2002 Oldsmobile Bravada Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Oldsmobile's version of the redesigned General Motors midsize SUVs shares a new body-on-frame platform with the 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy. Each has its own styling inside and out and rides a 6-inch longer wheelbase than before, with a body longer, wider, and taller by five inches. Bravada seats five and unlike TrailBlazer and Envoy, does not offer a longer 7-passenger model. Note that GM confirms 2004 as the final model year for the Olds brand, though it has not specified when within the phaseout Bravada will be terminated. Bravada shares with its Chevy and GMC cousins a new inline 6-cyl engine with 80 hp more than the V6 it replaces. A 4-speed automatic is the only transmission. Bravada is available with 2WD and traction control, or with an all-wheel-drive system that does not include low-range gearing. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and 17-inch alloy wheels are standard. An optional DVD rear entertainment system was a midyear addition. GM's new SUVs do not have independent rear suspension, though Bravada uses rear air suspension in place of coil springs. Front side airbags are standard and include head protection for the driver.

Competition

This is by far the hottest market segment right now. Crowded with more than 20 vehicles, midsize SUVs vary in size and type but nearly all seat five adults and offer V6 or V8 engines. Our Best Buys are the Acura MDX and Toyota Highlander. Both offer competence, convenience, and attractive pricing and design. They lack serious off-road 4WD systems, however.

Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the top-selling Ford Explorer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined GMC Envoy. If you don't venture off-road too far take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300 as well.

News

GM sounded Oldsmobile's death knell in December 2000, even as reporters were getting their first look at the redesigned 2002 Bravada. GM now plans to phase out the Olds brand entirely after the 2004 model year.

Because GM evidently wants to cut its losses, some Oldsmobiles will terminate before 2004. An execution date hasn't been set for Bravada, but it might come sooner rather than later. That's because, for a variety of reasons, Bravada sales are sinking fast, down 26.4 percent in the first nine months of 2001 vs the year-earlier period.

Regardless of its death as an Oldsmobile, Bravada could be reincarnated as a Cadillac at some point, or so say various Detroit insiders. Cadillac wants an entry-level SUV, and Bravada could be easily retooled as such, a cost-saving idea attractive to GM accountants. Whatever its ultimate fate, the 2002 Bravada will be remembered as Oldsmobile's last new model.

2002 Oldsmobile Bravada Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy

Towing ability

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Bravada AWD	Class Average
6	4.7

GM boasts new inline-6 has V8 power and 6-cyl fuel economy. New engine is strong, with good passing performance, but doesn't feel as potent as power ratings might imply.

Fuel Economy

Bravada AWD	Class Average
4	3.8

No opportunity to measure Bravada yet, but test 4WD TrailBlazer averaged 16.2 mpg in roughly 60 percent highway driving.

Ride Quality

Bravada AWD	Class Average
6	4

Firm and slightly stiffer riding than TrailBlazer/Envoy, but absorbent enough for good comfort. Standard air suspension stays more composed than Chevy/GMC coil-spring setup, which can feel floaty at highway speeds.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Bravada AWD	Class Average
4	3.5

Best road manners of GM's midsize SUVs. Handling good, considering truck-type build. Steering adequately precise, not vague as TrailBlazer/Envoy. Body lean better-controlled, too. Brakes suffer mushy pedal feel, but have good stopping power

Quietness

Bravada AWD	Class Average
4	4

Some tire noise at highway speeds, but not as intrusive as in TrailBlazer/Envoy. Bravada does have their considerable wind noise. New engine runs smoothly.

Controls

Bravada AWD	Class Average
7	6

Clear, handy. Switchgear has smooth, quality feel, except loose, flimsy headlamp knob. Materials decent, but don't seem as rich as those in Envoy, which is supposed to slot below Bravada in GM family.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Bravada AWD	Class Average
7	6.2

Good head and leg room, even for taller folks. Seats are fairly comfortable and supportive. Headrests and thick pillars can block driver's aft sightlines.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Bravada AWD	Class Average
6	5.1

Ample head and knee room for 6-footers. Plenty of foot clearance beneath front seats. Seat is comfortable and fairly supportive. Wide enough to squeeze in three adults.

Cargo Room

Bravada AWD	Class Average
8	7.7

Generous. The 60/40 split/fold seat easy to operate, has clever automatic folding headrests. Cabin has good array of pockets and compartments for small items.

Value within Class

Bravada AWD	Class Average
4	4.5

Bravada's decent road manners make it better-suited to typical street duty than the TrailBlazer, though we rate the Envoy as the best value in this GM trio. Rivals such as the Acura MDX or Lexus RX 300 offer much more refinement than Bravada for only a little more money. And Bravada's resale and lease-residual value is harmed by the phaseout of Oldsmobile.

Total Score

Bravada AWD	Class Average
56	49.5

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		37
Average Score		49
High Score		65

2002 Oldsmobile Bravada Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/19/2002

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD Base 4-door wagon	$32,660	$29,557	$625

AWD Base 4-door wagon	$34,745	$31,444	$625

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

4.2-liter 6-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control, locking rear differential.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, rear climate controls, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and climate controls, cruise control, OnStar System w/one-year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), leather upholstery, 8-way power front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, center console, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, rear radio controls, digital clock, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, trip computer, overhead console, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear liftgate, rear privacy glass, roof rack, fog lights, cornering lights.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Platform hitch, 7-wire trailer harness, load-leveling rear suspension, full-size spare tire, 245/65R17 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 255/60R17 tires. Deletes: traction control.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Option Pkg. 1SB
Base	$385	$331
Driver-seat and mirror memory, automatic day/night outside mirrors w/reverse tilt-down and turn-signal lights, digital memo recorder, cargo cover.

Option Pkg. 1SC
Base	$840	$722
Option Pkg. 1SB plus rain-sensing wipers, polished alloy wheels.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear seat entertainment system
Base	$995	$856
DVD player, LCD screen, rear controls, headphones.

Power sunroof
Base	$800	$688


AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
Base	$295	$254


Bose sound system
Base	$495	$426


Heated front seats
Base	$250	$215
Requires Option Pkg.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Gold Pkg.
Base	$100	$86


Engine block heater
AWD	$35	$31

2002 Oldsmobile Bravada Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Oldsmobile Bravada 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	113.0

Overall Length, in.	191.6

Overall Width, in.	74.7

Overall Height, in.	71.9

Curb Weight, lbs.	4628

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	83.3

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.7

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	40.2

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	44.6

Rear Head Room, in.	39.6

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	37.1

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

Engines

	dohc I6

Size, liters/cu. in.	4.2 /256

Horsepower @ rpm.	270 @ 6000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	275 @ 3600

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	15/21

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Oldsmobile Bravada 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	3

Front Impact, Passenger	3

Rollover Resistance	3

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

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%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/60,000	GM Protection Plan, see dealer for details.

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

< 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada Photos

Also in the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada Review:

Oldsmobile Bravada

Oldsmobile Bravada Road Test

Oldsmobile Bravada Prices & Equipment

Oldsmobile Bravada Specs & Safety

Oldsmobile Bravada Photos

Oldsmobile Bravada Full Review

All Oldsmobile Bravadas

All Oldsmobiles