Used 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 Bravada, so we've included reviews for other years of the Bravada since its last redesign.
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada
Joan Minarchick, 02/09/2006
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
We will have had our Bravada four years in October. It is a joy to drive. It is fantastic in the winter. It goes in any amount of snow with GREAT traction. I love the sunroof in the summer. It's just like a covertable, but much safer. It even gets good gas milage.
Love my Bravada
Fred G., 07/06/2005
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
Purchased this vehicle new in 1998 and every year after it was rated worse and worse. Over the 7 years I've had this car it has consistently performed flawlessly. I've never had any problem. It's been a very versatile vehicle which I would highly recommend. Oh yeah, the traction system is great in ice, snow, and rain.
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada for sale near you
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- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $2,9951,147 mi away
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada
mds, 01/30/2005
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have loved the ablility that my 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada has. The AWD system is awesome, in all weather, and since I live out in the country 40 miles from work, they always know I will be there. I also have pulled my husband's 1-ton pickup out several times when stuck, usually including a horse trailer or full water tank behind him! This vehicle has had it's problems though. The multi-function switch is awful, (blinker, cruise, lights, wipers) if one thing breaks the whole thing has to be replaced and it is very expensive. The serpentine belt, fuel pump and water pump have been other problems. This truck's gas milage is also not very good, which is especially irritating with gas prices this high! Also, I don't like the fact that you can't put a car seat in the center back. It must be on the side.
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
Great truck
boot185, 05/04/2012
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I love my bravada. I have added helper springs and air shocks extra tans cooler as I use it to pull camper and trailers for 50% of the time. Nice ride when I have the air low on the shocks. I have plenty of power with the 4.3L HO. I do wish it had a 4 low option. AWD is the best and love it. The rear window rattles due to the design of it but not loud. I have a 4 inch lift with allows me to drive in up to 22 inches of heavy pack snow before the wheels will even spin. Next winter hoping to add a plow on it. I use it as a work horse and its a great one also good driver Mine also has the G80 axle option which is a dana 35 posi traction. Also makes a great family vehicle.
NICE SUV, NOT SO NICE SUV
pinmaster, 12/01/2002
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I like the vehicle overall, but it has had a lot of mechanical problems since I purchased it used exactly 1 year ago with 58,000 miles. I have replaced the AWD system, serpentine belt, alternator, the idler arm, rotors, and front bearings all in a year's time. My husband USE to have a 97 Olds Bravada and had most of the same things go wrong with it around 48,000 miles. We could no longer afford 2 vehicles with so many problems so we traded it for a brand new (2003) foreign vehicle. Go Toyota!!
Love it, hate it!
Travlinman, 01/05/2005
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought it w/ 81k mi and now have 124k on it. Runs great after many repairs, some due to age, some due to quality problems. Replaced/repaired brakes, U- joints, tires, battery, shocks, plugs/wires, water pump, belt tensioner, heater/air cond, headlamps, idler arm, oil leaks, etc. Have prob w/ stereo speakers also. Many interior squeaks & rattles. Very slow acceleration and ride deteriorates a bit past 65-70 mph. Rides nice at lower speeds and generally feels secure and smooth w/ AWD.
Not 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.
think again
johnhilbert, 09/22/2002
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
bought it with under 30k miles have replace ignition swt,fuel pump,transmision,water pump, brakes needs passenger seat handel repaired i thought i was buying quality think again
Good Vehicle for the $$$
castledevcon, 09/29/2002
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I own a '91 and a '98 Bravada. Both have been very reliable. You get a lot of vehicle for you dollar in comparison to many other SUV's. It rides better than most true SUVs and the AWD is great for inclimate weather.
Not a bad college car
collegebravada, 10/14/2002
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I feel safe driving the bravada with the awd. I have never lost control, even when i had a blowout on the interstate going 75. The only problems I have had are the plastic levers on the passenger seat has broken and the battery was bad and leaked acid.
Midsized Luxury
Pharm96, 02/28/2002
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It is an excellent midsized SUV with all of the bells and whistles. The Bravada handles incredibly well in virtually all types of weather. I've driven it in hard, driving rain storms and in the snow and ice and have never felt insecure or out of control in this vehicle. Another big plus is the gas mileage -- it averages about 19 miles per gallon. My Bravada has 94K miles and still runs like a top!
A Great Bargain
Peter Dardaganis, 12/29/2002
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Needed a 4x4 for this winter. So far we've put 2,000 miles on it, no problem. Is completely loaded, paid 6800.00 plus NJ tax for a total of 7200.00 and then did a complete tune up and oil change for 300.00. It had 106,000 miles on it. Engine is strong, tranny tight, brakes perfect. Looking for another one for my daughter.
bomb
sjf, 11/30/2003
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
70000 easy miles and I've replaced the fuel pump, alternator, tensioner belt, both front wheel bearings, ball joints, oil cooler lines, stereo speakers and now the transmission is slipping. This vehicle has never towed anything.
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...
Reliability, Performance & Comfort
Michael S. Krupka, 09/30/2002
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have owned my dark green Oldsmobile Bravada for 3 1/2 years. It has run flawlessly and is driven over 100 miles each day. I currently have 80k miles on the vehicle. I have an average fuel economy of 20.1 mi/gallon using 87 Ron fuel. This vehicle is secure and comfortable and will be tough to replace. I have used synthetic oil and performed all necessary routine maintenance including transakle and rear differential fluid changes, transmission service and brake fluid flush. The vehicle has the original brake oads and rotors.
moneypit bravada
Illinibravada, 03/18/2004
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Have had to have several major repairs done. Both front hubs replaced. Air conditioner, waterpump, alternator, 3 batteries, exhaust system, timing belt broke at 60,000 miles.Driver door hinges broke. Nice interior, rough ride, pulled my bassboat very well.
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.
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.
will make you worry
charming, 09/14/2002
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
rough ride,shakes a lot. bad
98 Bravada
hd72, 04/11/2003
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second Bravada, my other one, a 1993 (get's much better mileage by the way) perfect size for our family, not too big and bulky like the surbaban and ford's the confort is exceptional and the drivability is great, plenty of power for the mountains of Colorado and the stytle to go with it, my only negative is gas milage <16 MPG
Reliable vehicle
Hikaru Mise, 05/26/2022
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
bought this with 140k miles, I had to change serpentine belt at first but it’s not car’s fault, it’s just rubber belt, so it gets old obviously you know. I went to Texas, Florida and Tennessee started from Nebraska in one trip and there was no problem except nightmarish gas consumption. This is not fast car but I think you are not the person who expect Fast-and-Furious speed to this old SUV. If you finding super reliable suv, this might be on your list. I’m trusting this car very much but again, remember this car is around 16 to 18 MPG.
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TWENTY-SIX years, had since 2014. Love this truck
Mac, 01/15/2024
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this truck. Got used in 2014. Wisconsin winter, all wheel drive Smart Track has great traction and drivability. It is old, but still running well. Some money put into it for standard things like, fuel pump, water pump, brakes, shocks etc. I wish they were still making them. It is now 2024.
1998 Bravada in 2024 still looks brand new!
CristiL, 07/18/2024
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Replaced a lot of stuff underneath. Put black rims on it and beautiful aggressive tires. It still looks like a new car. I wish I could post a pic…
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Awesome condition fun car to drive
Anne, 10/03/2024
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Awesome buy, condition fun to drive too
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