A heads-up display (HUD) is offered on only a handful of vehicles: several Cadillacs, the Chevy Corvette, BMW 7 Series and Lexus hybrids. In terms of tech, a HUD isn't exactly rocket science, although the automotive version did evolve from initial use in aviation.
Though some find HUDs distracting, the feature helped me keep my eyes on the road while testing a 2010 Lexus RX 450h Hybrid. And on my speed.
The HUD in the RX 450h can also show audio information and nav directions. The latter came in handy when I had to drop off my daughter at a friend's house I'd never been to, way up a windy mountain road with lots of tight turns.
You can adjust the angle of the HUD or choose to turn it off altogether in the RX 450h. While I don't always need nav directions or what's playing on the stereo right in front of my face, I like that the HUD kept my speed in my field of vision on the windshield. And that it helps keep me from getting a speeding ticket.
By greenpony
on April 20, 2010
12:58 PM
If HUDs become more prevalent, I give a gold star to the automaker that keeps the information this simple. That is, it is limited to only information that is helpful on a second-by-second basis. We don't need things like fuel level, inside/outside temperature, coolant temp, average fuel economy, radio station info (except maybe when tuning), odometer readings, or banner ads. All of these (with the exception of the last, which doesn't belong in any vehicle) can be reserved for the gauge cluster.
By yankeez
on April 20, 2010
01:19 PM
GM came out with such technology over 20 years ago on some of its cars, this is hardly a new phenomenon.
You DID know that... didn't you?
By dougnewcomb
on April 20, 2010
01:35 PM
Yes, I did. Around 1988.
By misterfusion
on April 20, 2010
03:43 PM
...And Nissan quickly brought out their own version, which first appeared in my '89 Maxima (bought used in 1993). When the car's digital dashboard blew a circuit, the HUD speedometer was the only instrument I had!
By verdi942
on April 21, 2010
09:40 AM
2005 Buick Rendezvous.
By verdi942
on April 21, 2010
09:43 AM
2005 Buick Rendezvous.
By estreka
on April 21, 2010
01:09 PM
I really would like to install a HUD kit in my car. They really are fantastic.
By 1487
on April 23, 2010
11:14 AM
the lacrosse offers HUD as well. The Grand Prix and Bonneville had it years ago. I believe the Acadia has it as well. It only started getting respect once BMW and others started offering it.
By estreka
on April 23, 2010
01:37 PM
Contrary, I became facinated with HUD when I drove a C5 Corvette many years ago.