Whether money is tight, or you just enjoy DIY projects, installing a new head unit is one of the easiest upgrades you can make to your car or truck. It might seem intimidating if you've never messed around with electronics or wiring before, but it's really a very simple procedure.
The first step is to find a new head unit that's going to suit your purposes. If your dash has a single DIN receptacle, then you're pretty much limited to single DIN head units. Otherwise, you can pick and choose whatever you want. Many inexpensive head units come with detachable face plates, remote controls, and HD tuners, but you can also find head units that have built-in iPod jacks, XM tuners, DVD players and just about any other feature you might be able to think of. There are also a bunch of perfectly serviceable budget units out there if you just want good sound with no frills.
While a head unit replacement can be a very simple job, it can also be as complicated as you want to make it. Maybe you want to upgrade your OEM stereo to an OEM navigation unit, wire in an amp, or even install a multimedia system. Those projects are a little more ambitious, but everyone has to start somewhere.
Photo courtesy of Rick