Pyle, known for its inexpensive audio amplifiers, has expanded into automotive heads-up displays. With its bright 5.5-inch display and colorful output, the Pyle PHUD180BD conveys a great deal of information, from vehicle speed to engine RPM to various alerts.

The unit includes its own integrated projection screen or can be configured with the included windshield screen. One drawback is that there are blind spots that get in the way of seeing what is ahead. However, the PHUD180BD can display a lot of relevant information for the affordable price of $67.

At $67, the Pyle PHUD180BD may seem like a middling price, but it is an absolute bargain compared to its more expensive competitors. This HUD offers more data, a better display, and a more stable base, but at a much lower price. In contrast, the company's $40 PHUD12 cuts a few corners, including a 3.5-inch display screen, less data, and is intended to be viewed directly.

One of the thinnest add-on HUD systems, the PHUD180BD's casing is made of smooth black plastic, in contrast to the Dagood A8's gruesome faux-leather surface. 5.5-inch LCD display sticks to the base or windshield, reflecting screen to project images.

At 5.3 x 3.0 x 0.5 inches, the unit itself is slightly thinner than the Dagood A8 and weighs 4.4 ounces. The projection screen rises 4.2 inches from the dashboard and may obstruct forward vision.

Like many competing products, the PHUD180BD gets its data and power from the car's OBD port. The system comes with a 69-inch flat OBD cable that plugs into the unit's rear mini-USB port and can be easily hidden in a dashboard crevice. On the left side is an on/off switch, and on the right side is a control wheel for changing system settings.

Of note is the PHUD180BD's 5.5-inch color screen, which displays 14 individual items, with a large zone below it showing speed along with engine speed. It is separated from the other items by colored circles, but does not correspond to engine RPM like the Dagood A8.

There is a small spot showing engine RPM and fuel consumption. Like a typical car dashboard, the Pyle PHUD180BD has symbolic warning indicators for battery, coolant temperature, and compass heading. In addition, metric and imperial units can be displayed.

Like other HUDs on the market, the PHUD180BD has many alarms. Some of these include gear shift reminders and speeding alarms, but sadly, the device does not have phone integration like the Hudway Drive. In other words, it cannot use GPS, give directions, or display text messages.

The PHUD180BD works with any vehicle that has an OBD2 or EUOBD data port. However, there may be problems with trucks.

To my delight, it plugged easily into the OBD port on my car, but the short connector is difficult to remove and may require the use of pliers. The kit included a soft rubber pad that fits the PHUD180BD securely, but the PHUD180BD would come off on bumpy country roads.

The unit was easily powered on with a small switch on the left side. A wheel could be used to adjust the controls, but it was too small to be comfortable to use; the PHUD180BD comes with a 10-page booklet describing the PHUD180BD's main features and simple troubleshooting, along with a one-year warranty.

Seconds after connecting the PHUD180BD's cord to my car's OBD port, the screen displayed the car's engine RPM and fuel usage. The system can be set to automatically stop immediately after the car's engine is turned off or after 15 minutes.

The dual-core processor updates data quickly without delay, and the graphics are top notch for a heads-up display. Whether it was a bright sunny day or a moonless night, the screen worked well with parameters that were easy to see at a glance.

On the downside, the reflective projection screen can get in the way of visibility wherever it is placed; the Pyle HUD kit included a stick-on screen that could be affixed to the inside of the windshield.

If something goes wrong in the car, the OBD icon on the PHUD180BD will light up. However, it is necessary to take out the complete OBD scanner to determine what the actual problem is. Unlike the Akaba A500, the PHUD180BD does not have acceleration or brake test routines. Therefore, it would not be suitable for those who want to test the car's performance.

The Pyle PHUD180BD's large, bright display is complemented by an integrated projection screen. This displays a good combination of operating parameters, warnings, and diagnostic notifications.

In short, the Pyle HUD tells you what is happening in the vehicle without forcing you to take your eyes off the road. Unfortunately, it can get in the way of a driver's vision, but it is more than worth the $67 price - especially for drivers who crave automotive information.