I saw another site that is saying that the Clarion EA1251B could be used for iPod and can be controlled through the fadctory radio this way. It mimics a cd changer. Is the U.S. radio a clarion?

Yep.  I have the IPOD adapter on my '06 GV (it's actually a Clarion part number).  Works great! Except for some minor tweaks with playlists.  My GV is the Canadian model- it's the same stock (Clarion) radio installed on all North American GV's (Clarion single or 6CD MP3 with XM "ready" option).

_pav

Did you get it through the dealer or aftermarket?

I got it through dealer - negotiated it into the deal.  I don't have the part number handy but your dealer should be aware of it.  MSRP for the adapter is $160 CDN.  Probably about $99 USD. 

_pav

If it is the Clarion EA1251B, I saw it on the internet for about 89 usd. I am going to the dealer tomorrow for my first scheduled maintanence... oil change... I will ask about it then... I also get 10% off of accessories... so it would even out... Can't wait to put my iPod in it...

$89 sounds about right.  It's well worth the invesment.  I'd recommend that you have your dealer install the adapter in the glovebox (as I did).   It keeps your IPOD neatly hidden from view and provides you with the added layer of security should you want to keep it locked in your GV.

_pav

So, does the steering wheel controls operate the iPod?

My dealer knew nothing of this.... I looked into my owners manual... and you can control a cd changer from the radio and steering wheel. The Clarion add on acts as a cd changer but you plug your ipod into that... disc one is said to be all the songs on the ipod while disc 2-6 is play lists....

My dealer knew nothing of this.... I looked into my owners manual... and you can control a cd changer from the radio and steering wheel. The Clarion add on acts as a cd changer but you plug your ipod into that... disc one is said to be all the songs on the ipod while disc 2-6 is play lists....

Yep.  That's right.  The Ipod interface mimics a 6-disc CD changer on the stock stereo.    When building your playlists - there's a naming convention you need to follow (playlist titles must be Clarion1, Clarion2, etc.).  It's a similar process to burning MP3 CDs for the Clarion. The main advantage of the IPOD is that you can control from the steering wheel and stereo directly + no need to burn CD's.  If you do as I did - install in the glovebox, you can buy  a second "refurb" IPOD to keep locked in your GV all the time.

_pav

Very cool!  Now I need to get the adapter and then I can put the RF adapter in wifies car... hehe

So... I stopped by a car audio store and some guy told me that the ea-1..... whatever its called does not work on factory equipment, and that you all were pulling my leg... This was after I called a guy that works there and was told that it should work for it, that he does it all the time with newer vehicles....

Going to call another dealer because mine isnt too knowledgeful either...

HELP!!  :'(  I went to the dealer today and the only adapter that he could find was for the Aerio... and for the GV all he found was the XM adapter... Do any of you that have had it installed maybe have a P/N for the adapter?
TIA

HELP!!  :'(  I went to the dealer today and the only adapter that he could find was for the Aerio... and for the GV all he found was the XM adapter... Do any of you that have had it installed maybe have a P/N for the adapter?
TIA

The Suzuki part number that I was given (from Suzuki of Canada) is 99980-EA125.  The Clarion part number is EA1251 and is described as the "Clarion CeNet iPod adapter".

_pav

BTW, there is a photo of it here (with cables) from a UK site:

http://www.clarionworld.co.uk/stock/ea1251e.asp

Crutchfield.com has it for sale here at $99.99:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-EqBvmVi4rFO/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?search=Clarion+ea1251&i=020EA1251B

Found one on eBay for $57 shipped... now I just have to get it here and then figure out how to get it all connected.