Background: General Motors' Oldsmobile Division jumped on the sport utility bandwagon earlier this decade with Bravada. When Oldsmobile introduced the mid-size, five-seat Bravada in the 1991 model year, it shared many characteristics with its corporate cousins; the Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Jimmy. As the decade progressed, GM began differentiating each model. Bravada evolved into the upscale, leather-appointed edition with a plethora of standard features, one trim level and very few options. Both Jimmy and Blazer come in two or four-door models while Bravada offers only four-door versions. Oldsmobile assembles Bravada in Moraine, Ohio.
New for 1998: Numerous improvements and upgrades fill the 1998 Bravada, even though the sport utility received an extensive, second-generation redesign in the 1996 model year. Interior enhancements include a new instrument cluster, two new sound system choices and an automatic climate control system. Exterior wise, front turn signals move from the bumper surface to the main lamp cluster. But the biggest news in 1998 is Bravada's all-wheel drive system enhancements. Back in 1991, Bravada introduced SmartTrak, a full-time, all-wheel drive system working in tandem with anti-lock brakes. This system delivered traction to all four wheels all the time without the driver maneuvering levers or pushing buttons from the inside.
Second-generation SmartTrak, standard in the 1998 Bravada, now automatically switches from rear-wheel drive to all-wheel drive when road conditions warrant. The system is permanently active with no driver input and delivers torque to both front and rear axles. On dry pavement, 100 percent of power is delivered to the rear axle. When they system senses rear-wheel slippage, a clutch inside the transfer case engages, transferring some power to the front axle in less than 250 milliseconds.
Safety features: Reduced-pressure dual front air bags, energy-absorbing knee bolsters, daytime running lights and anti-lock brakes come with the price of admission. An upgraded four-wheel disc brake system was added last year.
Standard equipment: For shoppers who dislike picking and choosing options, the well-equipped Bravada is your cup of tea. The long list of standard goodies includes popularly ordered items like: four-speed automatic transmission, automatic climate control featuring air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, rear defogger, power mirrors, intermittent wipers and fog lamps.
Optional equipment: A power sunroof ($695), compact disc player ($124), white-letter tires ($133), heavy-duty towing package ($210) and engine block heater ($33) complete Bravada's optional equipment list.
Price: The well-equipped, single-trim-level Bravada, includes a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $30,645. With the upgraded compact-disc sound system, $515 destination charge and package savings, the bottom line added up to $31,205. Price wise, Bravada's bottom line is less than the top-of-the-line Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Infiniti Q-X4
Engine: The sole engine powering Bravada is a 4.3-liter, V-6 engine delivering 190 horsepower. It's the same engine Bravada has featured for the past several years.
Interior: The turn signal stalk is also home to cruise control and front windshield wipers. The rear windshield wiper is operated from a dashboard button right of the steering column near the rear hatch release. A dial left of the steering column controls headlights. The newly-designed instrument cluster includes a circular speedometer and tachometer surrounded by smaller, round, temperature and fuel gauges. Three knobs now control fan speed, temperature and direction of the automatic climate control system with air conditioning and rear-window defroster buttons along the bottom. Above is the sound system with large pre-set buttons and an AM/FM frequency display/digital clock readout. A flip-to- storage bin capable of housing compact discs situates between the front buckets seats. Molded dual cup holders are positioned in front of the floor-mounted automatic transmission. The driver's door with dark walnut trim includes buttons controlling all four door windows, power lock button and outside power sideview mirrors. A long ceiling caddie has storage room for sunglasses and garage door opener along with a digital compass, temperature display and fuel information. Seating comfort: The power driver's seat moves back and forth by a series of side levers. To position the manually-operated passenger seat, passengers utilize a bar beneath the seat and lever on the side. In back, doors feature molded cup holders and storage pockets. In back, two full-size adults fit most comfortably; three's a crowd. Legroom is a bit tight with front seats moved back. All interior leather seating appointments look and feel luxurious. As with most sport utilities, drivers sit higher up with excellent road visibility. But Bravada's step-in height is low enough so maneuvering in and out is easy.
Exterior: The rear hatch, hinged at the top, opens two ways; the entire rear flips up, or if one needs to grab something quickly from the cargo area, the glass window flips up with the push of a release button. The radio antenna is fixed atop the right front fender. A spare tire stows conveniently under the vehicle; a location is far superior to either the cargo area, where it eats up cargo space, or attached to the rear tailgate, where it blocks rear-view perception. A roof-top luggage rack, front fog lights and fifteen-inch all-season tires with alloy wheels are also standard.
Dimensions: Wheelbase: 107 inches Overall length: 183.7 inches Overall width: 67.6 inches Overall height: 63.2 inches Curb weight: 4,049 pounds
Fuel economy: Decent gas mileage is not a forte of the sport utility segment, especially all-wheel drive versions. Bravada is no exception although with the addition of the upgraded SmartTrak system, Oldsmobile claims fuel mileage is slightly improved from last year. SmartTrak now slips into all-wheel drive only when the system detects rear-wheel drive is not enough. But our mileage estimates this time around closely match figures of a 1996 Bravada we test drove two years ago with the original SmartTrak. Fuel estimates this year check in at 16 miles per gallon city and 21 mpg highway. With 8,800 odometer miles, we averages a little better than 17 mpg in combined driving. The tank holds 18 gallons of unleaded fuel. The left-side gas tank door does not lock, but the cap is tethered to the vehicle.
Final thoughts: Bravada's competitive $31,000 price tag includes a full-load of standard features with few options. Bravada offers no V-8 engine as the Ford Explorer or Jeep Grand Cherokee do, but its V-6 engine is still capable of towing 5,000 pounds and has decent acceleration. Oldsmobile projects about 32,000 Bravadas being sold this year. With Monday's near-blizzard conditions, the SmartTrak system received a good workout, and performed as advertised. Bravada managed snow and ice nicely and the vehicle never lost grip with the pavement. GM's Oldsmobile Division, which celebrated its 100th birthday in 1997, is the first American car company to reach the century mark. During most of the 1990s, Oldsmobile has been reshaping its image, designing a new circular logo to replace the familiar rocket icon and targeting higher-end, import buyers who normally would frequent Lexus and Acura dealerships.
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