Faults:

Transmission died at 80,000. Replaced with a Jasper, rebuilt at 130,000.

Engine replaced with a rebuild at 100,000.

Lots of little problems.

Drivers side door hinge pins need replaced.

General Comments:

I spend more in repairs in a year on this than I spent on my 1986 Honda in its entire lifetime.

Something is always going wrong with it. Always making new noises.

On the other hand, it is long paid off and the repairs are far cheaper than car payments.

On the positive side. It never ever ever gets stuck - alright there was that once when I drove it into a deep snow bank and managed to get all four wheels off the ground. I have used it to unstick all kinds of other vehicles - cars, tractors. I once used it to pull a skidsteer out of the mud.

Did I mention - never gets stuck!

Also tows really really really good. This does not appear to be true of all Bravada's. I have borrowed newer ones from two friends. Everything seems to be the same but the model year, but theirs do not tow nearly as well. I have towed at least double its rated capacity - probably a lot more without difficulty.

Not dinky little 5x8 garden tractor trailers - but trailers with pintle hitches and capacities rated in tons. Have more trouble towing long things than heavy things.

When it dies, there is no chance I will buy another.

At the same time, I am willing to pay a couple of thousand a year to keep it working because I will miss it when it is gone.

Faults:

Engine caught fire Saturday 9/22/07 on my 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada! Fire Dept said that it looked like battery area started it, but a part near the windshield (under the hood) on the passenger side was nearly melted also. Battery exploded (DuraLast 75 purchased 3/07) and flames were above the top of the car, but it doesn't look like that much damage under the hood. I am going to have it towed somewhere. Afraid to bring it to last Orange County, CA mechanic (who came with excellent long-term references) who replaced the a/c compressor (used?) just 4 weeks ago. The car sat for a week before it caught fire. The engine was turned off for approximately 15 min. before fire started. Perhaps the battery was disconnected during compressor replacement?

Has anyone had this experience? Defect in car, battery, a/c compressor?

I am a single mom and don't know anything about that stuff under the hood of the car! Help!

Barbara@physikos.com.

General Comments:

This has been a great, comfortable and reliable car.

Faults:

Air-conditioning.

Alternator.

Water pump.

Wiper motors

Turn signals

Hard Shifting

Ball joints

Front axles.

General Comments:

This vehicle is a piece of garbage. I still can't believe the amount of money I have sunk in repair costs.

The thing is sitting in my backyard now, while I decide if I want to replace the water pump or not. It is amazing to think, that this truck with its beautiful exterior is a worthless piece of garbage. It's to the point that I can't sell this to anyone in good conscience, so I guess it's between getting the freaking thing fixed for the 10th time, or donating it to charity.

I hate to say it, but this is the last US made vehicle I will own. I just bought a Honda, and plan to keep buying Honda's until American car manufacturers get it together.