1996-2001 Oldsmobile Bravada Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Oldsmobile Bravada. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Oldsmobile Bravada.

1996-2001 Oldsmobile Bravada Review

After a year off, Olds rejoined the sport-utility race with an updated Bravada in 1996. Bravada shared its basic design and 190-horsepower, 4.3-liter V6 engine with Chevrolet and GMC. An electronically controlled 4-speed automatic was the only transmission offered, with a console-mounted gearshift lever. Exterior trim was unique to Oldsmobile, and Bravadas came with standard leather upholstery and wood interior accents. Oldsmobile offered only a 4-door 4x4 model. Bravadas also featured a standard permanently engaged 4-wheel-drive system, called SmartTrak. Standard equipment included a driver-side airbag, antilock brakes, and air conditioning.

Year to Year Changes

1997 Oldsmobile Bravada: Few changes were noticeable in the 1997 Bravada, apart from a new one-piece liftgate to replace the original two-piece tailgate. Four-wheel disc brakes now were standard, and a power sunroof joined the option list.

1998 Oldsmobile Bravada: Bravada gets a fresh look for '98 with new headlights, bumpers, and grille. Also, a redesigned instrument panel adds a passenger-side airbag and new radio.

1999 Oldsmobile Bravada: Steering wheel controls for the audio and climate systems were a new option, as was the pewter-colored Platinum Edition. It included a number of driver-convenience features and bodyside cladding.

2000 Oldsmobile Bravada: A "cargo-management system" with vertical dividers joined the Bravada options list. So did GM's OnStar emergency assistance/communications system.

2001 Oldsmobile Bravada: Main changes for 2001 were standard instead of optional memory driver's seat and power front passenger seat.

1996-2001 Oldsmobile Bravada Road Test

Pros	Cons

Antilock brakes	Fuel economy

Acceleration	Rear-seat comfort

Passenger and cargo room

Ride

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

The 4.3-liter V6 has more than enough power and the automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Though we saw 18-plus mpg, expect only about 15 mpg around town. GM boasts inline-6 has V8 power and 6-cyl fuel economy. That engine is strong, with good passing performance, but doesn't feel as potent as power ratings might imply. Permanent 4-wheel drive is another bonus. It lets you concentrate solely on driving, while a computer determines how to apportion power among the four wheels. You never have to give the system a thought. Ride quality also is impressive for a sport-utility vehicle, as the Bravada's suspension absorbs bumps more effectively than that of an Explorer or Grand Cherokee. The Bravada's interior layout is virtually identical to Blazer/Jimmy, which means ample space for four adults. Cargo space also is abundant. Front bucket seats are comfortable for long drives, but the rear bench has a low cushion. Therefore, back-seat occupants are forced to sit with knees pointed toward the ceiling. The dashboard has clear gauges and convenient, easy-to-use controls, highlighted by easy dials for the climate system. Interiors also feature numerous cupholders, while the split rear seat folds easily, providing more cargo storage space, without removing headrests.

Value for the Money
Except for its posh extras, Bravada isn't really better than a Blazer or Jimmy. None of the three sport utilities ranks at the front of the compact sport-utility field, but they're close enough to deserve a look and a trial run.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Oldsmobile Bravada	Rating

Performance	5

Fuel Economy	4

Ride Quality	4

Steering/Handling/Braking	3

Quietness	3

Controls/Materials	6

Interior Room	5

Room/Comfort (rear)	3

Cargo Capacity	7

Value within Class	3

Total:	43

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.

1996-2001 Oldsmobile Bravada Reliability

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.

Engine knock: Engine knock when the engine is first started is usually eliminated by using an oil filter with a check valve. If this doesn't work, GM has revised PROMs for the computers and may even replace the main bearings. (1995)

Engine misfire: A problem with the powertrain-control module may cause a lack of power, early upshifts, late shifting in the 4WD-Low range, and otherwise erratic performance. (1996)

Engine noise: The exhaust valves may not get enough lubrication causing a variety of noises. The same engine may consume excess oil because the valve-guide seals on the exhaust valves are bad. (1996)

Engine temperature: Overheating and coolant loss may be due to rough surface on radiator filler neck. Neck should be sanded smooth and cap replaced. (1999-2000)

Transmission leak: 4L60 automatic-transmission pumps may leak. A revised pump bushing is available. (1995-96)

Transmission problems: If automatic transmission goes into neutral while driving and check-engine light comes on, there may be debris collecting in the transmission valve body. (1999-2002)

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	$520

Alternator	$225

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$850

Brakes	$220

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$800

Exhaust System	$485

Radiator	$450

Shocks and/or Struts	$410

Timing Chain or Belt	$230

Universal Joints	$270

NHTSA Recall History

1996 w/AWD or 4WD: During testing, prop shaft contacted fuel tank, rupturing the tank; fuel leakage was beyond permissible level.

1996: Solder joints can crack, causing windshield wipers to work intermittently.

1996: The windshield wiper motor may fail on certain vehicles. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.

1996-97: Failure of an upper and lower control arm ball joint assembly could occur due to corrosion, resulting in impaired steering or steering loss, or a partial or complete collapse of the front suspension.

1997: During a severe crash, seat belt buckles with an energy absorbing loop may malfunction, leading to full or partial ejection from the vehicle. Dealer will inspect and replace affected buckles.

1998 w/AWD or 4WD: On a few vehicles, one or both attaching nuts for lower control arm were not properly torqued; can result in separation from frame and loss of control.

1998: Fatigue fracture of rear-axle brake pipe can occur, causing slow fluid leak and resulting in soft brake pedal; if pipe breaks, driver would face sudden loss of rear-brake performance.

2000-01: Brake lights and rear hazard flashers may fail if the multifunction switch develops an open circuit condition.

1996-2001 Oldsmobile Bravada Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1996
Bravada	$2,800-3,500	$2,100-2,600	$600-800

1997
Bravada	$3,400-4,100	$2,700-3,200	$900-1,100

1998
Bravada	$4,000-4,700	$3,300-3,900	$1,300-1,500

1999
Bravada	$4,700-5,400	$3,900-4,500	$1,800-2,100

2000
Bravada	$5,400-6,200	$4,600-5,300	$2,200-2,500

2001
Bravada	$6,400-7,200	$5,600-6,300	$2,800-3,200

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.

1996-2001 Oldsmobile Bravada Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	107.0

Overall Length, in.	180.9

Overall Width, in.	66.5

Overall Height, in.	67.0

Curb Weight, lbs.	4184

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	74.2

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	19.0

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.7

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.4

Rear Head Room, in.	38.6

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.1

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Just one powertrain was offered: a 4.3-liter V6 engine producing 190 horsepower, driving a 4-speed automatic transmission. A new inline 6-cyl engine with 80 more horsepower replaced the V6 for 2002.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohv V6	4.3 / 262	190	250	4-speed automatic: 16/21	4-speed automatic: 18.7

dohc I6	4.2 / 256	270	275	4-speed automatic: 15/21	4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1999 Bravada

Front Impact, Driver	3

Front Impact, Passenger	4

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

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Also in the 1996-2001 Oldsmobile Bravada Review:

Oldsmobile Bravada

Oldsmobile Bravada Road Test

Oldsmobile Bravada Reliability

Oldsmobile Bravada Prices

Oldsmobile Bravada Specs & Safety

Oldsmobile Bravada Photos

Oldsmobile Bravada Full Review