Should You Buy a Rear Entertainment System?

Are you thinking about buying a new car for the family, maybe even a new minivan or CUV? And, are you considering plunking down perhaps thousands of dollars for a rear entertainment system? Yeah, I know, it’s a tough decision.

As a road test reviewer, I’ve driven lots of vehicles with rear entertainment systems from fancy Land Rovers to fully-loaded minivans to chic CUVs. And do I think these systems are a worthy investment? Hell yeah!

Of course, I think a rear entertainment system is worth every penny because I have a non-stop-talker in my five-year-old daughter. Watching TV is the ONLY way to keep her quiet. “I love rear entertainment systems because it feels like you are in your house and they make me smile,” says my precocious daughter.

Recently, I road tested several groovy vehicles with rear entertainment systems: a 2009 Acura MDX, a 2009 Land Rover LR3 (pictured), a 2009 Toyota Sienna, a 2009 Honda Odyssey and a 2009 Mazda MAZDA5.

And while all of these rear entertainment systems (RES) were different, all of them offered a great way for kids to watch DVDs and play games, especially on long family road trips.

Don’t think you can afford an RES? For the moment, neither can our family. That’s why my brilliant husband went out and bought a portable DVD player at Target for $100 or so.

The portable player is handy, but it has also taken its fair share of beatings and dropping on the floor boards. I’m sure it won’t last the summer.

Most rear entertainment systems are built along the headline roof of new cars. These systems usually have one screen that pulls down. Unfortunately, most of these systems do block the driver’s rear view.

Also, make sure you understand the thing really works. Some of these systems are controlled in the front only. From my experience, this is really frustrating. When I have to control the RES up front while driving, it always ends up in fights between me and my young daughter. And teenagers get absolutely pissed if they can’t control the RES.

One of the best things about today’s rear entertainment systems are wireless headphones. All of the latest RES systems feature these fabulous headphones that have no wires whatsoever and make your life even more stress free.

If you have kids of vastly different ages like myself (5 and 17), then you should definitely consider a two-screen system. Most sedans and smaller CUVs with RES have two screens built into the headrest of the front seats. Just make sure the systems can run different videos (or a video and a game console or iPod).

One more thing: Make CERTAIN your brand new RES is covered by your car’s warranty.

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, Calif. Follow me! @sheryllalexande