OnStar FMV Mirror Review + $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

Everyone knows about OnStar: the comprehensive in-vehicle safety, navigation, and communications system. Up until recently, the system has been reserved for use only in GM cars.

That all has changed! I’m excited to announce the launch of the OnStar FMV rear-view mirror, which works in most vehicles.

The folks at OnStar were kind enough to send me a mirror to test out and I got it installed a few weeks ago. Here’s what is great about it: the system provides many of the same services as the original OnStar system including automatic crash response, turn-by-turn navigational routing, stolen vehicle tracking, hands-free calling, and roadside assistance. Plus, it’s easy to find. The system can be purchased at your local electronics retailer (ie. Best Buy, Frye, ABC Warehouse).

The new OnStar system is perfect for me because, like most moms, I practically live in my car. And one of my worst fears is finding myself in a position where I need help but am not able to get it. The OnStar FMV mirror provides the safety and peace of mind that we all need as parents and caretakers of young children.

When my car was new, I didn’t worry that much about it breaking down. Now that it’s creeping into old age, however, I find myself getting increasingly uneasy whenever I plan a road trip or head anywhere off the beaten path (which is five miles off the freeway in any direction in Florida). What would happen if my car breaks down...gulp...here…and with the kids? Since getting the OnStar FMV system, I feel like a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I am now free to roam the country or at least the swamplands of central Florida with fewer worries.

Having used the system for a few weeks now, I can personally attest to its ease and accessibility. I have my cell phone linked into the system so I can talk to people hands free. Also, just this afternoon, while I was loading something into the back of the car, my preschooler climbed into the front seat and pushed the OnStar emergency call button. The operator was on the line before I could blink my eye, asking me about the nature of my emergency. I was more than a little embarrassed to tell the poor woman that I did need assistance, but not the kind that she could provide :)

While I'm going to work really, really hard to make sure that little fingers don't push any more buttons for fun, it's a relief to know that even the smallest of children can reach the OnStar team if they need to.

I am happy to announce that Blogher and OnStar are teaming up to offer one lucky reader of the Meanest Mom blog a $100 Visa gift card!

Want a chance to win? Just leave a comment below that includes an answer to this question: How could the OnStar system help your family?

The giveaway starts now and runs through September 30.

Other rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry
methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment
on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on
this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about
an alternate form of entry.


This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be
selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

Check out OnStar on Facebook

Check out what other bloggers are saying about the OnStar FMV mirror. Head over HERE!