This system uses two microphones in the the vehicle to pickup unwanted cabin sounds. These low frequencies are then amplified through the cars audio system and inverted to cancel out these unwanted sounds. This is similar to popular noise reducing headphones you see on airplanes and advertised on television. By overlapping a sound with its opposite wave, the energy from one waves peak is canceled out by the other waves valley. Even though there are now twice as many sounds happening around you, you don't hear either one.
Modern noise cancellation is typically only found on premium luxury cars however some companies like Honda now pair this technology with their Variable Cylinder Management. On cars equipped with VCM, Honda uses ANC to reduce engine harmonics caused in 3 cyliner mode. An added bonus is a quiet ride all around. ANC has been shown to reduce cabin noise by as much as -10db.
ANC is not without drawbacks though. Many have found when upgrading the stereo system they have had to disconnect the system to avoid unintended sounds. This is one of the reasons you see more and more manufacturers building new cars with hard mounted head units, to prevent the side effects of an aftermarket unit. As long as you don't plan on gutting the cars factory stereo for a huge boom box, you should find the current generation ANC to be a welcomed addition to your vehicle.
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