1998 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA IS READY TO CONFRONT ADVERSITY
To demonstrate a strong commitment to the booming SUV segment, Bravada is back for 1998 with new interior and exterior designs and a major driveline upgrade. Blessed with a standard gutsy 4.3-liter V6 rated at 190 horsepower, a smooth electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission, automatic all-wheel drive, and a locking differential, the Bravada, with the SmartTrak system, is ready to confront adversity without losing its friendly disposition. An increasingly common sight is suburban garages blessed with an Aurora in one day and a Bravada in the next. Oldsmobile's tag team offers the best of all worlds--luxurious accommodation, advanced driving performance, a sure-footed ride for every occasion. A more contemporary exterior appearance for the new model year maintains well established Bravada and Oldsmobile brand characteristics. Interior changes are also extensive. The objective was to create a Bravada that's not only smart looking but also the most comfortable and convenient SUV on the road.
Exterior Design - Buy The Bravada Here
Up front the Bravada receives the modern Oldsmobile family identification in the form of larger, more functional looking lamp assemblies and dual grilles separated by a body color panel carrying the Oldsmobile divisional logo. Horizontal grille bars and a second dual-port theme in the bumper fascia give the '98 Bravada a broader visual stance. Turn signals are relocated from the bumper surface to the main lamp cluster. Bravada identification is molded into the center of the bumper fascia. That subtle change positions protective ribbing lower on the door and bumper surfaces to give side and three-quarter views a leaner, lower perspective. The plastic material is far more damage resistant to stones and brush contact than painted sheet metal. Wheels have long played a prominent role in Oldsmobile exterior designs. New six spoke aluminum rims have a bright machined face and contrasting gray inner surfaces. Each 7x 15-inch wheel saves 2.5-lbs over last year's design. Large wheel flares reinforce longstanding Oldsmobile traditions while adding to Bravada's functional ruggedness. Bravada's new rear step bumper is especially handy for stepping up to load awkward cargo--such as mountain bikes--on the Bravada's roof. Non-skid rub srtips cover the step surfaces and guard against scratches. Heated driver's outside rearview mirror is new for 1998 and as before, the trailer tow rating is 5000 lbs (with appropriate hitch and wiring equipment).
Interior Design - Buy The Bravada Here
Bravada's instrument panel is all new to provide more contemporary aesthetics, more pleasing switch gear, and several new functions such as next generation air bag supplemental restraints for both front occupants. A handy passenger-side grab handle helps guide the right-side air bag's deployment for optimum protection in the event of a frontal collision. Energy absorbing knee bolsters for both front occupants are neatly integrated into the lower instrument panel surfaces. Both air bags use reduced inflation pressures to minimize the likelihood of injury to small, frail, or out-of position occupants during deployment. The new instrument panel is a model of ergonomic efficiency with radio, climate control, and ashtray components angled toward the driver for ready accessibility. The glovebox is now a conventional bin-type design for better storage and is easily opened by driver or front passenger thanks to a latch release that's positioned on the left side of the glovebox door. An automatic climate control system is standard in the Bravada. Three matching twist knobs control mode, temperature, and fan speed. If an occupant makes any adjustment during automatic operation, the HVAC responds to that order without disturbing other settings. Four high-mounted adjustable vent registers are provided as before. Bravada customers have two new for `98 Oldsmobile family of radios to choose from. Standard equipment is an AM/FM stereo receiver with cassette deck. A dual-playback (CD and cassette tape) unit is available as an option. Both provide electronic tuning,15 station presets, up and down seek, base and treble level adjustment, a built-in clock, and Theftlock protection. Door trim design is both new to coordinate with Bravada's new instrument panel. Speaker grilles are integrated with the vinyl and carpet door trim. The door handle bezel is a new easy-access design. Four-way manual headrests and two-way power lumbar adjustments are standard. In addition, the driver's seat has six-way power adjustment and sports a new feature for 1998, the power recliner. Also, electric seat heaters are a new option for 1998 and are available as an option with leather upholstery. The rear bench seat is a split-fold design as before to provide utmost flexibility when transporting passengers and cargo. New for 1998 are rear headrests that fold by themselves when the seat is moved down for additional cargo space. Bravada's state-of the-art electrical system facilitates a host of handy new features. Daytime running lamps enhance the vehicle's visibility in traffic. A new automatic control system switches to the night-time mode at dusk and then back again with the advent of daylight. In the event an interior lamp is accidentally left on, a battery rundown system automatically switches it off after 20 minutes. GM's highly effective PASSLock anti-theft system immobilizes the engine in the event any attempt is made to start this vehicle without the proper ignition key. An electrochromic inside rearview mirror automatically darkens when struck by headlamps from the rear and lightens when the transmission is shifted into reverse for optimum rear visibility during backing. The dome lamp is illuminated not only when a door is opened but also whenever the remote unlock button is pressed and for several seconds after the door is closed during exit. Retained accessory power allows power accessories to be used for 20 minutes after the key is removed from the ignition switch. As a final touch, the Bravada's color palette has been revised. Dark-beige is the new exterior hue. The new interior choice is gray.
Engineering - Buy The Bravada Here
In addition to significant appearance and functional improvements for the new model year, the 1998 Bravada has a long list of engineering upgrades--a new instrument panel with next generation dual front air bags, automatic air conditioning, and improved radio systems; a thoroughly revised electrical system including new computer control modules; a new electronic transfer case; mass savings for enhanced fuel economy and performance; and also a new, more substantial rear bumper.
SmarterTrak - Buy The Bravada Here
The original 1991 Bravada introduced the SIJV world to one of the most sure-footed chassis systems ever invented. SmartTrak consisted of full-time all-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and a locking differential. With no levers to throw or hubs to lock, this was the ideal approach for recent inductees to four wheeling because it delivered the superior traction needed for adverse road and weather conditions with no fuss whatsoever. Several competitors have attempted to follow Oldsmobile's lead with imitation systems of their own. The imitators will have some catching up to do because there's a new and improved SmartTrak for 1998. Two out of the three major elements have undergone major changes. Last year the anti-lock brake system was upgraded to a four-wheel-disc design with reduced pedal travel, quicker response, lower effort, shorter stopping distances, and longer lining life. This year there's an all new electronic transfer case. Previous Bravadas used a single-speed full-time all-wheel system that operated through a planetary center differential. With a viscous limited-slip device for the center differential, this system provided excellent traction. However, technology marches on. To exploit recent engineering advancements, the 1998 Bravada has a new electronically controlled on-demand all-wheel-drive transfer case supplied by New Venture Gear. Driving requirements are unchanged--the new SmartTrak system is permanently active and ready to deliver torque to both the front and rear axles. During normal operation on dry pavement,100 percent of the power is delivered to the rear axle. That minimizes driveline influence on the steering and the wear and tear of front-end components. In the event of rear-wheel slippage, propshaft speed sensors alert the powertrain control computer to take corrective action. A clutch inside the transfer case is engaged to transfer power to the front axle but only enough to reduce the speed differential between front and rear axles. The clutch releases when no speed differential exists (no slippage at the rear wheels). Advantages over the previous approach to SmartTrak are numerous. The new active design requires less than 250 milliseconds to shift maximum power to the front axle versus several seconds with the viscous limited-slip device. The electrically-activated multi-disc clutch is microprocessor controlled so its operation can be interactive with other electronically controlled systems such as the engine and transmission. Service problems are also easier to diagnose thanks to the electronic controls. Vibration is diminished with the new transfer case and it's simpler mechanically and therefore more robust. In the event that slippage is detected for a sustained period of time, the transfer case clutch locks completely to avoid overloading the electric clutch-actuation motor. When slippage ceases, the clutch unlocks without the driver even noticing. During full-throttle acceleration from rest the clutch briefly engages to eliminate dry-road wheel spin, improving forward thrust.
Electrical Grid Upgrade - Buy The Bravada Here
Bravada uses a new approach to electrical wiring that permits a lighter, simpler, and more reliable harness capable of handling added functions. Instead of fusible links to protect key circuits, the new system packages maxi fuses, regular fuses, and some relays in an underhood electrical center. Customer convenience is enhanced and the number of wires passing through the front of the dash is reduced. Turn signal and emergency flasher functions are handled electronically instead of mechanically. Bussed electrical centers and a new body computer that uses class II serial data permits sharing of key operating information by a number of electronic systems. The benefits are fewer wires and a higher level of electronic integration for more reliable operation with easier fault diagnosis when service is necessary. The body computer handles a host of functions: reminders, warnings, interior and exterior illumination, lockinglunlocking, vehicle security, battery rundown protection, and keyless entry. In addition, Bravada's vehicle control module has a microprocessor with a higher clock speed and additional memory to do a better job handling other new tasks. Reserve capacity built into this new computer will permit adding new functions in the future.
Dietary Benefits - Buy The Bravada Here
The 1998 Bravada adds all this new content with little increase in curb weight. With no loss of ruggedness, mass has been trimmed from the frame, the wheels, and the jack. New aluminum alloy wheels save a total of ten pounds. Three pounds have been pared from the jack and another 1.5 pounds from Bravada's wheel blocks. The Bravada's frame has been lightened by 22 pounds by metal gauge reductions, the use of ta.ilored blanks, and less overlap at joints. A substantial number of gallons of fuel will be saved throughout the life of the vehicle.
Better Bumper Engineering - Buy The Bravada Here
Bravada's new 2.5-mph rear bumper looks and performs better than before. The one piece high-strength, low-alloy steel design is tough enough to handle 350 pounds of tongue weight while rub strips around the ball attachment area help fend off scratch damage. Step surfaces are also protected with anti-skid material. Hooking safety chains to this bumper is easier than before.
Interior Design Upgrades - Buy The Bravada Here
Bravada engineers didn't devote all their time to chassis and driveline improvements. They also took the trouble to make the 1998 interior a more inhabitable place for daily commuting or long-trip use. For added safety, next generation air bags are now provided for both the driver and the front-seat passenger. Next generation air bags are used to avoid injuring small, out-of position, or frail front-seat occupants. One sensing and diagnostic module commands both inflatable restraints. Knee bolsters are provided for both front occupants to keep them in proper position during a collision. The 1998 Bravada dash also includes a new instrument cluster, an updated selection of radios, and a new automatic climate control system. The electronically controlled air conditioning selects blower speed, air discharge mode, and discharge temperature that will automatically maintain a preset temperature between 66 and 82 degrees F. In the event an occupant overrides a setting, the system will continue maintaining the other parameters not disturbed. Automatic climate control is standard Bravada equipment.
Audio - Buy The Bravada Here
Two new radio sound systems are available this year. Oldsmobile Family of Radios offers an AM/FM stereo with cassette unit as standard equipment. A dual playback deck-CD and cassette tapes--is offered as an option. Standard features for both units are: 15 station preset, seek up and down, bass/treble adjustment, recall, clock display, and Theftlock. And while they were at it, engineers also upgraded Bravada's seats front and rear. The bucket seats in front which were standard last year are joined by new belt buckles which are attached to the seat frame to move with occupant adjustment, thereby assuring comfortable, convenient use. Carryovers from last year's Bravada include: map storage which is provided on the back surface of each front bucket, two-way power lumbar adjustments for both front occupants, headrests are four-way adjustable, and the driver's seat has six-way power adjustment. Electrically heated front seats are a new option for 1998 with leather upholstery. (Cloth is also offered as a no-cost option.) The split-folding bench seat in back has folding headrests for outboard passengers.
Bravada Marketing - Buy The Bravada Here
Oldsmobile's neighborly know-it-all is really helping get the Bravada word out on television.
Final Assembly Location: Moraine, Ohio
I.U.E. International Union of Electrical Workers
Recent Sales Volume (calendar year): 1996 --15,397
Recent Product History: All new for 1996
Brakes upgraded to 4-wheel disc system in 1997
Liftgate with liftglass new for 1997
Major parts marked with VIN to thwart theft in 1997
Electric sunroof option available in 1997
New For 1998:
Competitive Strengths:
Copyright © 1985-2001 AutoPricing / VIS. All rights reserved. *Values are subjective opinions based on the Staff of NABA / VIS and recent market conditions. National Automobile Bankers Associates / Vehicle Information Services is not responsible for actual or claimed deviation. Copyright 1993-2001 NABA/VIS. Auto Pricing a service of VIS. 561-394-0610