The Oldsmobile Bravada is a four-door mid-size SUV built and sold by General Motors' division, Oldsmobile. Oldsmobile manufactured the Bravada in three generations from 1990 to 2004 as a rebadged vehicle of the GMC Jimmy and Chevrolet Blazer. The model was also the first light truck sold in the United States by General Motors other than GMC and Chevrolet before World War II.
History of Oldsmobile Bravada
Oldsmobile Bravada First Generation (1991 - 1994)
The 1991 Bravada was an upgraded variant of the S-Blazer/Jimmy, which was brand new at the time. It was Oldsmobile's first truck-based vehicle since the 1920s and the division's debut sport utility vehicle. The Bravada was a US-only car at its introduction, and unlike the smaller Blazer and Jimmy, there was really no pickup truck version.
Oldsmobile Bravada Second Generation (1996 - 2001)
Unlike its platform siblings, there were no 1995 Bravadas made. More softened body proportions characterized the 1996 and 1997 versions. Standard features like an Oldsmobile-styled body-colored split grille, lower bodyside cladding, and premium alloy wheels separate this model Bravada from the Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Jimmy. Oldsmobile phased out the second generation in 2001 for the new GMT360 Bravada.
Oldsmobile Bravada Third Generation (2001 - 2004)
Oldsmobile unveiled and released the third-generation models of Bravada in different showrooms in February 2001. Even though it failed to transform Oldsmobile's inevitable end into an award-winning spectacle, the Bravada stood apart due to its rear-wheel drive, which the manufacturer had not offered on any Oldsmobile since 1992, and the honor of being the final new Oldsmobile to enter the market. On January 12, 2004, the 500th and last Bravada was produced. Saab 9-7X and Buick Rainier continued to use the Bravada's bodyshell until the latter's final production run in December of 2008.
Price
Oldsmobile sold and manufactured the Oldsmobile Bravada with an MSRP of $33,920 ($50,945 in 2022) for the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) model and $35,870 ($53,874 in 2022) for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) model.
Features
Oldsmobile filled the interior with different and unique standard features, including a digital clock, leatherette door trim, floor console with storage, front armrest with storage, and an 8-power driver seat and memory. The car manufacturer also included a cloth headliner, analog instrument panel, wood-trimmed dashboard, 4 cup holders, leather seats and steering wheel, and voltmeter. For the comfort and convenience features, they installed a dual-zone auto climate control, an AM/FM stereo radio with an integrated DVD navigation system and a 6-speaker sound system, a glass-printed antenna, a cargo shade, a cassette player, an OnStar communication system, an illuminated driver vanity mirror, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and audio controls on the steering wheel. Safety features include anti-lock brakes (standard), an anti-theft alarm featuring an audible and visual alarm system, a pass lock theft-deterrent system, rear center 3-point seat belts, and side airbags. Oldsmobile installed standard elements such as front fog lamps, heated and power mirrors, roof rack side rails with crossbars, solar ray deep-tinted glass, and side markers integrated into mirrors for the exterior features. Available exterior options are a gold exterior decoration package, hood protector and vent visors, black side steps, aluminum side steps, and a power glass sunroof.
Specs
The Oldsmobile Bravada 4.2L 4AT engine delivers 275 hp (201 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 275 lb-ft (373 Nm) at 3,600 rpm of torque. The Oldsmobile Bravada accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (97 kph) in 8.7 seconds with a top speed of 118 mph (190 kph) and a curb weight of 4,600 lbs (2,087 kg). Oldsmobile manufactured the Bravada with two drivetrains available: rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) models with a 4-speed automatic gearbox for both drivetrains powered by a 4.2L Inline 6 4AT engine.
Release Date
Oldsmobile released the first-generation Bravada in 1991 as the first light truck manufactured by a GM Brand. The company discontinued the last Bravada (number 500) on January 12, 2004.