2002 Oldsmobile Bravada from North America

Summary:

Fantastic

Faults:

Transfer case had to be re-programed because the All-Wheel-Drive wasn't engaging. Installed new blower for the heater. Front turn signal lights have been replaced because they quit working. Factory issued tire replaced because of bubble in sidewall. Black covering on stereo console knobs will need to be replaced or fixed because it's starting to wear off (I swear, I'm not a stereo hound). Mirrors are being looked at to see if there is a programming problem.

General Comments:

Handles very well, especially in the mountains where we get lots of snow.

Plenty of room for camping gear, skis, mountain bikes, dogs, people, groceries, etc.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th January, 2004

2002 Oldsmobile Bravada Vortec 4.2 Inline 6 from North America

Summary:

A great compromise of utility and luxury

Faults:

Clock-spring wire in steering wheel shorted out at 8000 miles, resulting in shorted electronics in dash and inoperable seat controls. Dealer was very thorough and conscientious in repairing problem. Seat computers and entire dash unit was replaced.

Transmission oil in front crankcase replaced at 25000 miles to solve slow-speed grinding problem.

Lower section of both rear doors repainted at 33000 miles to repair stone chips resulting from designer's failure to place either chip guard material or running boards on this model.

Memory for outside mirror positioning finally disconnected at 35000 miles. No one can locate problem, but they still don't work right. I'm tired of repositioning them!

General Comments:

This is the best compromise between utility and comfort that I've ever driven. I average over 20 mpg in combined driving, it pulls my 5500lb boat with ease, and it accelerates like no other truck I've had. Much better than the Durango models I have previously owned.

Seating and interior is top-notch.

Styling is wonderful, but needed running board option like its stable-mates (Envoy and Trailblazer).

Needs override switch to lock 4wd in place.. All wheel drive is reactive, I'd feel better if I KNEW it was in 4-wheel mode. Buying Envoy would solve this issue.. and they ride better, too.

Snow handling with stock Michelin tires is surprisingly poor.

On-board air compressor has been used countless times.. how did I live without this little gem before?

I'll never buy a black car again!

Despite some nagging little things (like the mirror problem) this is one wonderful vehicle!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th November, 2002

9th May 2003, 11:57

I also have problems with mirrors, cannot disengage mirror and it already caused one accident.

23rd May 2003, 07:32

I just purchased a pre-owned '02 Bravada, and it had the mirror problem as well. Dealership replaced both mirrors and they are working fine now. Even if your Bravada is out of warranty, contact your dealer or the Olds zone office and ask them to replace the mirrors.

8th Dec 2003, 13:08

Have an 02 Envoy runs great love the vehicle, but the darn drivers side mirror keeps pointing to the sky. Won t hold memory and is really dangerous! Have taken it to the dealer 6 times and they have done everything to try and fix it but haven't been successfull.

8th Jul 2004, 18:06

Have you driven an Envoy? I have driven an Envoy, Bravada, and Trailblazer and I would say the Envoy was the absolute worst.

24th May 2007, 06:16

The Envoy, Trailblazer and bravada are the same crap. just different looks.

2002 Oldsmobile Bravada SUV Smarttrak 270HP inline 6 from North America

Summary:

Excellent ride, gas economy is poor

Faults:

On board computer controlling the horn, heater and brakes malfunctioned. Re-programming the computer seems to have fixed the problem for now.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th November, 2001