EDMUNDS.COM 2004 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
With nearly identical models available from GMC and Chevrolet, we don''t see any compelling reason to buy the soon-to-be-discontinued Bravada.
Pros
Powerful engine, long list of standard features, plush highway ride.
Cons
Skittish handling around corners, numb steering, some low-grade interior materials, resale value likely to plunge quickly.
What''s New for 2004
In its last year of production, the Bravada receives satellite radio as its only notable new option.
Overview
Introduction:
Oldsmobile''s Bravada has never exactly been a class leader. But, since its introduction over a decade ago, it has managed to haul itself up from low-rung status and begin to hold its own in the very competitive midsize SUV segment. Unfortunately, with the Oldsmobile brand heading toward retirement after this year, the Bravada''s days are numbered.Since its introduction in 1991, the Bravada has undergone a couple of redesigns, one in 1996 and another in 2002. The more recent of its overhauls left the Bravada with many attractive new features. On the outside, the ''ute got a pleasing face-lift, with sleeker sheet metal and a sophisticated new look. The Bravada also experienced something of a growth spurt, expanding to become 10 inches longer and five inches taller than its predecessor, and offering an additional nine cubic feet of cargo volume. And, best of all, it got a new 4.2-liter inline six that increased horsepower from the previous generation''s 190 to a scathing 270. For 2003, the engine got a small boost to 275. All this makes the Bravada a good choice -- but not a great one. Ride quality is soft and comfortable, but handling around corners is sloppy. Some of the interior materials are noticeably low in quality. And resale values are likely to plummet following Oldsmobile''s impending demise. In a segment that boasts more universally appealing contenders like the Acura MDX, Mercury Mountaineer, Toyota 4Runner, Volkswagen Touareg and Volvo XC90, the Bravada is no better than average.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Bravada is available in one four-door body style in both two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. Standard features on both models include 17-inch wheels, privacy glass, leather seats with eight-way power adjustment, dual-zone climate control, a CD player, full power accessories and OnStar telematics. On the options list are goodies such as a driver-seat memory system, heated front seats, an upgraded Bose stereo, XM Satellite Radio, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and polished aluminum wheels. On AWD models, you can also get a load-leveling rear air suspension that improves ride and handling characteristics when the Bravada is carrying heavy loads of passengers and cargo.
Powertrains and Performance:
The Bravada is powered by a potent 4.2-liter inline six generating 275 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard. Towing capacity is 6,200 pounds for the 2WD Bravada; the AWD iteration can trailer up to 6,100 pounds. EPA mileage ratings are 16 city/22 highway on 2WD models and 15/21 on AWD models.
Safety:
Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard on all Bravadas, with side-impact airbags (for front occupants) available as an option. Additionally, traction control is standard on 2WD models. In NHTSA crash testing, the Bravada received three out of five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts. Side-impact tests resulted in a perfect five-star rating for both front and rear passengers. However, in frontal offset crash tests administered by the IIHS, the Bravada received a "Marginal" rating, the second lowest possible.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The Bravada''s interior is more welcoming than the cabins of its Chevrolet and GMC counterparts. Leather and restrained touches of wood trim add tasteful, low-key opulence to its cabin; there''s a fair amount of plastic in evidence, but it has a pleasingly textured feel. Some of the materials used are low in quality, though, particularly the switchgear. Maximum cargo volume with the rear seats folded is 83 cubic feet.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The feisty inline six hustles the ''ute along with authority, bestowing it with phenomenal passing power and the ability to effortlessly mount even the steepest of inclines. On pavement, the Bravada delivers a quiet, near-sedan-smooth ride. But push it hard into a corner, and its soft setup gets out of sorts quickly. Additionally, the steering offers little in the way of road feel.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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