SAN FRANCISCO:
Many people like the go-anywhere, go-anytime capability available with four-wheel-drive.
However, some don't like to turn knobs or pull levers to get in and out of 4WD. The answer
could be the SmartTrak Road Management System that is standard equipment on Oldsmobile's
sport utility vehicle (SUV), the Bravada. Unlike all-wheel-drive (AWD) where the vehicle
is always in 4WD that is offered by other manufacturers, SmartTrak normally operates in an
"all-wheel-drive standby" mode.
Under normal driving conditions, only the rear wheels are powered. When one rear tire
begins to lose traction, the locking differential instantly transfers more torque to the
other rear wheel, enabling both rear wheels to work together to help get you down the road
in complete control. If additional rear-wheel slippage is detected, torque is delivered to
the front wheels for the added traction needed in snow, on ice and for other slippery
conditions. Working with the locking rear differential and the anti-lock braking system,
it is done automatically and happens within a quarter of a second.
The Bravada is the most upscale member of GM's family of medium-sized SUVs. I call them
"just the right size", and that also includes the Chevrolet Blazer and GMC
Jimmy.
Exterior-wise the Bravada differs from its siblings with a distinctive grille and minor
trim items. Standard features include a plush leather interior, more comfortable seating,
center-mounted shifter for the four-speed automatic transmission, climate control, and
power everything.
The Bravada is powered by a 4.3 liter Vortec V6 engine rated at 190-horsepower at 4400
rpm and 250 lb-ft of torque at 2800 rpm. Performance is quite good, even when climbing
hills with five adults and all their stuff, or pulling a trailer. The towing capacity is a
very respectable 5000 pounds with the optional towing package. Also respectable for an SUV
is the EPA rating of 16 mpg City & 20 mpg Highway. The fuel tank holds 18 gallons.
Handling, steering, braking and ride quality are all very good. Indeed, it is hard to
believe that the Bravada has a truck heritage. Like the Chevy Blazer and GMC Jimmy, the
Bravada is based on the Chevrolet S10 and GMC Sonoma compact truck platform. But then
again, these pickups are not like trucks of the old days. I found very little of the road
noise often experienced in 4WDs, since the vehicle was usually in 2WD and street Mud &
Snow tires were fitted. About the only time I knew I was riding in a truck is when I took
a speed bump too fast.
The bottom line is that the Bravada combines the best features of both the family sedan
and an SUV. Indeed, if getting into and out of sedans is getting more difficult for you,
then consider an SUV or pickup truck. The chair-height seating means very easy entry and
exit. The dashboard with large knob controls for both the radio and climate functions are
especially user-friendly, and sitting up high offers excellent visibility through the
windshield and for rear view safety.
The Bravada might be just the ticket for those that just want the security of 4WD but
plan to drive it mainly on paved roads. The window sticker on the Bravada starts at
$32,335 and goes up from there. A test drive at your local Oldsmobile dealer should be all
that you need to make the final decision to buy one. By Bill Siuru © AutoWire.Net -
San Francisco
Oldsmobile Home Page
Byline: By Bill Siuru © AutoWire.Net - San Francisco
Column Name: "Bravada combines the best features of the family sedan
and the SUV"
Topic: 2000 Oldsmobile Bravada SUV
Word Count: 639
Photo Caption: 2000 Oldsmobile Bravada SUV
Photo Credits: Oldsmobile Internet Media
Series #: 2000 - 38
Download the Microsoft Word version here: 2000 Oldsmobile Bravada SUV
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