1999 Oldsmobile Bravada 4.3 Vortec

Summary:

Would make a great boat anchor

Faults:

4WD stuck. Fixed one time while it was still under warranty. It was a very expensive fix at $700.00.

Ball joints and tie rod ends have had to be changed out three times now.

Intake manifold gasket has gone out two times.

It has gone through three radiators, and two water pumps.

The heat actuator door had to be replaced because of no heat.

The heater core is bad now, and because of the location of it, it is not an easy fix. Repair manual says it is a 7 hour job to replace.

The fuel pump went out.

Several sets of brake pads and rotors over the years. And tires wearing because of continual wearing out of ball joints and tie rod ends.

The temperature control knob no longer works, and heat is either high, or no heat.

Engine coolant lines changed out two times.

Catalytic converter went out.

General Comments:

I have owned a lot of vehicles in my life, but none has cost me as much as this vehicle has. I feel I paid too much for it as a used vehicle, but I felt that 56,000 was low miles when I purchased it.

It has been nothing but constant trouble. It has a lot of good qualities that I like, like the 6 disc CD player, and the radio controls on the steering wheel, but even that has stopped working.

I feel it has plenty of power, but it is horrible on gas.

Everything has been gone through at the dealership to check it, and I keep up on all the maintenance.

When it is extremely cold out, I may only get 12 MPG or less.

I have receipts that show that I have paid out about $15,000 in repairs so far, and I get deals on repairs where I live. I worked in the auto parts business for 18 years, so I know a lot about cars. This one is the worst I have ever had.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th January, 2013

31st Jan 2013, 21:58

If you know a lot about cars, then why didn't you do some of the repairs, like radiators and water pumps yourself? Still cheaper than getting the deals at the mechanics where you live.

1999 Oldsmobile Bravada 4.3 vortec

Summary:

Best vehicle I will probably ever own.

Faults:

Only a few things have gone wrong with the car since I have owned it. Simple suspension problems quite common in GM SUV's and I've had the fuel pump replaced.

General Comments:

At 255000 miles it runs just as well as it did when my parents bought it brand new. It starts flawlessly, sounds great and preformes outstandingly for the miles that it has accumulated.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st July, 2007

1999 Oldsmobile Bravada gasoline V6

Summary:

It handles like a dump truck and has the get up and go of a stage coach

Faults:

This car has been the least reliable car I have ever owned.

I have put so much into maintaining this car and it's starting to get ridiculous. I am on my third transmission. Alternator went twice in one week. Numerous brake replacements. The fuel pump has gone at least three times (maybe more?).

Gas mileage has declined gradually since I bought the car.

The paint chips easily and the interior has worn poorly.

Overall I have been very dissatisfied by this vehicle.

General Comments:

Overpriced, but fairly well equipped.

Very pricey to maintain as it breaks down often and gas mileage has declined.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd June, 2004

1999 Oldsmobile Bravada S?UV V6

Summary:

OK, but I would not buy another one

Faults:

I have had some real problems with the lower ball joints, at 65000 miles I'm getting ready to put the 3rd set in, I will do this myself, I think I can do it as good as the dealer.

After about 5000 miles it developed a shake in the front end the dealer said there is nothing wrong, but after about 10,000 miles they changed the oil in the front differential and the problem went away. Gas mileage could be better, and the 1999 is under powered.

General Comments:

Nice ride and it has never let me out on the road stranded, I have not any electrical problems and the AWD works well,

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th November, 2003

10th Jun 2006, 22:01

I own a 1999 Bravada that has had several ball joints replaced. It is amazing how much the dealer will charge for a part that cost $20 (I learned it after I decided to put the 2nd or 3rd one on myself). I also am having a click, clacking, clunking noise when driving between 10-30mph..anyone else having this problem?