A telematics system is disclosed including a telematics device with a controller in communication with a diagnostic system configured to receive diagnostic information from a host vehicle; a position-locating system configured to determine location information of the host vehicle; a wireless transceiver configured to transmit and receive information through a wireless network to and from at least one Internet-accessible website; and, a communication interface including at least a short range wireless interface. The telematics device is further configured to communicate with at least one access device or sensor other than the diagnostic system and the position-locating system, and the communication interface is configured to universally interface with a plurality of access devices or sensors.