Oldsmobile Bravada Indy Pace Car, 2002
The Bravada was a luxury SUV from the Oldsmobile marque of General Motors. There have been two different vehicles to bear this model name, the first and second-generation GMT330, and the 2002 to 2004 GMT360.
1991
The 1991 Bravada was an upscale version of the then-new 4-door S-Blazer/Jimmy. It was the first truck-based vehicle offered by Oldsmobile since the 1920s, and by that time was a United States-only vehicle. Unlike its siblings, the Bravada was only offered with "Smart Trak" all-wheel drive, leather upholstery, and the 4.3 L Z-code engine. Anti-lock brakes and remote keyless entry were also standard. This version was produced through 1994.
Engines
* 1991 - 4.3 L Vortec 4300 V6, TBI, 160 hp (119 kW)/230 ft·lbf (312 N·m) (VIN Z)
* 1992-1994 - 4.3 L Vortec 4300 V6, CPFI, 200 hp (149 kW) (VIN W)
Fuel Economy
The first generation Bravada with the 160 hp engine averaged EPA city/highway 17/22 mpg. The first generation with the 200 hp engine averaged 16/21 mpg.
1996
The Bravada was refreshed later than the others, with no 1995 models produced. The 1996 and 1997 models were less boxy than their predecessor. Daytime running lamps were standard fare including a driver's airbag. The interior styling was more appealing to the eye with less ridges and squares, much like the exterior. Another refreshening occurred in 1998, with a revised interior including dual airbags and a new front fascia which included the new Aurora inspired Oldsmobile logo. OnStar was available in 1999 as a cell phone unit, later becoming integrated into the rearview mirror in 2001 with available features like hands-free calling and virtual advisor. A Bose sound system was added for 1999 and the engine was redesigned in 2000, though output remained the same. A new two-tone exterior dubbed the Platinum Edition was made available in 2000. This generation was phased out in 2001 to make way for the new GMT360 Bravada.
Engines
* 1996-2001 - 4.3 L Vortec 4300 V6, CSFI, 190 hp (142 kW)
Fuel Economy
The second generation Bravada EPA city/highway averaged 16/21 mpg.
2002
The 2002 Bravada was the first GMT360 truck. This generation Bravada holds the distinction of the last new Oldsmobile model. Like the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy, it used the new 270 hp (201 kW) Atlas I6 engine. Rear-wheel drive was available for the first time as well, making this the first rear wheel drive Oldsmobile since the 1992 Custom Cruiser. The Bravada entered the Canadian market that time. Production of the Bravada ended with the demise of the Oldsmobile marque in 2004; the last Bravada rolled off the assembly line in January of that year.
The Bravada bodyshell is still in production as the Buick Rainier.
Engines
* 2002-2004 LL8 4.2 L (256 in³) I6, 270 hp (201 kW)
Fuel Economy
The third generation Bravada EPA city/highway averaged 15/21 mpg.
