1994 Oldsmobile Bravada review from North America

1st Gen. models are notorious for repetitive EGR valve failure. I've had to replace mine twice already. They build up too much carbon in the intake plenum which leads to the EGR valve clogging. Cheap to diagnose and repair. ~$150.

They are also notorious for heater core failure. I've replaced mine once. Mildly expensive to repair. ~$800.

Brake cylinders leaked and were replaced. Mildly expensive. ~$600.

All fuel injectors required replacement. Expensive. ~1000.

The 1st and 2nd gear transmission hydraulics needed repair. Cheap to repair. ~$150.

I've heard of many others experiencing failure of the electronic dash display. Although mine has never required repair, to do so can be expensive depending on the problem.

Various parts of the truck loosen as it ages; much more so than other vehicles. Easily remedied, but requires monitoring at regular maintenance intervals.

I've owned most of the SUVs made in the 90's and can honestly say that the 1994 Oldsmobile Bravada and the 1991-92 Jeep Cherokee Limited were the two best midsized SUVs to own in the early 90's. They're second only to each other in a few respects.

-The argument for Cherokee-

The engine will last forever. Both trucks have great longevity, though.

The Jeep weighs ~1000 pounds lighter than the Bravada.

The Jeep can out accelerate the Bravada (In 2wd high only).

The Jeep's engine is slightly easier to work on than the Bravada

The Jeep's leather seats are more comfortable, and both are power, unlike the Bravada.

The Jeep also has a power antenna, unlike the Bravada. It breaks routinely, however.

The Jeep also has a 4WD low selector. The Bravada has AWD. Both have their advantages, but the Bravada has a limit to the intensity of offroading it can do.

The Jeep has better interior controls than the Bravada

The Jeep has a better alternator than the Bravada.

The Jeep has skidplates, unlike the Bravada.

The Jeep has slightly better ground clearance.

The Jeep has a rear hatch. The Bravada has a tailgate.

The Jeep has a litte bit smoother of a ride than the Bravada. The Bravada is built on a truck chassis, and a littler stiffer.

The Jeep is very solid. Parts of the Bravada tend to get loose over time, but are easily remedied.

-The argument for Bravada-

The Bravada's engine makes 10 more HP and 40 more ft.lbs/torque than the Jeep.

The Bravada is better suited to towing than the Jeep, especially with the factory towing package upgrade. However, both do it well.

The Bravada has a better performing transmission.

The Bravada will out accelerate the Jeep if it's in 4WD.

The Bravada gets 1 more MPG city and 3 more mpg highway than the Jeep.

The Bravada's engine is much quieter. Both have good sound insulation.

The Bravada's engine seems to leak much less over time.

The Bravada has standard AWD and LSD.

The Bravada's electronic dash display is more attractive than the Jeep's dash display.

The Bravada has more interior room.

The Bravada's keyless entry used a radio technology instead of the infrared technology used by Jeep. It breaks less often and can be used from far away, and can be replaced more readily if lost.

The Bravada's seats fold forward more efficiently to make more useable space.

The Bravada has a wider rear seat than the Jeep.

The Bravada has a much better stock stereo system.

-Conclusion-

I'd have to give both the same rating overall.

The Bravada is better for the family looking for a safe, stylish, powerful SUV that's easier on the gas and has all of the interior amenites of a luxury car.

The Cherokee Limited is better for the active single person or small family that enjoys the outdoors, but values some of the finer things as well, and wants something tough, but not necessarily as utilitarian looking as the steriotypical off road vehicle.

Both trucks served me very well.