ODB-II Scanner Options

Basic scanners only give you the universal J2012 codes. All vehicles past '96 have to supply this information.
Manufactures are free to add to this basic information, most do. You need manufacture specific programs to read, and in some cases write to, this extra abilities. No basic scanners do this without buying extra software for it.
The basic information is very useful on it's own but it is great to be able to command different idle speeds, open and close the EGR valve, diagnose the EVAP system, etc.