Comments: 1-15, 16-18
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.
Um...you are talking about vehicles that are 10 or more years old?
Your compare the features of each, which would be valid if you were talking about new or late models. However, once any vehicle reaches the 10+ year mark, condition becomes much more important than whether one has a power antenaa or a more attractive instrument display. That's why options like leather seats or a power sunroof adds to the value of a late model used car, but little or nothing to the value of a 10 year old model of the same car.
Thanks for an interesting review though.
I'd add that the Oldsmobile has a lot more style than the Jeep too. It's a dressed up Blazer, but stands out a lot more because of that. Personally, even when I look at vehicles over ten years old I still pay attention to style though as the other viewer noted condition is important. They go hand in hand for me. Good review.
The Bravada may have more style, but with the demise of Oldsmobile, it's desirablity may be less than before. More than a few people would not want to buy/own a discontinued model, let alone a discontinued brand.
What's up with this LSD equipped Bravada?
Where I come from that would be highly illegal.
Not to mention just plain dangerous and wrong.
I highly doubt it was some kind of failed marketing scheme to broaden the appeal of the Oldsmobile marque to those who fall far outside of their traditional demographics.
Please explain what "LSD" is in the Bravada.
I find it interesting that you just happened to own "the two best SUV's of the early 90's." Lucky you!
As a follow up to my review-
-Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and it's hard to state my opinion in that regard as fact. I think both trucks are great looking, but would prefer the body of the Jeep and the guts of the Olds.
-The Bravada is essentially an S-Blazer "Limited", and most people whom would go looking specifically for a Bravada would likely know this and not be deterred by the brand name.
-LSD stands for limited slip differential. It's a mechanism in the drivetrain that (when the vehicle loses tire traction) directs power to the wheels with the most traction to keep the vehicle stable.
-I've also been a longtime owner of the 2nd gen. Isuzu Trooper, The 2nd gen. Toyota 4runner and 2nd gen. Mitsubishi Montero SR, so I have some legitimate expertise on the subject of '90s SUVs. With the exception of the Montero (in some respects), they were all second rate compared to the Bravada and Cherokee.
I hope my review helps somebody out.
So LSD is POSI-TRACTION!!!
Well there goes my theory about the styling of the Aztek!
All comments were helpful. I am thinking of buying a 1994 olds bravada, 90K w/rebuilt motor, tranny, radiator, good tires. I have not driven one yet. I will be needing to tow a small trailer or car from Florida to Aspen, Colorado.
The Owner is an 80 year old gentleman. I feel comfortable. What do you think? He is asking $3450.
Please respond asap and directly to:
msg4me@msn.com.
3,450 is a good price for a 94 bravada.
I just have a question I have a 92 Bravada with the 4.3 litre Central Port Injection motor and for some reason lately when I drive it seems like only occasionally when it reaches operating temperature it wants to stall out and I have to let it set for awhile while it cools down and it starts back up. When I am driving it and I notice it start to lose power and want to stall if I give it more gas it stays running. I recently had
the fuel pressure regulator replaced. But I was wondering if anyone else out there ever have this problem and what I can do to fix it.
I'm having that same issue now and have been told that it is due to both a faulty EGR as well as clogged fuel injectors.
I bought a 1994 bravada in 1996 with 35,ooo miles. I recently had the problem of idling poorly. I used gum out fuel injection cleaner which helped. for the over heating problem, I replaced the module/modulator and had a tune up. Now it is running awesome. It is 2006 with 97,000 miles. Hope this helps ya!
Has anyone replaced their own heater core on 1994 Bravada and how difficult was it?
Heater core is a pain in the a** to do.
For the experienced mechanic like myself, it's a 2-3 hour job.
For a novice with limited tools, it is a nightmare that can take a weekend or better.
The transmission in my sister's Bravada died today. It only has 75,000 miles. You state that the 1st and 2nd gear hydraulics needed repair in your vehicle and that it only cost $150? This doesn't make sense to me - this requires a complete removal and rebuild of the transmission doesn't it? Which typically costs $1500. Please explain.