1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4.3 Liter High Output V6 from North America

Summary:

Problem prone and expensive to operate

Faults:

Font Pinion Seal leaking when purchased at 71,000 Miles.

Rear brake rotors rusted up and pads worn down in rear at 71,000 miles.

Power steering had a slight leak that sealer cured at 71,000 miles.

Turn Signal light bulbs tend to burn out and license plate bulb as well.

Had Radiator flushed at 71,000 miles and developed an external coolant leak after that and sealer doesn't stop it.

Leather Drivers seat is showing wear, and Power Lumbar heats up and melts a fuse/relay in fuse panel, so it has to be left disconnected.

Rough Engine Idle even after a comprehensive engine tuneup.

Air Conditioning blows hot, appears to have a slow leak somewhere, as it worked 2 months ago when purchased.

Transmission doesn't seem to want to down shift when it gets hot, the vehicle loses power.

Despite brakes in good condition now, they still make noise.

General Comments:

Gas mileage is poor.

Comfortable ride, poor handling though.

Seems to be prone to several expensive repairs every month.

I have owned several of General Motors vehicles before and have had good luck with them, but this one is a lemon.

No wonder it only had 70,000 miles on it when I bought it in 2005, it is in the shop more than it is on the road.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th September, 2005

1997 Oldsmobile Bravada from North America

Faults:

I have recently had some serious problems with my Bravada. Mostly Electrical in nature. Recently, after having had the battery replaced, it just stopped while I was driving. The tow truck driver could hardly shift it out of drive, due to the lost power. It has now been at the repair shop for over a week. They can't figure it out, although they assure me they will. It's very wierd.

General Comments:

I bought my Bravada in 1999 and initially I had very few problems with it. Strangely enough, right after I finished paying it off, I starting having serious problems. I guess I should be lucky it lasted longer than my payments. Of course I would have liked to have it last longer while I was making no payments. Go figure. Worst thing is, I am willing to pay to get it fixed, but the repair shop I took it to is apparently not having any luck. I'm not sure what to do at this point. I am not confident they'll be able to fix it.

For the most part, I loved my Bravada. It got me through some really rough times. I guess I just thought it would last forever. Aside from the recent problems, I really don't have anything bad to say about it. It was strong, sturdy & good looking. The repair shop says that the problems are electrical, which of course is logical considering the fact that Bravada's are one of the most electrical cars on the road.

I really never thought it would come to this, but I think I better start looking for something else. Didn't want another car note, but no other option.

Anybody know of a really good car, that'll last well beyond it's payments, typically 5 years?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 10th June, 2005

11th Jun 2005, 23:26

Try the GMC Sierra, especially the 1999 year model. This truck rides like a Cadillac and the power is awesome- instantaneous! Go with the 5300 series engine, 270 horses.

1997 Oldsmobile Bravada V6 from North America

Summary:

I got a great car at a great price and still own it

Faults:

Crack in plastic on radiator diagnosed as head gasket failure by dealer at 146,000 miles.

At 155,000 miles, the wipers can't decide if it is delay or on.

General Comments:

This Bravada has been the best vehicle I have ever owned (I am 56 years old). Very reliable on long trips or daily travel to work.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th April, 2005

1997 Oldsmobile Bravada from North America

Summary:

Resale value is terrible, I wouldn't buy another one

Faults:

Electrical problems began shortly after purchase.

Transmission became sluggish in low gears.

Rear bearings began to growl.

Leather seats wore quickly.

There was always a lot of "extra noise" in the car: squeaks, vibrations.

General Comments:

We never knew when we got in the car if the wipers, power locks, power seats, CD player, or turn signals would work. There were obvious problems in the wiring.

The car would sometimes jerk forward while trying to shift in low gears.

The factory stereo had great sound.

The All Wheel Drive was good for living in the country, but the other problems made it a hassle to own.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st January, 2005