1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4.3 Vortech from North America

Summary:

Despite minor annoyances, this thing is a tank

Faults:

Broken right lower control arm where the sway bar mounts

Radiator at 135,000

Seats are worn, but part of my job involves moving people and luggage.

U-Joints around 120,000

Catalytic converter at 135,00

Windshield wipers like to do their own thing.

Climate control also likes to do it's own thing sometimes.

General Comments:

I'm honestly surprised how well this car has held up. I've moved a lot of weight with it, driven it harder than most people would, and taken it places a luxury SUV probably shouldn't be.

The windshield wipers and climate control can be annoying. The control arm and radiator, I can honestly say, are not the cars' fault.

Acceleration isn't bad for a SUV, and the AWD works awesome. However, it does have a lot of body roll, as with all GM vehicles built on this platform.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th September, 2008

1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4.3 from North America

Summary:

I like this Bravada, but it has been a pain in the Glutus Maximus

Faults:

Transmission gaskets leaking.

Rear differential gasket leaking.

Rear transfer case seal leaking.

Replaced 4 ball joints.

Replaced idle arm.

Replaced steering box.

Replaced thermostat.

Replaced water pump.

Brake-transmission interlock replaced.

General Comments:

I'm just glad that I traded another piece of junk (wore out Toyota Avalon with over 250,000 miles) for this one... at least all the cash I have been out has been in replacement parts. Now I do have at least I think I have a pretty reliable vehicle.

It just seems as if every time I think so something else breaks. I really like this vehicle even though I have spent a lot of time working on it.

This is my third Oldsmobile, and I would probably buy another Cierra, but probably not one of these Bravada's. I also had to purchase a special socket to replace the number 3 sparkplug.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th June, 2008

1998 Oldsmobile Bravada Smarttrack 4.3 V6 from North America

Faults:

I bought the vehicle from a private owner. It was in descent shape but not excellent.

I can't really remark on it's durability since I bought in March of 08. But what I can say for sure is that I've already replaced the shocks on it; the ones that were on it were worn out.

My rear wiper doesn't work.

When I turn my signal light on it doesn't flash it just stays lit.

The lumbar button for the two front seats doesn't work.

General Comments:

The comfort of the vehicle is great.

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

Review Date: 12th April, 2008

1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4.3 from North America

Summary:

Big mistake to purchase this SUV

Faults:

I have owned this used vehicle for only a month or so. Repairs, Where to begin... Complete rear brakes, Fuel pump, brake lines front to rear, rotor / cap, new battery, solinoid repair, front brakes cleaned resurfaced, new gas tank / lines, thermostat (replaced 2x). Now it's leaking antifreeze profusely with the engine bordering on overheating. I also have no heat. The All wheel drive warning light came on a few times, and frankly I cannot tell when the All wheel drive engages (or if it even works). It took a month for it to pass inspection because one warning light or another would come on and not go off. One of the more ridiculous experiences I've had with this SUV - driving around aimlessly with no inspection sticker just to put enough miles on it for the computer to reset. Waste of gas, time and energy. I've sunk over $2500 into repairs so far, and if the antifreeze leak is something serious (god forbid a blown head gasket), then I will probably junk the thing, cut my losses and move on. With 159,000 miles on it, and after reading other common problems with this vehicle, there's little doubt in my mind that there are only more repairs ahead if I keep it.

General Comments:

This 1998 looks and feels nice. The stereo works pretty good. Would be a very nice vehicle minus all the problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th February, 2008