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The rebuilding of the Oldsmobile division started late in 1994 with the introduction of the brilliant Aurora luxury sedan.

The stylish Aurora set the standard for value and excellence in $30,000 luxury cars and has been a tremendous success for Olds.

With the all-new Bravada, the next phase of Oldsmobile’s resurgence is under way. And I wouldn’t be surprised if the ’96 Bravada sets the standard for mid-priced luxury-oriented sport-utilities.

With demand for upscale sport-utilities exploding, the new Bravada is arriving on the scene at an almost perfect time. Ford can’t build enough Explorers; the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been red-hot since the day it was introduced; and Oldsmobile’s sister divisions – Chevrolet and GMC – have solid hits on their hands with the Chevy Blazer and GMC Jimmy.

The ’96 Bravada is a distant relative of the Chevy and GMC sport-utilities. Indeed, one look at the newest Oldsmobile will show you that this acorn didn’t fall too far from the GM sport-utility family tree. Bravada shares some of the same body and mechanical parts as the Jimmy and Blazer.

But it is no clone.

Bravada is the only General Motors vehicle that comes standard with the company’s SmartTrack all-wheel-drive system. Also, Bravada is outfitted with a warm and comfortable interior, one that I think may very well be best in class.

Olds started building the well-equipped Bravada last month. Dealers should be fully stocked with 1996 models by the end of February. If you’ve got your heart set on a rugged, attractive, well-equipped sport-utility vehicle and you don’t want to be nickled and dimed with options, I suggest giving the Bravada serious consideration.

PERFORMANCE

From the minute you start the Bravada’s engine, you’ll discover that this is one sport-utility vehicle that is a cut above the rest in mechanical refinement.

The engine is as smooth and quiet as that of a Lexus. Were it not for the tachometer needle resting slightly above zero, you would have little indication that the 4.3-liter, 190-horsepower V-6 was running.

Ford, Jeep and Land Rover offer V-8 engines in their competitive sport-utilities, but the Bravada doesn’t need anything more than a V-6. It will tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the optional ($210) towing package. By comparison, Jeep’s V-8 Grand Cherokee has a 5,000-pound towing capacity.

In fact, the Bravada’s performance is worthy of extended applause, if not a standing ovation. It never leaves you wishing for anything. Olds engineers have tuned the Bravada to deliver quick acceleration from a start and terrific passing power in the 35- to 55-mph range.

Olds builds the Bravada with a four-speed automatic transmission and the SmartTrack system. Manual transmission and two-wheel drive are not offered. The four-speed automatic moves through its gears in a supremely smooth, well-managed manner. SmartTrack doesn’t appear to sap much po wer from the engine, although there is no way to tell, because the system can’t be disengaged. Our test Bravada returned a combined 20 mpg in combined city-highway driving. EPA rates the Bravada at 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.

HANDLING

The Bravada proved its roadworthiness as I guided the four-door, 4,000 pound vehicle along snowy Detroit highways and streets ridden with potholes.

One reason sport-utility vehicles are the hottest thing on wheels is the feeling of security they give the driver. For one thing, you sit a bit higher in a sport-utility and get a better view of the road. For another, something like a 6-foot thick pile of snow or a large pothole isn’t going to slow down a sport-utility.

When you drive a Bravada in these conditions, you appreciate your purchase even more. It offers a very sturdy ride, is not bothered by wind gusts from passing semi trailers, and doesn’t shake, rattle and roll over the rough stuff.

No matter the condi ion of the road you are driving over, the Bravada likely will not lose its footing. The SmartTrack system sends power to the wheels that have the greatest traction. The system senses when either the front or rear wheels begin to slip and changes the delivery of power accordingly. The system worked well on Detroit’s icy, snowy roads. SmartTrack also is fully automatic; there are no second shift levers or buttons on the dash.

The Bravada’s suspension system delivers an amazingly smooth and quiet ride. Olds likes to call it a truck, but it rides more like a mid-size sports sedan.

The power-assisted steering is crisp and responsive, but the 39-foot turning ratio is a bit wide.

All Bravadas are equipped with a strong set of power-assisted front disc/rear drum anti-lock brakes.

FIT AND FINISH

Olds interior decorators looked to the Aurora for inspiration when they designed the Bravada’s passenger compartment.

The comfortable leather seats are virtually identical to those in the Aurora, and the door panels are classy and well-made. The window switches are nicely designed and brightly lighted for easy use at night. There is ample foot, leg and head room front and rear.

Hauling cargo should be no problem. Once the split rear seats are folded forward, the long, flat cargo area is capable of swallowing something as large as a mountain bike.

Inside, a nicely styled floor shifter, its housing trimmed in wood, is the first thing that attracts your attention. It gives the Bravada’s interior a sporty and luxurious ambience. And the seats are excellent, supporting the body in all the right areas.

Olds seems to have gotten just right all the things that a driver frequently touches. The windshield wiper switch, for instance, has firm detents, the air conditioner controls in the center of the console allow the driver to adjust the temperature easily and quickly, and the large, easy-to-read buttons on the radio allowfor quick adjustments to the sound system.

I’m convinced Oldsmobile has a winner here.

Dollar for dollar, the new Bravada offers more room and equipment than just about every imported vehicle in its class. But its real competition will come from the Ford Explorer Limited and Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, the two upscale sport-utilities from GM’s domestic competitors.

The Bravada’s only serious shortcoming is that it has a driver’s side air bag only; most of its competitors have dual air bags. Olds will install a passenger-side air bag in the next model year.

Still, the Bravada is one of the most comfortable, well-equipped and refined vehicles in its class.

Truett’s tip: The growing pack of luxury-oriented sport-utilities has a new leader – the 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada. This well-appointed four-wheel-drive vehicle is built like a Lexus and offers a solid value.