During a brief test drive of a 2004 Acura MDX with a rearview camera, I initially found it tricky to use.
The $50,000 specially outfitted GMC van, with six leather captain's chairs (including some that swivel), a rearview camera and meeting table, is known as the Brunomobile because it was once used by Joseph L. Bruno, the former Senate majority leader who is fighting federal corruption charges.
But the navigation system (which includes a rearview camera and parking sensors) is a staggering $2,500.
SL models come with automatic on-off headlamps, foglamps, a rearview camera and a cargo cover.
Even more 2014 models will have the option of a rearview camera as redesigned cars come with full navigation screens.
A rearview camera already comes standard on 45 percent of cars and trucks in the current model year.
Almost 80 percent of 2013 models include a rearview camera as either an optional or standard safety feature, compared with 1 percent in 2003, according to Edmunds.com, an industry researcher.
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, a Washington-based trade association that represents 12 automakers, said the decision to buy a rearview camera should be left to consumers.
All models now have a rearview camera, and trim levels starting with the midlevel EX-L get forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems.
For the 2012 model year, 45 percent of vehicles offer a rearview camera as standard equipment, according to the automotive research Web site Edmunds.com.
