Once Around the Block

1996 Oldsmobile Bravada

By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor

The sport-utility-vehicle market is the hottest thing going since the original Mustang hit the scene. In order to play in the game, you have to have a vehicle. So, borrowing from the Chevy and GMC division Oldsmobile has its own SUV. This upscale SUV provides more amenities than the corporate twins and boasts the image of the Oldsmobile division toward younger buyers.

Safety is provided via standard driver's airbag, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights and Oldsmobiles' 'SmartTrak' full-time, 4-wheel drive system. Motivation is provided through the corporate 4.3L, Vortec V6, which relies on a 4-speed, automatic transmission to get the power to the pavement. The V6 has plenty of power but is burdened by the 'SmartTrak' system, making the Bravada sluggish.

As a luxury sport-utility, the Bravada is loaded with amenities. All of the passengers sit in comfortable, specifically designed, leather seats; the driver even gets 6-way power controls. Power controls are abundant throughout the Bravada including: locks, mirrors, windows, keyless entry and a highly convenient lock button in the rear cargo area. Convenient cruise control and two 12-volt power outlets were also noted and welcome extras in the Bravada.

The Bravada also features an overhead trip computer including digital compass, outside temperature gauge and storage for a garage door opener. The transmission selector lever is upgraded from on the column to a floor mounted design. This design is better looking, more luxurious, out of the way, and easier to use. What would a luxury vehicle be without wood trim? The Bravada has some and it looks and feels like the real thing.

When GM decided to redesign the corporate SUV's it didn't initially include Oldsmobile, controversy soon ensued. John Rock, head of Oldsmobile wanted to redesign the rear cargo door opening; he wanted the gate to swing up, much like the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee. GM balked at this costly redesign. Not happy with GM's decision, Rock set out to find a way to make loading and unloading cargo easier for his customers. Thus, the invention of the 'Rock Box' this is the single best feature of the Bravada. The 'Rock Box' slides in and out, to the back of the tail gate, and holds cargo in place with a grippy surface and a convenient net. The 'Rock Box' is an Oldsmobile exclusive. Thumbs up to John Rock!

The EPA rates city mileage at 16 mpg and highway at 21 mpg. During our testing, we achieved a respectable 19 mpg. Our Bravada came with only standard equipment, which makes it one of the best standard feature lists, period. The total vehicle price was, including destination, $29,995, a down right bargain for a luxury SUV. A comparable Jeep Grand Cherokee or Ford Explorer would be well over $30,000.

In the past decade, the domestic auto makers have made great strides in quality. Unfortunately, the Oldsmobile Bravada and its' sister vehicles the GMC Jimmy, and Chevy Blazer seem to have been left behind. Road noise is excessive, for a luxury sport-utility-vehicle, and the passenger foot well is poorly designed. The passenger is unable to set their feet flat on the floor.

The Bravada functions well, but problems are evident throughout the vehicle. The biggest example is the interior door panels that literally vibrate while driving over any semi-rough pavement, let alone a dirt road. The Ford Explorer and the Jeep Grand Cherokee, key competitors in this price range, do not have such problems. Frankly, it is disappointing to find these types of problems in any vehicle made today.