Used 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Bravada, so we've included reviews for other years of the Bravada since its last redesign.
I got a good one!!!!!
painter23814@yahoo.com, 11/26/2015
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
200000 miles and still going! i have traveled all over the us with this truck and i must say i am very impressed! wish they would build suvs like that now a days! my new jeep.....junk compared to my trusty Bravada which I might add is still running and driving to this day! all in all its all in how you take care of it! I would buy another Bravada any day!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
155k and still going
FATBOY-AZ, 04/18/2007
1996 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1996 Bravada in 2001 with 38000 miles on it. I've had the typical domestic car repairs, but overall this has been an incredible SUV. Plenty of power. I pull my 2k lb camper through the AZ mountains 4-5 times per year without concern. My Bravada currently has 155k miles, A/C blows ice cold, rides like glass at 75mph, and it is the most comfortable of all mid-size SUVs I've ridden in. Overall, I believe this is one of the best built SUVs on the market for 1996. I will drive this until the wheels fall off, but at this rate that should be well over 300k.
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See all 0 listingsNot a bad car, Not great either
123, 06/30/2009
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for about 4 years. Bought the car used with 40k on it and now it is up to 100k. Have not had any major problems with it until now. The ball joints need to be replaced and the mechanic I took it to wants to replace all the seals and steering rods in the front with the ball joints. Other than that only small things have gone wrong with it. The fuel gauge broke and I replaced it and then it broke again so I just go by the mileage now. The car gets horrible gas mileage, An average of 12 to 15 mpg.
Good bang for the buck
bandd, 07/15/2003
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought it in 1998 with 16K miles. Transmission went out at 40K. Luckily, with a lot of complaining, GM put a new one in for free (kudos GM). It now has 104K and I've replaced break pads, belt tensioner and the water pump. After the tranny, it wasn't too bad. I like the way it drives. It's great in the snow. Can't say I would buy another one because the reliability is suspect but I enjoy mine now. Plan on driving it till it dies. Everything is working great now...knock on wood.
Bravada, our generation's EDSEL!
proofed, 02/11/2010
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 6 people found this review helpful
HI all, I am "mad as hell and I am not going to take ti anymore". Mostly at myself for buying what was meant to be a practical purpose, but the shine and the bells and the whistles sucked me in.To keep it as brief as possible, I bought this car as I needed a vehicle that could tow a boat and a small trailer. It fit the bill perfectly and I traded my SW2 Saturn Wagon, a good car, for this nightmare on elm street. I have been able to use it twice in two years to camp and to boat, a short trip. Overheating was # 1, Bad gas #2, complete cat replacement with 6 oxy sens #3,a 300 spider fuel injection unit #4,batt drain, as the genius who designed the switch made it too easy to leave on,more...
Hello Problems
dale, 01/24/2007
1996 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Hello new ball joints every two years, hello blown head gasket! Hello problems with the brake system. Good bye Oldsmobile.
Bravada, Edsel and Me
proofed, 02/11/2010
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 7 people found this review helpful
Back again, To all of you that wrote those glowing reviews, I salute you and your luck. I do believe you are living in denial,however but that is my opinion. I have to tell the truth, yes, it is a beautiful car with luxury appointments etc and was wonderful for the two weeks that I didn;t have to work on it. It shines like a new penny, the leather is soft, but if it sits in your drive looking pretty, it is like a trophy wife who chooses to sleep on the couch. As I type, I have spent another night tracing ground faults, bad parts, and now suspect the keyremote unit for some of this. I already had it to the eletrician for a week and $500, who fixed only the low voltage standard for the engine
Not bad if you ask me.
Gundy1024, 12/27/2002
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
We have only had this vehicle for a year but have been really happy with it. I bought it with 35k miles and have put about 10k on it since then. Other than less than average fuel economy and having to replace a belt tensioner pulley I can't say anything bad about it.
Run Away
zerosoma33, 04/14/2011
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
The only redeeming factor of my Bravada ownership was that I paid $700 for it and was able to use it during one harsh winter season. At the tail end of January, however, all of that ended for this vehicle. 123,000 miles. What a nightmare. Engine knock. Had it looked at, said it was the belts but didn't need to be replaced immediately. It also shut off sometimes while in reverse. One frosty January night the vehicle quit accelerating and wouldn't turn back on. I coasted it to a parking lot and had it towed. Flywheel broke off and damaged internal parts. Ruined the transmission. Now the vehicle will start but will not shift. Keys get stuck in ignition. Engine grinds like a lawnmower.
1st car
skittlesg2008, 03/31/2009
1996 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought my 96 bravada and it need some work. I replaced my upper intake gasket, common. Put new front drive shaft in and new brakes. Its my first car its perfect. Tons of room for wen me and my buddies all pile in and go fishin stuff like that. Very comfortable ride. Love the leather interior. No rust yet no Major problems, and I beat on it. I live in the snow belt, put new snow tires on it and handle the snow like a beast. No complaints at all! I love this car it couldnt be more reliable. And all these people sayin Major problems this and that I say find a better mechanic beca this vehicle is a tank! Ive also takin it muddin a couple times haha never got stuck never broke anything! Get on.
Good SUV overall
andrew84003, 08/26/2013
1996 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My family got this car back in 2002 when it had 60,000 miles on it. The biggest problem is the A/C kept breaking even after fixing it. It's good for towing things, we've towed 4-wheelers, a boat, and even a honda accord from Utah to Texas. Around 150,000 miles things started to fall apart little by little, and by 160,000 miles it became a money pit. Overall a very good car up until it hits higher miles. Not the most fuel efficient, but it's powerful and fun to drive, especially off roading.
Rating the Bravada
Mewithcars, 08/22/2002
1996 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It starts to have problem after problem after around 50,000 miles.
96' Bravada
Cars4me89, 12/21/2002
1996 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a nice car, but when the odometer turns around 60,000 miles you start taking it into the shop every 7,000 miles. This just happens to do this right after the warranty expires.
Bravadaistake
JakefromPa, 10/30/2003
1996 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Worst vehicle ever purchased. Constant repairs and numerous problems with fluid leaks of every type.Noisy and sluggish and unsteady on road.Radio system is horrible. Repairs have included steering box, door hinges,ignition switch,brakes,$800 to repair leaking gaskets and seals,brake rotors, $85 fan belt,engine lightstayed on,etc, etc
my bravada
MBarry55, 12/05/2003
1996 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this Bravada used for $8,000 with 42,000 miles on it. It's been great for me so far, only the spark plug wires needed replaced. It handles the snow here in PA just fine. Plenty of cargo room in the back, seats are very comfortable, no real complaints.
Our 26 year old Olds Bravada lives on in 2022
Jim S, 09/10/2022
1996 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought our Olds Bravada new in 1996 with the gold package, towing package and CD player, three of the few options that did not come standard. Put 257,000 miles on it, had both of our children use it as their high school vehicle, and drove it back and forth from WI to OH 40 or more times, through a blizzard of up to 20 inches in Indiana while my wife was 7 months pregnant with our first child that ended up shutting down interstates. We had the normal maintenance costs, brakes, suspension, etc. that were a fraction of the monthly payment of a new vehicle, but no major repairs. recently had some trouble with engine cutting out, which was a challenge to diagnose but eventually our repair shop figured it out. to this day the only rust was on the front tow hooks, the rear tow bar which we replaced, and a very small spot on the corner of the rear bumper. For us, we could not have asked for more from a vehicle, and to be able to say that it is still on the road should be all the testament needed to say what this vehicle deserves.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Happy owner
Carl, 04/17/2010
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Feel lucky and happy I bought my Bravada at a VERY GOOD PRICE 4 years ago. It needed brakes and tires when I bought it. That's all I've done to the car. Now the service light came on and dealer can't fix it after spending $1000. Runs great! Paint is better than newer cars on the road. I'm amazed at all the extras it came with it, all power moon roof, driver seat windows mirrors and ALL WORKS!
Bravada 1997
BeachBum409, 01/09/2003
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the Bravada new in 1997. I service it myself with oil & filter changes every 2000 miles. I've had no problems other than normal maintance since I've owned the vehicle. I'm at the 50,000 mile mark now with the vehicle. I've just performed the transmission flush, recharged air conditioner, changed rear end fluid, new Monroe (Reflex) shocks, new tires all around. Looked at the tranny tube for rust as told to do. Everything was fine.
Looks nice, but not a reliable ride
Nothing_But_Bad_Luck, 02/04/2003
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We've had nothing but bad luck with this vehicle. We purchased with only 12K miles and in the next 45K miles we've had a rebuilt transmission, a new transmission, a new radiator, a new water pump, a new alternator, problems with the fuel guage, etc. This vehicle still has less than 70K miles and we've had all these problems. I've lost any hope that US automakers can build a quality product.
quin
quin, 10/18/2003
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this vechicle rides very smoothly has good suspension.
50K + Buyer
mwoomer, 03/02/2003
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought car with 52,000 miles. Only problem was an oil filter line(cost ~$70). This is a poor GM design and they have since changed it. Runs great and is an absolute beast in the snow. I embarressed my roomate who owns a Jeep Cherokee during our "snow runs." Gas efficiency could be a little better. Nice amount of room, much more than the Cherokee. Looks great and feels good to drive.
The Bravada Experience
bravada, 05/28/2005
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Bravada about 15 months ago and overall it has been a wonderful experience driving it. I never liked SUV's before, now I'm hooked. The I still like my cars, I believe I will always have a SUV to sit beside it. It's handling is pretty much natural and the style puts you right with the other big time wheelers at a very reasonable price and equal style, always meeting the look of many $40,000 - $50,000 SUV you see riding around. I brought mine for $6,000 and it sat with the most expensive SUV's in the city. It raved with compliments from all who seen and expeienced it.
Very unhappy
Very unhappy, 02/17/2004
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car not knowing what I was doing...the transmission went out on us 1 year after purchace. The heating system went out along with several other machanical problems. I will never by another GM again!
Bought it old
J R, 02/23/2004
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We purchased this vehicle from a Dealer who knew it had issues. Typical is the Dex cool issue which used to eat up radiator and heater cores. We've a great mechanic and had to spend $2000 improving the vehicle but it now appears in great shape. You MUST change all the fluids periodically despite manufacturer recommendations. Expect to clean the injector manifold at about 75,000 and replace the intake manifold gasket. They will typically leak about then.
Bad money after bad
broke down, 04/27/2004
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had problems with this car from the get go. We've replaced the transmission, front differntial, bearings, fuel injectors, etc. I keep thinking that the car should be brand new by now, but like clockwork once a quater it is in the shop with a $1,000 plus bill. I could save for a new car if it would just run a few months without a mechanic's bill.
This truck sucks
FormerGMOwners, 06/26/2004
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The transmission went out the first year we owned it. Everytime we take this vehicle in for servicing it is $500 plus! It never has run right and the dealer seems to have no clue re how to fix it. It only has a little over 60k miles and we've replaced the alternator, A/C compressor, transfer case, etc. The air bag light never goes off (indicating a malfunction that nobody can seem to find), speakers go off for no known reason. I don't know how we'll ever get rid of this POS unless we find someone who will push it off the side a cliff and we can collect some insurance $. We wouldn't have another GM product if given to us.
1997 Olds Bravada
AKlein, 06/20/2005
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall a great SUV. Worst part is the fuel consumption. Seem to get only about 22-24 mpg on highway. I have had lots of A/C problems and cant solve the problem even with repeated visits to dealership. Wipers also seem to choose when to stop working.
Worst Vehicle Ever
CarOwner, 08/05/2005
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was the worst experience I have ever had with any vehicle. I had to replace the transmission at 56,000 miles, the alternator, serpentine belt, belt tensioner, brakes many times, major tune up at 60,000 miles, oxygen sensor, transfer case, complete air conditioning system, wiper motor, door hinge pins, many fuses, parts of the dash started falling off, idler arm, and last but not least an alighnment. I am sure I have forgotten something or many somethings. Please do not buy this vehicle, I lost so much money and it was so hard to resell due to its reputation. It is no wonder Oldsmobile is no more.
not reliable
not reliable, 04/07/2003
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
bought olds bravada three years ago had nothing but problems from the start the second day I drove it it wouldnt start the battery terminals were loose since then i have replaced wheel bearings and hub assembly THREE times twice on driver front once on passenger, also idler arm, ball joints (both sides upper and lower), new alternator, constant default in power windows, u joints, front differential....must i go on. I have only put on 30k since I got it. Maybe the whole vehicle should be recalled and our money plus some returned!!!!!! I have almost sucessfully put a new front end on my car!!!
no problems
jac65, 04/19/2003
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Runs great, 50K no problems,take care of it and drive.
Best car I ever had
Jim, 09/09/2007
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car. I bought it used six years ago and it hasn't given me any trouble. I have replaced the ball joints and added freon to the air conditioner but that's about it. I love driving it around town and drive it to my lake cabin. It's a great hauler and I will keep it until it drops.
No More AJ (American Junk)
NoMoreAJ, 04/27/2003
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When we bought the car the gas gauge didn't work. My wife found this out the 2nd day of ownership when the thing ran out of gas. The alternator went out. The front brake calipers froze. the fornt steering linkages all needed to be replaced. The ball joints went bad. Then the transmission started to go... And that's when the Bravada had to go. We traded it in for a 2003 Toyota Highlander. The Highlander is a beautiful car. The Bravada is the last American car I will ever buy. We have a 2002 mustang. We can't wait to unload that turkey before it let's go. The battle cry in our household is "NO MORE AJ (American Junk)" .
Helluva truck
Bravada Man, 06/17/2003
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck used in 2000 and its only hit the mechanic twice. Once for brakes and calipers and the other for a sluggishness that was attributed to dirty fuel injectors (fixed with a $27 chemical that goes in the fuel tank). This car is my families only one and we love it. It has treated us great and its like driving a luxury car. Get one while you still can.
I got lucky !
TommyBoy, 04/02/2008
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this from a private owner that bought a Saturn Vue. I drove from Ohio to AZ without issues but replaced the radiator and water pump after my arrival. Replaced brake rotors and calibers prior to departure. It drove through the snow without any problems so SmartTrak is very cool. One rust spot around the gas tank refill just starting to bubble. I have no other issues with this vehicle and plan on driving it into the ground. I owned a 93 Olds Delta 88 LSS before this and put 112K miles on it. I have always owned GM. There's currently 84K on the Bravada.