Oldsmobile Bravada III 4.2 24V (273 Hp)


Overall Rating

7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 3.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion 3.6 / 5

Oldsmobile Bravada:

The Oldsmobile Bravada is a mid-size luxury SUV that was sold by Oldsmobile from 1991 to 2004. The only SUV ever marketed by Oldsmobile, the Bravada was the first GM light truck since 1924 offered outside of the Chevrolet and GMC brands. Introduced as the flagship GM mid-size SUV, the Bravada was also the highest-content GM SUV prior to the 1999 introduction of the GMC Yukon Denali and Cadillac Escalade.
Offered solely as a five-door wagon, the Bravada was a counterpart of the Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Jimmy for its first two generations. For its third generation, the model line was derived from the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy....(Read more on Wikipedia)

III Overview:

Oldsmobile Bravada (III). With 373 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2100 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.2 s). The top speed reaches 190 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Oldsmobile Bravada III was not tested by Euro NCAP. As a North American market SUV from the early 2000s, its safety performance would typically be evaluated by NHTSA, focusing on standard airbags and ABS.

4.2 24V (273 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The 4.2L Vortec inline-six engine provides strong acceleration and ample power for highway cruising and towing, making the Bravada feel capable for its size.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is typical for a large SUV of its era, with the 13.1 l/100 km combined rating reflecting its displacement and weight, making it relatively thirsty by modern standards.

Best Use Case: Highway cruising, family transport, light towing.

reddit Community Verdict

This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.

Allowed: 60% Neutral: 10% Issues: 30%
rating
3.6 / 5

Based on AI analysis of 10 discussions

Read What Owners Say
👍 POSITIVE
Those are very reliable and great engines. I would say if it’s under 220k miles and no check engine light on, then it sounds good.
👍 POSITIVE
02 Bravadas are a good vehicle with usually only minor problems. 4.2 straight six is a good and powerful motor. They have a very comfortable and soft car like ride. It may catch you off guard if you are used to driving the newer vehicles with stiff suspensions. Don’t expect good gas mileage by today’s standards. You will be lucky to get 16 city and maybe 20 highway but for a ten minute commute it
👎 NEGATIVE
23 year old GM? Tranny supposedly rebuilt. No mileage mentioned and apparently the owner doesn’t proofread his ad for his “computer” car. I’d say no.
👍 POSITIVE
If the mileage isn't ridiculous, not a bad deal. The Atlas 4200 is GM's best engine. You can't do a lot better for the price. Although, you could probably find a Toyota around the same age for the same price so keep your options open.
👍 POSITIVE
Fuck yeah its worth buying, an 02 Bravada is awesome, theyre super rare too.
😐 NEUTRAL
Depending on the mileage and accident history. I like seeing them still on the road, I would take the gamble.
👍 POSITIVE
I'm generally skeptical when people brag about how much stuff they just had done on a car they're selling, but the Bravada is basically a Trailblazer which in by book is a half a million miles kind of vehicle. I would take most running cars for 2500 but yeah I'd say that's probably a good one. Am I stupid and missing where it says the mileage though? That's a pretty big factor
👍 POSITIVE
Good for the long compute to work
👎 NEGATIVE
Runs great but sold as is 🤣🤣🤣🤣
👎 NEGATIVE
I had one of those bravada’s but I wanted the impala


Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Powerful and smooth 4.2L Vortec engine
  • • Comfortable and spacious interior for five
  • • Generous cargo capacity with folding rear seats
  • • Standard all-wheel drive for improved traction
  • • Refined ride quality for its class

Cons:

  • • High fuel consumption compared to modern SUVs
  • • Dated interior design and materials by end of production
  • • Oldsmobile brand discontinuation impacts parts availability and resale value
  • • Limited off-road capability despite AWD
  • • Some common issues with electrical components and suspension

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II: 1995 - 2001).

General:
Brand:Oldsmobile
Model:Bravada
Generation:III
Modification (Engine):4.2 24V (273 Hp)
Start of production:2001
End of production:2004
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:273 Hp @ 6000 rpm.
Power per litre:65.7 Hp/l
Torque:373 Nm @ 3600 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:Vortec [Same engine] More details about the engine Vortec
Engine displacement:4157
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:6.6 l
Coolant:13.1 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:93 mm mm
Piston Stroke:102 mm mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:14.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:11.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:13.1 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:9.2 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:9.2 sec
Maximum speed:190 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:7.7 kg/Hp, 130 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.6 kg/Nm, 177.6 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.7 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:2100
Max. weight:2610
Max load:510
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:2360 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:1125 l
Fuel tank capacity:71 l
Size:
Length:4870 mm mm [210mm more]
Width:1895 mm mm [175mm more]
Height:1830 mm mm [220mm more]
Wheelbase:2870 mm mm [150mm more]
Front track:1605 mm
Rear (Back) track:1575 mm
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size245/70 R16
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionTransverse stabilizer

Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Oldsmobile Bravada?