1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4.3 Vortec V6 from North America

Summary:

Money pit, but runs good for now

Faults:

Rear drivetrain gears replaced.

Rear suspension hangers, brackets, bushings.

Front/rear brakes, calipers, rotors replaced.

Driver's door latch replaced.

Bad driver door window regulator, still unrepaired, window propped up with a wedge.

Passenger side mirror broke off while adjusting (epoxied).

Both vanity mirror covers snapped off (dry rot).

Thermostat replaced.

Needs idler pulleys replaced (squeals).

Door seals bad, CTS sensor bad (hard to start when cold).

Just got new A/T tires and tranny started slipping, just a sensor came unplugged, OK now.

Tranny fluid leak, was just loose cooler line nut, OK now.

General Comments:

Had it 6 years, my brother talked me into the purchase, used off the Internet, bad idea. It's a money pit, but runs OK for now. Paid off, can't afford another trade-in and making payments with possible problems. The engine is still strong and major costly repairs are done for now (cross my fingers). 18 years old so a few repairs are expected, but not this much.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th March, 2016

1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4.3L Vortec from North America

Summary:

The best vehicle(s) I have ever owned!!!

Faults:

Bought it at auction with many minor problems, but a very solid SUV. LOVE IT!!!

Had broken off passenger side mirror, broken passenger seat recliner, bad thermostat, fogged over headlights, A/C not working, ashtray removed and clips broke, rear window struts worn out, rear liftgate struts worn out, passenger hub bearing worn out, instrument panel lights not working, radio/CD player missing, and many other small parts on a $30,000+ vehicle that wore out or were abused badly.

General Comments:

Transmission, suspension, Vortec engine, Smart Trac 4 wheel drive and leather seats are unbelievable and like new. There are replaced shocks/struts, which help out. I have two 1998 white Olds Bravadas, and consider them the top of the line GM vehicle for 1998.

A poor man's Cadillac, but a top of the line SUV.

Just remember that all used vehicles need to be cleaned, greased, leather conditioner and other tender loving care to keep them up. Daily wear and tear will destroy any vehicle that gets no maintenance.

These are my "girls" and I will take care of them!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th November, 2013

1998 Oldsmobile Bravada from North America

Summary:

Wonderful, I love my Bravada

Faults:

No problems at all.

General Comments:

I've been reading about people having problems with their Bravadas, but I've not had one problem with mine. It runs and drives like a new one. It is a one owner SUV.

I'm sorry for everyone who has been having problems with their SUV. I for one have not had issues, nor has my mother in law. Sorry guys.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 9th November, 2010

1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4.3 Vortec from North America

Summary:

Unreliable

Faults:

When I got the Bravada, the service records showed that both the engine and transmission had been rebuilt before 80,000 miles. I bought the car "as is" from a dealer, and as soon as it snowed I found out the 4 wheel drive didn't work.

Since I have had the car, I have replaced all the rods in the front end, costing over $1000, and the electric window motor.

I have had the car for less than a year, and now the heater quit working. Winter is here again, so I need to take it in to get the 4X4 and heater fixed. Not looking forward to seeing what that is going to cost.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 6th November, 2008

1998 Oldsmobile Bravada SmartTrack 4.3 vortec from North America

Summary:

If maintained properly, it's the Cadillac of its era!?

Faults:

Heater core replaced at estimated 90000 miles.

Transmission seals, and torch converter replaced at estimated 97,000 miles.

Normal things like tie rod ends, sway arm bushing, upper and lower ball joints, (passenger and driver side), and also u-joints (both front and rear shafts) replaced at 97,000 miles.

General Comments:

What I have learned through the years, of the automobile, selling, and trading is that all they need and needed is a little TLC and ELBOW GREASE. For example, all mechanical parts need lubricated with oils, and the electrical parts need to be cleaned and protected with some kind of contact cleaner! As for the vehicle in concern, I have learned that the (problem making 1998 Olds Bravada AWD 4.3 liter) that I own, most of its problems needed little effort to fix those questionable problems, meaning not having to replace the parts!!!

IF YOU KNOW HOW TO DO THESE THINGS, AGGRAVATION WILL NOT BE AN ISSUE DUE TO GENERAL MAINTENANCE!!! (that's a quote from my old auto instructor). Parts that were malfunctioning, I cleaned, and saved me a lot time and valuable dollars!!! Forums like these help people every day troubleshooting their automobiles.

Body bushings go bad causing incorrect alignments, such as doors not lining up, and causes rattles and squeaks!

Wiper motors malfunction due too bad bearings and rusty movable parts, which put electrical cir-cuts out of the manufactures tolerances and eventually over time will damage the electrical parts.

The Automatic Climate Control Panel is a tough task to tackle! It does not matter if it is new or used, the ACCP will not work properly if there air leaks in the vent ducts or if the windows are down. There are sensors in key areas of the vehicle that are constantly checking the cab temperatures! If any of these things are happening, the ACCP will produce false desired temperatures. My recent troubleshoot consisted of that, and I state that the (1998 Olds BRAVADA,that I previously own), I had no heat or A/C!!

In my General Maintenance procedure that I performed I noticed that air was leaking through areas of the duct work and discovered it was blowing onto the ACCP, (center of dash), (close to heater core),and considering it was chilly outside (34 degrees F), I concluded that the hot air was blowing onto the ACCP causing it to miscalculate cab temperature, so I got cold air instead of hot! I repaired air leaks around the duct work and reset system by unplugging negative side of the battery, for the standard few minutes, reconnected negative terminal and I'm riding with heat and air!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th October, 2008

21st Dec 2012, 11:34

Wow, you're good at explaining. That makes so much sense, and I never would of known air leaks could cause false feedback. Thanks for sharing. You made my day.