Some observers scoffed when Oldsmobile, purveyor of high-tech luxury sedans, entered the SUV market. It was,
after all, a crowded playground with demand sure to peak in short order. Oldsmobile entered the fray with no
track record and just one model available in only one trim and equipment level. On the face of it, this seemed
a recipe for sales disaster.
And the Bravada did get off to a rocky start. At one point, it seemed to be on the brink of extinction, but
Oldsmobile persevered and, thanks to some timely upgrades, has brought Bravada sales up to a level that will
ensure its continued presence on the SUV scene. There has been no shortage of potential buyers; the public's
appetite for sport-utilities increases every year.
From the beginning, Oldsmobile management played it smart. Rather than developing an all-new vehicle, they
based the Bravada on the proven, high-volume Chevy Blazer/GMC Jimmy platform. Taking this simple and direct route
reduced development time and kept costs down. Oldsmobile isn't the only automaker to follow this formula: Mercury's
Mountaineer is based on the Ford Explorer.
More important, perhaps, was the decision to aim the Bravada at the SUV world's equivalent of Oldsmobile sedan
buyers. For these folks, fine furnishings and quiet, smooth operation are paramount; they're not inclined to
participate in the more rugged sorts of off-road adventures.
As the Bravada has evolved, so has its market niche. The Mercury Mountaineer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Infiniti
QX4 compete in this luxury SUV segment. Other, more mass market, sport-utilities vie for these same buyers when optioned out to their leather-lined limits.
Even casual observers will have little trouble distinguishing a Bravada from a Blazer or a Jimmy, as Oldsmobile
has branded the Bravada name on the front, sides and rear of the vehicle. Trim details reinforce the Oldsmobile
brand. Up front, the Bravada receives the modern Oldsmobile family identification in the form of larger headlight
assemblies and dual grilles separated by a body color panel carrying the Oldsmobile division logo. Lower body-side
cladding looks quite similar to that seen on Oldsmobile's Aurora.
Otherwise, the Bravada looks similar to the other four-door SUVs from General Motors. It's a clean, attractive
design that features an aerodynamic front end, semi-formal roofline and muscular stance with minimal overhang. Front
and rear bumpers, lamp clusters and other details are new this year, but the basic shape is familiar and easy on
the eyes.
The major difference between Bravada and its General Motors siblings is in packaging. Blazers and Jimmys are
available with two- or four-door bodies, two- or four-wheel-drive systems, suspensions designed for off-road
driving or highway cruising, manual or automatic transmissions and a choice of interiors from plush to Spartan.
But the Bravada comes one way--with everything. That includes four doors, an automatic transmission, a V6 engine,
and every luxury feature imaginable. The driveline consists of electronically controlled all-wheel drive with a locking center differential for when the going gets really slippery. The options list is short: heated seats, a sunroof and an audio system with CD player.
That's reflected in the base price, which sits right at the top of the GM compact-SUV heap. Said price is, however, in the ballpark when compared to stickers on similarly equipped competitors. In fact, it undercuts many of them.
Comfort was a top priority for the Bravada's designers. The result of their efforts is a space that is friendly
to passengers and cargo alike. The well-padded seats are excellent, providing better than average support and
adjustability. The driver's seat offers a six-way power adjustment. Electric seat heaters are available.
