of these systems may put you at odds with the neighbors.

Mini Cooper
Apart from the hard-to-grasp volume knob that is about the size of a small pencil's eraser, there is little to criticize with this Harman Kardon system. With eight high-grade speakers and plenty of power, it has no trouble filling the Mini's small cabin with big sound. There's plenty of punch to the bass, yet delicate highs come through crystal clear. Digital Sound Processing (DSP) breaks the music down into individual signals, allowing more accurate separation that keeps the sound from getting muddy when you tweak the volume. There's a choice of four preset equalized modes that allow you to tailor the settings for more realism whether you're listening to a live rock recording or a lush instrumental piece. A Driver Optimization mode focuses the sound around the driver at the touch of a button. If you order just one option on your new Cooper, make it this one and you'll be able to enjoy your Mini even when stuck in traffic.

Mitsubishi Galant
If you buy a Galant ES or LS, make sure you get the optional Infinity system (it's standard on the GTS). A 270-watt amplifier feeds power to eight speakers. You'll find a six-disc CD changer in the dash but no cassette player. The head unit features large, easy-to-reach controls, including oversize volume and tuning knobs and a double-sided seek button. You'll also find the industry's best satellite audio controls (borrowed from Chrysler) mounted on the back of the steering wheel ? you can't see them, but they sure are easy to use. The unit's display is mounted at the top of the dash, at eye level. Although it takes time to acclimate to the display, drivers can choose from four screens to organize the information. Although the Galant can't boast the 315-watt amp and rear subwoofer of its Endeavor platform mate, this system is well suited to this midsize sedan's cabin. There doesn't seem to be a type of music that's not enjoyable to listen to on this stereo. The system plays loud, and bass tones are strong and crisp with no distortion. Highs are clean and refreshingly devoid of the trumped-up artificial sound present in some of today's systems.

Nissan Altima
Considering the price of this vehicle, the stereo is a real steal. Be sure to order the optional Premium Convenience package (on midline trims) or either the Sport Plus or Leather package (on the SE) to pick up the Bose system. This unit comes with an in-dash six-disc CD changer, eight speakers and 100 watts of power that sounds like double that. Although Bose systems are becoming more and more common, this is yet another example that shows the company hasn't compromised its quality.

Nissan Pathfinder
No, we're not getting kickbacks from Nissan or Bose. We just think they do a great job in the audio area. This system simply sounds awesome; the performance is clean and powerful with good separation. The system boasts 150 beefy watts, an in-dash six-disc CD changer, six speakers and steering wheel-mounted controls that make up for a somewhat fussy faceplate.

Nissan Sentra SE-R
With 300 watts of total system power, this one's a real cruncher. Designed in conjunction with Rockford-Fosgate, a major aftermarket player, this optional audio system (MSRP $550) is well worth the investment. Dubbed the Audio Fanatic Package by Nissan, it includes nine speakers (one of which is a trunk-mounted subwoofer) and a vehicle security system. Enhanced this year to better handle its prodigious output, the R-F system should bring a smile to any hard rocker's face.

Scion xA and xB
Geared toward the younger folks, the hip Scion xA and xB offer a la carte audio options that include a Pioneer audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer as well as a Bazooka subwoofer. Combined, these two components deliver on their promise to thump. There are three equalization modes; the listener can opt for "Neutral" (a step above clock-radio speaker quality), "Hear" (strong vocals and sharp highs but lacking any real bass) or "Feel" Modes (abundant bass with clear midrange and distinct vocals ? the only acceptable setting) to suit his or her needs. Whether their tastes are hip-hop or techno, checking off a couple of option boxes will allow full sound to fill the spacious cabins of these diminutive Toyota relatives.

Volkswagen Passat
Believe it or not, the Monsoon stereo in the VW Passat is manufactured by Delphi, a division of Delco Electronics. Even more amazing: It sounds really good. Volkswagen takes a somewhat different approach to audio in all its vehicles, from the Passat on down to the Golf. Rather than mounting large 6-by-9s on the back deck with a smaller pair of speakers in the front doors, the VW folks opt for 6.5-inch drivers in all four doors. The doors act as speaker enclosures, accentuating bass response and smoothing out the rough edges. Top this off with an elegant pair of front-mounted tweeters, and you have a recipe for tasty audio

[Whirling Dervish]

I would actually like to replace the whole cound system in my car with a GPS/bluetooth/satellite system like one can order with the new cars.

Is it even possible to do that?

[burnvic53]

Circuit city or best buy for stereo? I guess we don't really have either of those around where I am, but we have a branch of circuit city called the source... i always thought that would be a good source of cheap crap or getting service from people who now crap about the products they are selling.... I'll stick to audio shops for sound systems for now.

[Whirling Dervish]

I went to Car Toys and was very happy. Do you have one near you?

I also heard ListenUp is good, but don't know how widespread the stores are. Does anyone else out there have them?

[burnvic53]

never even heard of those... past while i went to a place called auto expressions, their car everything, suspension, rims/rubber, stereo, bodykits, anything aftermarket.

[mdhondaguy]

Originally Posted by burnvic53

never even heard of those... past while i went to a place called auto expressions, their car everything, suspension, rims/rubber, stereo, bodykits, anything aftermarket.

Autoexpressions is a good place

[boxcarracer0260]

very good write up about car audio

[Neil]

Originally Posted by burnvic53

Circuit city or best buy for stereo? I guess we don't really have either of those around where I am, but we have a branch of circuit city called the source... i always thought that would be a good source of cheap crap or getting service from people who now crap about the products they are selling.... I'll stick to audio shops for sound systems for now.

X2. I don't buy anything mainstream. No Pioneer, Alpine, blah, blah, blah. Usually stick with the numbers (performance). Planet Audio, Audison, Diamond, Etc.

[PWPimpinTSX]

I had no idea that the mustang came with premium sound. Nice

[serhiy30]

How do i start new thread