1996 Oldmobile Bravada - Long-Term Update - Road Tests

'96 Oldsmobile Bravada
Designed for leather-loving adventure enthusiasts who spend much of their safari time traversing the urban jungle, it's no surprise that the Oldsmobile Bravada has played a significant role in the staff's active lifestyles. Serving commuter duty during the week, the Bravada's form-fitting cowhide seats and optional six-speaker CD-equipped stereo system lessen the pain of chronic stop-and-go traffic. When conditions permit, the 190-horsepower sport/ute accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds, translating to relatively swift passing maneuvers. Weekend escapes to local mountains, area lakes, and nearby picnic spots have been the Bravada's forte. The grandest getaway thus far saw an editor and his family traveling to Colorado for skiing, providing a perfect opportunity to put the SmartTrak all-wheel-drive system to the test. With 235/70SR15 all-season tires on 15x7.0-inch cast aluminum wheels, the Bravada comfortably navigated the slippery, snow-covered roads. Another staffer, however, found the Bravada to be less virtuous in the rain.