2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2004 Oldsmobile Bravada
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2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada ▼
- Price Range: $5,700 - $11,000
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Cargo room
- Passenger room
- Trailer-towing capability
Cons
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
Oldsmobile's version of the redesigned General Motors midsize sport-utility vehicles shared a new body-on-frame platform with the 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy. Each had its own styling, inside and out, and rode a wheelbase 6 inches longer than before. Bodies were longer, wider, and taller by 5 inches. All shared a new inline six-cylinder engine, which developed 80 horsepower more than their previous V6. A four-speed automatic was the sole transmission. For the first time, Bravada was available with two-wheel drive, which included traction control. The four-wheel-drive version used Oldsmobile's SmartTrac all-wheel-drive system, which did not include low-range gearing. Antilock four-wheel disc brakes and 17-inch alloy wheels were standard. GM's new SUV design lacked an independent rear suspension, though Bravadas could have an air-spring rear suspension in place of coil springs. Standard front side airbags included head protection for the driver. Seating for five was standard. Unlike TrailBlazer and Envoy, Bravada did not offer an extended seven-passenger model. Bravada was slated to go out of production during 2004, before a full life cycle, as part of the phaseout of the Oldsmobile brand. Rivals included the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Oldsmobile Bravada Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 55 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada.
Year to Year Changes
2003 Oldsmobile Bravada:
Front side airbags became optional rather than standard this year. A load-leveling rear air suspension was standard on 2WD models. AWD versions used a coil-spring rear suspension. For 2003, the air-spring setup was a $375 option rather than standard equipment. A DVD rear entertainment system was also optional.
2004 Oldsmobile Bravada:
In this model's final season, 500 specially-trimmed Bravadas went on sale. Dubbed Collector Editions, these SUVs featured special embroidery, wheels, and badging. After a century of life, the Oldsmobile brand faded away early in 2004, but Buick now offered a version of the GM midsize sport-utility vehicle called the Rainier.
Our road test for the 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
GM boasted that its inline-six engine yielded V8 power, and six-cylinder fuel economy. The engine is strong for takeoffs, with adequate passing performance, but does not feel as potent as power ratings might imply. Fuel economy test figures for the Bravada are not available, but a 4WD TrailBlazer averaged 16.2 mpg in roughly 60-percent highway driving. As a comparison, 4WD V6 Explorer averaged 17.1 mpg. Bravadas run on regular-grade gasoline. In these GM SUVs, a coil-spring suspension can feel floaty at highway speeds. By contrast, the Bravada's rear air suspension is firmer, but absorbent enough for good comfort. With an air suspension, the Bravada has the best road manners of GM's midsize SUV group. Handling is good, considering the truck-type build. Steering is too light for stress-free control, but not as vague as the TrailBlazer/Envoy. Body lean is better controlled, too. Still, you can expect typical truck-based SUV behavior, including a slightly wobbly sensation in quick directional changes. Brakes have more than ample stopping power. Some tire noise occurs at highway speeds, but it's not as intrusive as in the TrailBlazer/Envoy. Bravadas do suffer considerable wind noise, though the engine is smooth and refined. Most instruments and controls are clear and handy. Switchgear has a smooth, quality feel, except for the loose, flimsy headlamp knob. Materials are decent, but don't seem as rich as those in the Envoy. Front head and leg room are good, even for taller folks. Seats are fairly comfortable and supportive. Headrests and thick pillars can block the driver's aft sightlines, but passenger enjoy modest step-in height. Even six-footers will find ample rear head and knee room, plus plenty of foot clearance beneath front seats. The back seat is comfortable and fairly supportive, and wide enough to squeeze in three adults. Cargo space is generous. The 60/40 split-fold seat is easy to operate, and has clever automatic-folding headrests. The cabin has a good array of pockets and compartments for small items.
Value for the Money
Decent road manners make the Bravada better suited to typical street duty than the TrailBlazer, though the Envoy ranked as the best new-vehicle value in this GM trio. Rivals such as the Acura MDX or Lexus RX 300/330 offer considerably more refinement than a Bravada, for a little more money. Resale values were further harmed by the phase out of Oldsmobiles, so there should be good buys at dealerships.
Decent road manners make the Bravada better suited to typical street duty than the TrailBlazer, though the Envoy ranked as the best new-vehicle value in this GM trio. Rivals such as the Acura MDX or Lexus RX 300/330 offer considerably more refinement than a Bravada, for a little more money. Resale values were further harmed by the phase out of Oldsmobiles, so there should be good buys at dealerships.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Oldsmobile Bravada Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 55 |
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.
Blower motor:
Blower may not operate or may run on requiring revised blower motor control module. (2003-04)
Climate control:
The radio station presets and the climate control settings may suddenly change because the buttons on the driver's door get easily bumped, requiring reprogramming to prevent a change while the vehicle is in gear. (2002)
Electrical problem:
Early production vehicles had numerous electrical problems due to corroded wiring harness connectors in the front doors and/or chaffed or broken wires in the steering column wiring harness. (2002)
Engine fan noise:
The fan may run excessively and/or the transmission may shift late, requiring reprogramming of the engine control computer. (2002)
Engine mounts:
Cylinder liners were cracking on 4.2-liter engines and the engine warranty was extended to 7 years/100,000 miles. (2002)
Ignition switch:
The transmission may get stuck in third gear, and the instrument panel may stop working due to failure of the ignition switch. (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 | $510 |
| Alternator | $640 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,950 |
| Brakes | $600 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,325 |
| Exhaust System | $375 |
| Radiator | $425 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,105 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $650 |
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 |
|
|
|||
| 2004 | |||
| Bravada AWD | $11,100-12,200 | $10,000-11,000 | $6,000-6,600 |
| Bravada RWD | $10,000-11,000 | $9,000-9,900 | $5,200-5,700 |
| 2003 | |||
| Bravada AWD | $9,000-10,000 | $8,100-9,000 | $4,700-5,200 |
| Bravada RWD | $8,000-9,000 | $7,200-8,100 | $4,100-4,600 |
| 2002 | |||
| Bravada AWD | $7,400-8,400 | $6,700-7,600 | $3,700-4,200 |
| Bravada RWD | $6,500-7,400 | $5,700-6,500 | $2,900-3,300 |
|
|
|||
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. | 113.0 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 191.6 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 71.9 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4600 | |
| 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. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
An inline six-cylinder engine, rated at 270 (later 275) horsepower, went into all Bravadas. A four-speed automatic was the sole transmission. Bravadas may have either rear-drive or all-wheel drive.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I6 | 4.2 / 256 | 270-275 | 275 | 4-speed automatic: 15/21 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
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
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.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 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2002 w/air suspension:
Brief electrical spike can occur while vehicle is moving, causing engine to stall and, if it damages the powertrain control module, not restart.
2002:
Front passenger and driver seat belt retractors may become inoperative, resulting in the occupant being improperly restrained during braking. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2002:
One of two sensors in front seat belt retractors could be inoperative, preventing belt from restraining occupant as intended during a crash.
2002:
Upon start up, some vehicle's instrument control panels intermittently do not fully power up. Dealer will inspect and reprogram panel.
2002-03:
Certain overrides, like the ability for the ignition key to be removed in a position other than park, exist that violate theft protection standards. Dealer will eliminate these conditions.
2002-03:
Driver visibility may become impaired due to faulty windshield wipes. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2002-03:
Owner's manual doesn't adequately explain child restraint anchorage system. Dealers will send vehicle owners a supplement to their manual.
2002-04:
Vibration and heat may cause taillamp/stoplamp bulb to loosen and flicker, eventually becoming inoperative.
2003:
Defective front brake pipes were installed on some vehicles, reducing front brake performance. Dealer will inspect and replace all affected parts.
2003-04:
Moving turn-signal lever up or down in normal way may cause front marker/turn lights and rear turn lights to flash in a manner similar to the hazard warning.
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