Used 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada Consumer Reviews
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Comfortable, somewhat reliable.
My mom got this car at about 75K. Off the bat, the rear air compressor didnt work and it sagged, so we switched to regular shocks. At about 100k the Engine coils started messing up, have had to change 3 so far from the 6 i have to change since apparently they dont last very long. I have since gotten this car now that I left for college about a Year ago. The A/C doesnt work on it anymore now, it shakes every time i turn on the A/C and sometimes the engine even turns on. Bad compressor. The car currently has an issue that when it very cold in the mornings it will give a "reduced engine power" light and a check engine light. Recently i have noticed the engine is not that good of quality.
Unbelievably unreliable
Nice vehicle as far as comfort and ride, but unbelievable amount or repairs required. Right off the bat was sent letter from GM saying sorry, forget to line the piston cylinders, so engine may fail at any time. Warranty was extended on that engine part only, too bad it wasn't the entire car. Four wheel drive system has self activated and permanently locked four times, requiring an approx 2000 repair. Air shocks in rear deflated to the ground daily for years, but dealer couldn't diagnose (or "duplicate") the problem until the warranty expired (new air shocks- duh). Water pump died several times. Expensive bearing repair in front cost 2000. Auto mirrors had a mind of their own.
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $2,950245 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,900286 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $2,495636 mi away
Good Old Truck
We brought this truck 11/01 using the 0% financing incentive. It was our 6th Oldsmobile and we still own 5 of them. It has serve me well with no major repairs until around 150k miles when the fan clutch started getting noisy. Now at 215k I have spent a total of $4,975 on repairs. Still using second set of tires and on original brakes. We keep it serviced and minor issues repaired, and I still use it everyday and not afraid to travel any distance in it. When it had 125k miles I towed a trailer loaded with a 1960 Ford 4x4 pick-up from northern California to St.Louis, MO with no incidents. Note: in order to replace one of the heaters you have to pull the transmission (that's dumb).
Indigo Blue
I have a indigo blue Bravada that the paint on the back fender flair is chipping away. I noticed this after only 200 miles. I was wondering if any one else has had this problem and if so what was done about it? Please email me at jwojcik@flexcon.com
Excellent!!
I bought my Bravada in Oct, 2002. Since, I have put 27,000 miles on it and the only problem I've had is the inside of the driver's door was starting to pop out. Had it fixed. The only time I'm in the service dept is when I'm there for an oil change,tire rotation and scheduled tune ups. My Bravada is very quite. No loud engine noise with mine (not sure why some of the other reviewers have loud ones). I've had suvs from German to Japanesse. I'd rate this as one of the best suvs I've owned.
NOTHIN BUT THE BEST
AS A CURRENT OWNER(WIFE PRIMARY DRIVER) AND SALES CONSULTANT, WE DID CONSIDER A NUMBER OF VEHICLES! THE 5/60 DID PERSUAY MY WIFE AND I & THE NO INTEREST/NO PAYMENTS FOR A YEAR WAS A BIG PLUS!! HONESTLY THERE IS NOTHING OUT IN THE MARKET THAT COMES CLOSE TO THIS PRODUCT. THE BRAKING AND HANDLING IS EXCEPTIONAL AND OVER ALL CREATURE FEATURES ARE GREAT. EXCELLENT TURNING RADIUS. FORD OR DODGE PRODUCTS, SORRY THERE IS NO COMPARISON. SUGGESTION FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS NOT TO EXCITED ABOUT THE PRODUCT ,WHY DID YOU BUY? BEATS ANYTHING ON THE MARKET. WE ALSO HAVE A INDIGO BLUE,BUT HAVE NOT SEEN ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE PAINT, ALSO THE 2ND BRAVADA THE DEALERSHIP RECEIVED IN JAN OF 2001.
Best Car Ive Owned
My wife and I bought our 02 bravada in jan of 08. The truck had 47,000 and a sticker price of 15,000. Ive had the truck for two months now and I must say, it is the best vehicle we have ever owned. I love the heated seats, by far my favorite option. The wheels had to go, we replaced them with aftermarket 20" rims and tires. The sound system isn't bad. I do have one gripe though. The front bumper wiggles around like it's loose. I took it to a diff dealership and they told me that was normal. But I'm sure that's B. S. I wish it had a flip down dvd, as that would quiet the kids. I think that dvd's were an option, I just don't have it. All in all, a great vehicle, much better than its sister trailblazer!
Cherrie timber
Have kept it up, great on the road, and can go when needed. I really like this car.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
N/A
This was a BIG mistake!
So Far So Good
Bought my 02 Bravada in 12/01 for invoice with no dlr fees and then minus $2500 in GM Card points and then took the Zero APR loan..26,500 with zero int loan is hard to beat! Replaced a 96 Explorer-V8 with 125,000 miles..and this SUV is 100% better in Ride and Quietness..now have 6,500 Trouble free miles..
GM finally does it right
I am glad that GM has finally put toghether a worth while vehicle of this quality. Tons of power, silky smooth ride, and super clean and rich interior.
Suspension
The Bravada is a nice vehicle. The only thing about it I don't care for is the parts are hard to find, expensive, and you have to order them. They should never have made them with that air suspension that would cost an arm and a leg. The parts should be made available at all auto part stores.
2002 Bravada
I bought this vehicle new and have kept it dealer maintained. It has been and continues to be a great vehicle. 270 horses and a smooth, sporty ride, and the capability to be a real family 'utility' vehicle. I think I'll keep her! (I actually have a new 08 Acadia slt-1 in the driveway that I'm test driving) these reviews have assisted me in changing my mind about trading in!
not worth it
I purchased a olds bravado it rides good I had the truck for 2 years I only drive on the highway the car is having problem after problem I had this car only 2 years its one thing after another powersteering pump bad fuel line bad front end and thats not it all which is I paid for out of pocket this car is not worth 14,000 even if I trade it in I still owe good car with a lot of problems
Good, Reliable Vehicle
I like this vehicle, I'm not a major SUV fan, but this one tops my chart. I have had some common issues; the front bumper does seem loose, and this is actually normal, due to the mounting design.The electric radiator fan clutch can stick, you can notice it, once it starts, and it will continue to stick and needs replacement.I had to replace suspension air springs (easy job) Cracked exhaust header, cover by warranty.Recall on lower control arms and air pump wire harness (GET THESE FIXED! change ball joints @ same time) Currently 90K miles bought new at 40k.Look out for transfer case issues on 4WD.Have had some road noise due to the front window upper door seals and positive inside pressure.
I love my Bravada
New off the lot, thought i needed a new one until i started looking, the new 2009 SUV's are trash compared to my truck, apart from normal service, air con swith has gone twice,annoying in houston heat, the truck has cost nothingComfort of. But thats it. I have averaged 19.6 mpg and i drive stop and go commute. i love my silver girl.
2002 Olds Bravada
Our new Bravada is very comfortable and fun to drive. We are still learning what all the different buttons are for and how to operate the On Star properly, but this should be old hat to us soon. We liked the smooth styling of the Bravada better than the Trail Blazer or the Envoy (sister makes) as well as the 5 year/60,000 mile warranty. I would recommend this SUV to anyone.
Bravada
Bought this vehicle used with 40,000m on it.Had it for almost 2 yrs and it's been a great ride. My 15yr old daughter will be getting it in 4 months for her car. Have not spent a dime on it other than 4 new tires and regular maint.Hope for it to last for 6 more yrs.
Mixed Feelings
We chose the Bravada 2002 for my wife mainly because of the seats - she had two back surgeries last year and the front seats suites her very well. We had been looking at SUVs from Mercedes Benz, Lexus, Ford, Toyota, etc. I was a little concerned about the quality (both external and internal) and reliability, however we haven't had any major problems. I too would had liked the driving to be more like Toyota Highlander - more 'car like', but it's a SUV of the 'old type' - despite the well suited re-design for the 2002 model.
Last one for me!
I'm glad that Olds is going to stop making the Bravada soon. This is my third one and they keep getting worse. The 2002 has demonstrated the worst quality control during the build that I have ever experienced in a new vehicle. It started with a bad paint job, followed by a problem with the AWD system, then trim on the rear gate coming loose and replaced, followed by a moonroof air deflector that would not respond to repair and finally caused a total moonroof module replacement, and finally (to date!)replacement of front door power windows control unit replacement (wouldn't go all the way down).
Consumer
Very impressed with the quality of ride, power of engine, and the quietness overall. I have driven Toyota 4runner for several thousand miles, and it doesn't compare in aforementioned qualities. The Toyota interior, layout of instrumentation, quietness, not nearly as good. The Toyota engine sluggish compared to the Oldsmobile 4.2L 6.
WOW!!! READ THIS
In my case the dealer that warranties my bravada is also the dealer I bought it from.You people that are having problems with servicing/warranty issues,did you buy it from the dealer that you asked to warranty it? if not,why not.my suggestion,bring it back to where you bought it,if that is too far to go,then why did you drive that far in the first place to buy it?why not check out dealers reputation for service BEFORE you buy.I didn't travel 100+ miles to buy it for a few hundred dollars less then try to dump the warranty problems on the dealer down the street just because he's closer.if this is your case then you got what you paid for.
overly pleased
the vehicle floats like a butterfly when cruising down the freeway and stings like a bee with the torque povided for towing. we have been getting as high as 25 mpg on the road and 17 mpg in the city. although we are pleased with the mileage, we would have preferred to have seen a little larger gas tank hanging from the belly of the beast.
Lemon
Worst vehicle I've ever bought. GM just repurchased it..... after I got an attorney. In the shop on a regular basis. Transfer case shutter, transmission replaced, front end noise, light out on instrument panel, leak in back liftgate, almost had an accident because it didn't accelerate due to transmission problems. It was nice..... when it worked. Horrible build quality. Have always bought GM until now. Just replaced this with a Toyota. Doubt I'll ever buy GM again.
Ugh
This bravada is my first SUV. Talked my husband out of the Acura MDX due to price/american made. I have logged many hours in the service dept. as well. Problems: Paint job (2x) due to snow/salt in New England, pass. window won't go back up, air leak in pass door. I have had an accident in this truck - airbags did NOT inflate. I am seriously considering trading in - 3 recalls already on truck, one they won't fix until it DIES for no apparent reason?? Should've gone foreign...
WHY OLDS???
ONE OF THE BEST
Very Poor Vehicle
This was my first SUV. I purchased it because I get discounts on GM vehicles. The problems I have had, greatly exceed the value of the discount. SUV died for no reason one week after purchase. GM couldn't figure out why and was only able to "fix it" by disengaging wires. GM admits this was a "temporary fix", but never did anything else. Security light is always on on the dash along with numerious others, rain sensor quit, rear wiper never goes back into harness, terrible knocking when making sharp turns and constant stalling issues are some of the problems that plague this vehicle. Can't wait to turn it in a buy an Explorer.
great suv
A great truck, fun to drive, had some little things that needed repared.
2002 Bravada
Bought this vehicle with 35,000 miles on it, so called Certified used vehicle, have had it less than 2 months, back to the shop because windshield wipers quit working, week later power mirrors that automatically adjust quit working. Funny thing is these 2 problems were supposed to be recalls, why didn't the dealer fix this on there so called certified car. Now transmission is going out, going back to the shop again. I'm fed up, how can you depend on a car like this, course it only cost $19,000! I have bought $500 cars that were more debendable than this.
Get an extended warranty!!!
I never believed in extended warranties, but this vehicle has made me a believer. I bought the vehicle with 40,000 miles on it. The AWD has failed twice on this vehicle for the same reason. The mirrors never adjust to the driver's setting (which was supposedly fixed), the serpentine belt shredded because of a bad pulley, the shifter cable got caught on the drive train, along with several other (but expensive) nuisances.
engine
nice looking vehicle, owned a 1999 Bravada purchased a 2002 in June 2002 great looks and extended warranty. Major computer problems, dealer replaced computer chips 3 times and eventually engine failed and had to be replced due to broken cylender sleve, also module for power seat failed.
Bravada vrs Explorer
Bought our 2002 in 12/01 for 29,000 even with no dlr fees..minus GM points of 2500 and then got the Zero financing for 3 yrs..So $26.5 with 0%..DO NOT pay over invoice and refuse the dealer fees! We have 5500 carefree miles now..Replaced a 96 explorer that we loved with 125,000 V-8 miles..but the Bravada has much smoother and Much quieter ride than the explorer..The 270hp eng has plenty of torque and acceleration..
2nd Bravada
With minor issues, i.e. mirrors/radio, not working, dealer was clueless and treated me like I was stupid; what I was reporting as problems didn't exist. Car lost a piston -would not keep car. GM (Olds) would not help and dealer took me to the cleaners on trade in depreciation for another new Bravada; my course of least resistance. The newest Bravada has some of the same problems as the first; mirrors do not work properly in reverse mode; radio will not hold settings. My last GM car. Thank the lord Olds is going out of business. Nice vehicle but a piece of crap in my 2 Bravada experience.
run away from this suv
Bought this suv in 2004 with very little mileage I have had nothing but problems with it.. The idle arms have been replaced more than once very hard on the wheel barrings. I keep good maintenance but this was a lemon. I had to replace the door hinges and it cost me $1200 alone for that. The transmission going now... Have a short in the dash inside lights on dash when they want. My gas gauge also works when it wants to, the 4 wheel is going out of it. It would be easier to list what does work and what doesn't work or has needed replaced. My mechanic told me to get rid of it 2 years ago I had so much into it I thought for sure it would be ok I should of listened to him this suv is bad...
bravada overrated
fan noise,noise in back plastic trim when sunlite warms the plastic,air compresser failed,mirror module failed, terrible gas mileage,would never buy another one.Way over priced for the poor quality of this suv.
Bravada is Solid
Excellent ride qualkity with exceptional power. Great interior comfort.
value and room for the long haul
My first SUV, previous owner of 4 mini vans. Better handling, plenty of power,not quite as much room for gear, but better suited for around town use.
Needs some help
We replaced our 93 Jeep Grand Cheeroke with this in late 2001. It's a nice looking car and rides nice, but we really an SUV that can handle offroad. The tilting rear view mirrors never return to the correct spot even after having the dealer fix them. Both seats have completely stopped working at least once. The front end is all weak plastic. I hit a deer at less then 5 MPH and did $2500 woth of damage. Off road/snow driving with the stock Michelins isn't better then may front wheel drive Taurus. Can't even go 300 miles on a tank of gas. It is very comfortable but it's just not the SUV we hoped. We'll probably take a bath and go back to a Jeep.