Oldsmobile Bravada?

Outlook · 10-25-2009, 02:48 AM

I like the look of them, and they seem to be cheaper (at least the one I've seen for sale that I'm kinda wanting) than the Blazer (and Trailblazer trim), and the Jimmy (and Envoy trim).

My step-dad says the Bravada isn't that great of a vehicle, and that Chevy and GMC are both better options. Is there something wrong with the Oldsmobile Bravada? Or is it just a preference or something.

Talking about the 1996 to 2001 ones. Second Generation I believe. The one I'm looking at is a 2001, and has around 100k miles on it, and looks fine with everything else.

If there's something I should know about them, please let me know!

JChapoton · 10-25-2009, 03:00 AM

GMC had a higher level trim. The Bravada was on the way out. The GMC Jimmy and Envoy were the same vehicle minus the the side trim, bumpers, and headlights. You can take a GMC Jimmy that has the Envoy package and convert it to a Envoy using the parts listed above and sell it as an Envoy because the the titles for Jimmys and Envoys both say Jimmy/Envoy as the make on the title. The 1st generation Bravada was the highest trim on the square bodies, but by 98 the Jimmy had regained that title.

Outlook · 10-25-2009, 03:17 AM

So the Jimmy/Envoy is the best option here?

Is the Bravada still an ok vehicle though?

If the Jimmy is better by a lot, and I can find one reasonably priced, then I guess I'd go for that. They really aren't that different looking either. Just differences with the lights on the front, and the name.

slonlow2000 · 10-25-2009, 03:22 AM

The jimmy/blazer/bravada are all pretty much the same trucks minus an option or pretty piece of plastic. Same with the s10/sonoma. All the parts are interchangable, and the same.

Outlook · 10-25-2009, 03:44 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by slonlow2000

The jimmy/blazer/bravada are all pretty much the same trucks minus an option or pretty piece of plastic. Same with the s10/sonoma. All the parts are interchangable, and the same.

All parts are interchangeable between the the 5 gen 2 vehicles? And are they interchangeable between the first as well? Or not?

slonlow2000 · 10-25-2009, 03:51 AM

Well not every single part, but the majority. All body panels and interior pieces, the whole front ends can be swaped and so on.

Most parts are interchangable between the 5 models. Now some parts are upgrades such as an envoy front end on a jimmy or blazer. But they still just bolt on.

Outlook · 10-25-2009, 03:58 AM

Alright. I figured there would be a few parts not interchangeable. For the most part, are parts interchangeable between years as well?

(Say like a 94 S10, and a 02 S10) and different stuff like that?

Sorry to ask a lot of (dumb) questions, but I've been having a crap load of problems with my 95 S10, so I'm trying to figure this kinda stuff out.

JChapoton · 10-25-2009, 04:53 AM

00-03 Jimmy is your best bet.

cpolaris502 · 10-25-2009, 01:46 PM

Get what ever you want, they are all the same truck. It's mostly appearance. The ONLY major difference with the Bravada's is the Smartrak all wheel drive, which is just a different transfer case that works like automatic 4wd, you cant manually put in in 4x4. besides that, they have the same engines, transmission, suspension, and almost everything else.

Parts interchangeability is equal for all the 98+, the pre 98's have different interiors, front ends, and a slightly different motor.

So all in all, they're the same truck with different options.

***sdime98*** · 10-25-2009, 02:46 PM

yea, i was gonna say..the awd is a pretty big difference the bravada's have over the rest, guys..lol.

Sammytheorangutan · 10-25-2009, 05:16 PM

OK. Other than the AWD and some trim, the Bravada is just a Blazer/Jimmy.

Zeeke98 · 10-25-2009, 08:00 PM

Other thing with Bravada's Smart Track is there's no 4wd low so they're not really meant for any real off roading, if that matters to you. If you just want an AWD driver that might handle some mild 2 tracks, then go for the Bravada. There's NO reason it's any better or worse than the others. It's just personal preference in looks and options. I believe all Bravadas had the double din radios from 98 on. Blazer/Jimmy's didn't get that until 2002 1/2.

Sammytheorangutan · 10-26-2009, 05:12 AM

I don't think any of the S10 based Bravadas got the double din (RDS) radios. I think the double din changeover was a corporate thing.

Zeeke98 · 10-26-2009, 09:20 PM

I beg to differ. Check out this 2000 Bravada on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2000-Oldsmobile-Bravada-Platimum-Edition_W0QQitemZ150382181453QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS _Cars_Trucks?hash=item230379fc4d#v4-32

mostizzle · 10-27-2009, 12:04 AM

get the bravada lower it and turbo it lol

Zeeke98 · 10-27-2009, 12:10 AM

I've seen that done with a first gen one.

mostizzle · 10-27-2009, 10:20 PM

a 2nd gen would be cooler IMO it would kinda be like a what if they built a 2nd gen typhoon type thing. i don't know maybe i'm just crazy lol

Slow_S10 · 10-28-2009, 09:25 AM

Yeah That would be sick... I have a Bravada and the thought had crossed my mind. However mine is the family hauler and it already gets crappy enough gas mileage as it is.

But to the OP there is nothing wrong with a Bravada. In most respects it is just a higher end Jimmy/Blazer. The main differences being the interior Trim, the Smart track AWD and the Body styling. Mechanically they are identical to 4wd Blazers and Jimmys aside from the AWD transfer case. I'm not going to lie I have even given serious thought to buying my wife a new car and stealing her Bravada for myself.

mostizzle · 10-28-2009, 08:39 PM

haha do it kev! i triple dog dare you! lol if i had money fallin all out my ass i'd definitely build one amongst a whole bunch of other stuff but i'm broke as hell so i'll just keep dreamin and bench racing

***philntx*** · 10-31-2009, 10:43 PM

The Bravada has wood trimmed window switch bezels, wood textured center console cover, 120MPH speedometer, automatic 4WD.

These are nice vehicles.

10-25-2009, 02:48 AM	#1
Outlook Registered User Age: 18 Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 49 Location: Indianapolis, IN User is: OffLine	Oldsmobile Bravada? I like the look of them, and they seem to be cheaper (at least the one I've seen for sale that I'm kinda wanting) than the Blazer (and Trailblazer trim), and the Jimmy (and Envoy trim). My step-dad says the Bravada isn't that great of a vehicle, and that Chevy and GMC are both better options. Is there something wrong with the Oldsmobile Bravada? Or is it just a preference or something. Talking about the 1996 to 2001 ones. Second Generation I believe. The one I'm looking at is a 2001, and has around 100k miles on it, and looks fine with everything else. If there's something I should know about them, please let me know!
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-25-2009, 03:00 AM	#2
JChapoton orangesonoma supporter Age: 36 Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 618 Location: Warren, MI -- Home of GM's Tech Center--soon to be the new GM Headquarters User is: OffLine	Re: Oldsmobile Bravada? GMC had a higher level trim. The Bravada was on the way out. The GMC Jimmy and Envoy were the same vehicle minus the the side trim, bumpers, and headlights. You can take a GMC Jimmy that has the Envoy package and convert it to a Envoy using the parts listed above and sell it as an Envoy because the the titles for Jimmys and Envoys both say Jimmy/Envoy as the make on the title. The 1st generation Bravada was the highest trim on the square bodies, but by 98 the Jimmy had regained that title. Last edited by JChapoton : 10-25-2009 at 03:03 AM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-25-2009, 03:17 AM	#3
Outlook Registered User Age: 18 Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 49 Location: Indianapolis, IN User is: OffLine	Re: Oldsmobile Bravada? So the Jimmy/Envoy is the best option here? Is the Bravada still an ok vehicle though? If the Jimmy is better by a lot, and I can find one reasonably priced, then I guess I'd go for that. They really aren't that different looking either. Just differences with the lights on the front, and the name.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-25-2009, 03:22 AM	#4
slonlow2000 Stock Height Age: 21 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 2,415 Location: Ironton, Mo User is: OffLine	Re: Oldsmobile Bravada? The jimmy/blazer/bravada are all pretty much the same trucks minus an option or pretty piece of plastic. Same with the s10/sonoma. All the parts are interchangable, and the same.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-25-2009, 03:44 AM	#5
Outlook Registered User Age: 18 Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 49 Location: Indianapolis, IN User is: OffLine	Re: Oldsmobile Bravada? Quote: Originally Posted by slonlow2000 The jimmy/blazer/bravada are all pretty much the same trucks minus an option or pretty piece of plastic. Same with the s10/sonoma. All the parts are interchangable, and the same. All parts are interchangeable between the the 5 gen 2 vehicles? And are they interchangeable between the first as well? Or not?
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-25-2009, 03:51 AM	#6
slonlow2000 Stock Height Age: 21 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 2,415 Location: Ironton, Mo User is: OffLine	Re: Oldsmobile Bravada? Well not every single part, but the majority. All body panels and interior pieces, the whole front ends can be swaped and so on. Most parts are interchangable between the 5 models. Now some parts are upgrades such as an envoy front end on a jimmy or blazer. But they still just bolt on.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-25-2009, 03:58 AM	#7
Outlook Registered User Age: 18 Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 49 Location: Indianapolis, IN User is: OffLine	Re: Oldsmobile Bravada? Alright. I figured there would be a few parts not interchangeable. For the most part, are parts interchangeable between years as well? (Say like a 94 S10, and a 02 S10) and different stuff like that? Sorry to ask a lot of (dumb) questions, but I've been having a crap load of problems with my 95 S10, so I'm trying to figure this kinda stuff out.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-25-2009, 04:53 AM	#8
JChapoton orangesonoma supporter Age: 36 Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 618 Location: Warren, MI -- Home of GM's Tech Center--soon to be the new GM Headquarters User is: OffLine	Re: Oldsmobile Bravada? 00-03 Jimmy is your best bet.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-25-2009, 01:46 PM	#9
cpolaris502 The Dreamsicle Age: 20 Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 16,054 Location: Rogers, MN User is: Online	Re: Oldsmobile Bravada? Get what ever you want, they are all the same truck. It's mostly appearance. The ONLY major difference with the Bravada's is the Smartrak all wheel drive, which is just a different transfer case that works like automatic 4wd, you cant manually put in in 4x4. besides that, they have the same engines, transmission, suspension, and almost everything else. Parts interchangeability is equal for all the 98+, the pre 98's have different interiors, front ends, and a slightly different motor. So all in all, they're the same truck with different options.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-25-2009, 02:46 PM	#10
*sdime98* slowly, but surely. Age: 24 Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 49,347 Location: Laurel Hill, NC User is: OffLine	Re: Oldsmobile Bravada? yea, i was gonna say..the awd is a pretty big difference the bravada's have over the rest, guys..lol.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-25-2009, 05:16 PM	#11
Sammytheorangutan Registered User Age: 42 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 558 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Oldsmobile Bravada? OK. Other than the AWD and some trim, the Bravada is just a Blazer/Jimmy.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-25-2009, 08:00 PM	#12
Zeeke98 Registered User Age: 35 Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 3,023 Location: Michigan User is: OffLine	Re: Oldsmobile Bravada? Other thing with Bravada's Smart Track is there's no 4wd low so they're not really meant for any real off roading, if that matters to you. If you just want an AWD driver that might handle some mild 2 tracks, then go for the Bravada. There's NO reason it's any better or worse than the others. It's just personal preference in looks and options. I believe all Bravadas had the double din radios from 98 on. Blazer/Jimmy's didn't get that until 2002 1/2.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-26-2009, 05:12 AM	#13
Sammytheorangutan Registered User Age: 42 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 558 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Oldsmobile Bravada? I don't think any of the S10 based Bravadas got the double din (RDS) radios. I think the double din changeover was a corporate thing.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-26-2009, 09:20 PM	#14
Zeeke98 Registered User Age: 35 Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 3,023 Location: Michigan User is: OffLine	Re: Oldsmobile Bravada? I beg to differ. Check out this 2000 Bravada on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2000-Oldsmobile-Bravada-Platimum-Edition_W0QQitemZ150382181453QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS _Cars_Trucks?hash=item230379fc4d#v4-32
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-27-2009, 12:04 AM	#15
mostizzle You...Tonight Age: 32 Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 796 Location: St.Clair Shores,MI. User is: OffLine	Re: Oldsmobile Bravada? get the bravada lower it and turbo it lol
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-27-2009, 12:10 AM	#16
Zeeke98 Registered User Age: 35 Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 3,023 Location: Michigan User is: OffLine	Re: Oldsmobile Bravada? I've seen that done with a first gen one.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-27-2009, 10:20 PM	#17
mostizzle You...Tonight Age: 32 Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 796 Location: St.Clair Shores,MI. User is: OffLine	Re: Oldsmobile Bravada? a 2nd gen would be cooler IMO it would kinda be like a what if they built a 2nd gen typhoon type thing. i don't know maybe i'm just crazy lol
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-28-2009, 09:25 AM	#18
Slow_S10 I Type Slow Too... Age: 27 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,354 Location: Chesapeake, VA User is: OffLine	Re: Oldsmobile Bravada? Yeah That would be sick... I have a Bravada and the thought had crossed my mind. However mine is the family hauler and it already gets crappy enough gas mileage as it is. But to the OP there is nothing wrong with a Bravada. In most respects it is just a higher end Jimmy/Blazer. The main differences being the interior Trim, the Smart track AWD and the Body styling. Mechanically they are identical to 4wd Blazers and Jimmys aside from the AWD transfer case. I'm not going to lie I have even given serious thought to buying my wife a new car and stealing her Bravada for myself.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-28-2009, 08:39 PM	#19
mostizzle You...Tonight Age: 32 Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 796 Location: St.Clair Shores,MI. User is: OffLine	Re: Oldsmobile Bravada? haha do it kev! i triple dog dare you! lol if i had money fallin all out my ass i'd definitely build one amongst a whole bunch of other stuff but i'm broke as hell so i'll just keep dreamin and bench racing
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-31-2009, 10:43 PM	#20
*philntx* Build them right....Mod Age: 54 Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,123 Location: Plano TX User is: OffLine	Re: Oldsmobile Bravada? The Bravada has wood trimmed window switch bezels, wood textured center console cover, 120MPH speedometer, automatic 4WD. These are nice vehicles.
	[Reply w/Quote]