2002 Oldsmobile Bravada consumer reviews

The Bravada is good looking, comfortable and in my case, very reliable. Bought mine used 5 years ago and have had hardly any problems. It does have its quirks such as the rear view mirrors that rarely go back to the right place on start-up but just turn the feature off and they stay put. Also, forget the Michelin CrossTerrain Tires in snow or ice and get Pirelli Scorpion Ice and Snow tires and you will be good to go. Rides better too. Nice ride at a good price, plenty of room to haul stuff, go camping, good towing power and reasonable gas mileage on regular unleaded (saves a bunch of $). Not perfect but like my old Levi's, will probably continue to be around awhile because they fell right.

Since GM discontinued the Oldsmobile line, buyers will find they have leverage when making a used car deal. Vastly better styling then the other GM triplets, known as Trailblazer and Envoy (IMO). I've find the vehicle to have outstanding performance with reasonable fuel milage for a 4000+ lb. AWD/SUV. Seats have plenty of support for larger than average height drivers. Short leg drivers might find the seats a bit big (long) wife said. Interior seems "form fitting" and has small center console with oddly placed cup holders. Purchased used (98000 miles) as a "extra" vehicle for long trips in the mountains and for towing (3500lb). My research has found most "problems" happen within thw first 75000 miles such as starter relays, fan clutch, drive train, etc. The engine,(4.2 L6)is bullet proof and has won numerous awards. Many of these engines have well over 200000 miles and continue to perform admirably. Transmission might be weak link, so maintenance would be helpful. Small problems such as storage door latch, rear window release button, seat heaters are items that plague GM products but are easily repaired. Over all the "bones" of the vehicle are top notch and will last a long time. The air suspension for the rear axle seems to be a problem area, although I have not experienced this, but many parts companies offer coil spring replacements similar to the Trailblazer set up. My search critera for this type vehicle was less than 100k, AWD/4WD, Tow at least 3500lbs. and less than $7000. I'm happy with this vehicle.

I do like this vehicle. But one thing I don't like is that we bought it used 5 years ago and the deeler had to turn the rotors before we could take it home. We have to do this every year for the past 5 years. Now I was driving it yesterday and it is starting to pulse again. So I guess I will set up an appointment to have it worked on again. I'am getting tired of this and it is costing me $$$$$.

The Bravada has many nice features but has some weird things that I don't like, every time I get in the mirrors go to some weird setting and they have to be reset, I have asked the dealership about this and they are unable or unwilling to help, it doesn't do this every time but enough to be a pain. The latest problem is the vehicle does not know where to split the power to front and rear axel, good thing this is Summer or this could cause an accident, after 4 trips to the shop and spending $$$$ I think that the latest fix might do it. I traded a Jeep for this that was a piece of junk I think my next SUV will not be an American one, I have tried to buy American but I think this is it.

Though Oldsmobile is no longer, this model has much to offer. In comparison to it's GM siblings, the Olds version of this SUV is great. The power is outstanding for a 6 cylinder, the fuel economy is acceptable for those who insist on driving an SUV, the features offered (leather heated seats, Driver Info Center, air compressor in rear, Bose audio system, and much much more). You feel like a million dollars when driving this vehicle not only because of the incredibly comfortable seats, and for a big fella like me, comfortable seats are hard to find in today's cars. It's a great edition to my family.