1991-1994 Oldsmobile Bravada: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1994 Oldsmobile Bravada
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1991-1994 Oldsmobile Bravada ▼
- Price Range: $900 - $1,700
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1991-1994 Oldsmobile Bravada and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Passenger and cargo room
- Acceleration
- Wet-weather traction
- Antilock brakes (optional)
Cons
- Engine noise
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
Olds joined the sport-utility market in 1991, launching a new 4-door entry called Bravada. Essentially a Chevrolet S10-Blazer wearing a tuxedo, Bravada came equipped with GM's full-time 4WD system, known as "Smart Trak." However, the Bravada was not being touted as an off-road vehicle, so no off-road suspension package was offered. Under the hood sat a 160-horsepower 4.3-liter V6, paired with a 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission. Four-wheel antilock brakes were standard, as were leather upholstery and a host of power accessories.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Oldsmobile Bravada Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 41 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1991-1994 Oldsmobile Bravada. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1991-1994 Oldsmobile Bravada.
Year to Year Changes
1992 Oldsmobile Bravada:
Added for 1992 is a new High Performance 4.3-liter V6 that delivers 200 horsepower. Also, the standard "hockey stick" speedometer carried over from the Chevy Blazer is replaced with a more subtle unit with a regular needle and a 180-degree sweep.
1993 Oldsmobile Bravada:
The standard 4-speed automatic transmission gains electronic shift controls. There's also a new Gold Package option that provides gold-and-black alloy wheels and gold-tinted nameplates for the Bravada. Inside, a new overhead console includes outside-temperature and compass readouts.
1994 Oldsmobile Bravada:
A new Special Edition Bravada includes gold exterior trim and all-season tires. Other changes to the Bravada include the addition of new guard beams inside all four doors and a new center high-mount stoplight.
Our road test for the 1991-1994 Oldsmobile Bravada includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1991-1994 Oldsmobile Bravada and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1991-1994 Oldsmobile Bravada is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Bravada's 200-horsepower V6 delivers ample power, although the engine fan is a bit loud on acceleration. Automatic transmissions are one thing GM does very well, so it comes as no surprise that there's an unobtrusive, smooth-shifting automatic transmission paired with the Bravada's 4.3-liter V6. However, the engine is not particularly fuel efficient, averaging only 15 mpg in actual, real-world city driving. While suspension upgrades in 1994 were designed to take the trucklike feel out of this rebadged Chevy Blazer, ride quality is still not equal to that provided in the Grand Cherokee. Bravada's suspension allows too much bouncing on wavy roads and doesn't do a good job of absorbing bumps and ruts.
Value for the Money
This version of the Bravada also fails to provide a driver-side airbag, standard on some competing models. However, the Bravada is a competent and comfortable luxury 4x4 that deserves serious consideration.
This version of the Bravada also fails to provide a driver-side airbag, standard on some competing models. However, the Bravada is a competent and comfortable luxury 4x4 that deserves serious consideration.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Oldsmobile Bravada Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 41 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Oldsmobile Bravada includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Oldsmobile Bravada .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
TH-700-R4 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1991-93)
Engine knock:
Engine knock is usually eliminated by using an oil filter with a check valve. If this does not work, GM has revised PROMs for the computers. (1991-92)
Exhaust system:
The exhaust valves may not get enough lubrication, causing a variety of noises. Usually, the same engine consumes excess oil because the valve-guide seals on the exhaust valves are bad. (1996)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $415 |
| Alternator | $215 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $900 |
| Brakes | $200 |
| Exhaust System | $290 |
| Radiator | $415 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $555 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $310 |
| Universal Joints | $130 |
Our price chart for this generation Oldsmobile Bravada details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
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| 1994 | |||
| Bravada | $1,900-2,400 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| 1993 | |||
| Bravada | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| 1992 | |||
| Bravada | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Bravada | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Oldsmobile Bravada include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 107.0 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 178.9 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 65.2 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 65.6 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3939 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 74.3 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.1 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.5 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.8 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.5 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Oldsmobile's first entry in the sport utility market, a dressier version of the Chevy Blazer, arrived in 1991 with Chevrolet's 4.3-liter V6. Initially it provided 160 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 230 pound-feet of torque at 2800 rpm. A year later, Oldsmobile added a more potent version of the engine, now delivering 200 horsepower at 4500 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 3600 rpm. The addition of electronic controls for the 4-speed automatic completed the powertrain changes for the Bravada.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V6 | 4.3 / 262 | 160 | 230 | 4-speed automatic: 17/22 | 4-speed automatic: 18.2 |
| ohv V6 | 4.3 / 262 | 200 | 260 | 4-speed automatic: 16/21 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Oldsmobile Bravada include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1994 Bravada |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 2 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1991-1994 Oldsmobile Bravada directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1991:
Rear-seatbelt buckle release button can stick in unlatched position under certain conditions.
1994:
Solder joints can crack, causing windshield wipers to work intermittently.
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