1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4.3 Liter V6 from North America

Summary:

It sucks

Faults:

Wipers worked when they wanted to. Replaced wiper motor.

Tape deck quit working.

CD player works OK, but overheats and quits playing CDs.

Have to replace battery at least twice a year.

Transmission has gone out.

General Comments:

I'll never buy another Oldsmobile or GM product ever again. They are overpriced and more headache than anything.

I have to replace the battery at least twice a year. I tried to do a tune up on it, and realized that they made the Bravada so you couldn't do it yourself. I took it to the local dealer and they charged me $400, and didn't even change the plug wires.

They made this vehicle so you would have to take it to a dealer to have it worked on. Not good business practice. If I spend that much money on a vehicle, I would like to be able to do simple maintenance on it.

I'll never buy another American made car again. I'm getting a Toyota!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd July, 2007

12th Jan 2008, 11:02

GM isn't American made, it's American owned... DF.

1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4.3 liter V6 from North America

Summary:

Overall, I have been satisfied though a few things could have been better

Faults:

I have had to replace the battery twice, at about 3 year intervals. This may have been caused by overcharging as the voltage was usually at about 14.5V with the engine running.

The alternator failed (no output, but not seized) after about 6 years and 60K miles.

The water pump started leaking after about 7 years and 66K miles.

The AWD control module failed after about 5 years and 60K miles.

The cassette player failed (cassette still stuck in player) after 6 years. The CD player and radio are still working.

The AC compressor is making some unusual noises when the clutch is engaged, but the AC is still cooling adequately. I first noticed this noise after 6 years and 60K miles.

General Comments:

This car handles and performs well for an SUV.

The interior is reasonably quiet and the ride is not harsh, unlike many SUVs made at that time.

Fuel economy is mediocre with an average of about 16 MPG. I've gotten up to 20 MPG on the freeway only, but city MPG is near 12.

Front seats are very comfortable and among the best I've seen in any vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th February, 2006

1998 Oldsmobile Bravada from North America

Summary:

Money pit on wheels

Faults:

Transmission went out at 71,000 miles, and the dealer says that they know there was a defect with the transmission, but they will not cover the cost for the repair.

Windshield wiper problems.

Headlights not working.

AWD problems.

Cooling system problems.

Control arm & ball joint problems.

And the list just goes on & on.

General Comments:

Everyone that has had problems with Blazer, Jimmy, & Bravada needs to file a complaint with www.nhtsa.dot.gov. Don't let GM get away with this. Some of these problems should have been recalled.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 31st January, 2006

15th Aug 2007, 20:37

How true. This vehicle is a money pit!!! intake manifolds, fuel pump. water pump, radiator, transmission problems, ball joints, hub bearing assembly, and the list goes on. Crow-hopping! Must take 3 point turns. Mustn't forget transfer case.

10th Oct 2007, 09:29

I bought the 1998 Olds Bravada and have driven it now for a year (it was used of course. The first thing to go was the windshield wipers. The motor and all needs replaced and will be going into the shop. Along with this problem, my transmission now has no 2nd gear so now the transmission needs fixed. It only has 76,000 miles on it. Who do I talk to about this? Do the dealers help with any reimbursements on a sucky vehicle with defects like this?

20th Oct 2010, 18:30

I replaced the transfer case, had a 650.00 transmission repair, complete muffler replaced, A/C compressor went, now it's nearing winter, I live in Michigan with a baby, and I now have no heat.

No mechanic I have gone to can figure out why, they put in a new thermostat, flushed the system, did all kinds of things and still no heat. To the tune of 300 so far. I want to take it from the mechanic where it is now, but he has me sunk with all the money I have paid him. Now when I call him, he laughs.

I go over 40 and the heat goes from hot to cold. Most all my driving is freeway driving, I have to travel to work and back, to day care and back, and NO heat. Has anyone else had that problem? Or can anyone give me any ideas?

Thanks kborden925@comcast.net. Any comments or suggestions will be gladly appreciated. Thanks.