Pioneer DEH-31

Price Paid:  $199.00 from Wall-Mart

Year / Model Reviewed:
 94 Ford Ranger, 92 Ford Taurus SHO

Summary:
Great CD player. Works well when running the pre-amp to amp(s). I've installed it twice, once in my truck, once in my car. After 4 years, the internal lights burnt out. Seeing the display is barely visible during the day (hold your head just right...(passenger's lap)). Good thing I have 4 prior years of memorization of the buttons locations and option menus! I allwayz took care when removing the detatchable face and storing it. Mabey 4 years is the LED's life span??

Strengths:
Simple, effective, not too costly (I've seen one on EBAY new in box for $60!) Doesn't skip unless you drive over curbs ;-)

Weaknesses:
35 watts seems weak on high powered speakers, but great for factory speakers. Can't see what track I'm on. Replacement Faces cost $67 @ http://www.caraudio-repairs.com/CD_Faces/cd_faces.html# Is it really worth the replacement price? I'm living w/ it... for now.

Summary:
The DEH-31 is a good, low cost ($225) head unit. It provides 35*4 watts power. It has a good button layout and I've had no problems with it.