The 1991 Oldsmobile Bravada Is the Old-School Luxury SUV 

The "CRT" gauge cluster is actually VFD - vacuum fluorescent display.

As a German i'm insanely fascinated whenever Doug does a Review on some 1980s-1990s etc. Oldsmobile, Chevrolet, Buick and other US Brands that either aren't sold here in European Countries or have a different Midel Line-Up here. Funny enough, when you're a Car Guy and see a 1991 Oldsmobile Bravada on the Autobahn it will grab your Attention more than any Porsche because they're more than rare. Prost & Cheers from Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps

I'm sure the views are not the greatest on these types of videos, but random 80s and 90s car reviews like this are definitely my favorite type of Doug videos.

They actually used a vehicle speed sensor, which is basically a hall effect switch and a reluctor wheel in place of the speedometer cable and worm gear that older vehicles used. When you would rev the engine, it would cause the reluctor wheel to vibrate and generate a false speed reading on the speed sensor. On two-wheel drive vehicles, it would be on the tail shaft of the transmission, and on 4 wheel drive vehicles, it would be on the rear output shaft of the transfer case.

Other Car RU-vidrs: *Racing to review the Cybertruck Doug: “Check out this Oldsmobile”

Forget a/c seats, give me a crotch vent! BRING BACK THE CROTCH VENT!!

As a (former) professional mechanic who has worked on thousands of GMs, I reallly appreciate that they added the “build sheet” of RPO codes to their vehicles. On so many vehicles that have different options for brakes, transmissions, differentials, suspension, etc you have to just look at the car and say “I think it has” whatever option, often getting it wrong. With GMs, you look at the RPO code and immediately know what options the vehicle has and what parts you need to buy. Every car should have it.

That digital dashboard or at least a similar one was optional on many GM vehicles from this era. I remember our neighbors early 90s S-10 Blazer had a digital dashboard and my cousins Astro did too. It seemed so ahead of its time back then and really still looks good, especially the turn signals and tachometer! Great review, Doug, thanks for the memories!

Doug reviewing throwback cars are some of my fav videos!

A rare member of the center of the "Mr. Regular" and "Doug Demuro" Venn diagram.

My parents had a 97 Bravada when I was young. I loved that thing so much. With the smart track it only got about 10mpg but rode so smooth.

I have a 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada AWD with 99,xxx miles on it. I got it 5 years ago when it had 88,000 miles even on it. Time for some new brakes on it, but otherwise it’s been great. I always had a fascination with Oldsmobile as a kid - I did reports on the brand all the way through college. I always wanted one of the last Olds models too and I got it when I got my Bravada! Nothing like a good throwback - long live Oldsmobile! What makes this interesting to own is the history, like was mentioned. Yes, the Bravada was the first “upbranded” luxury SUV. But also, it holds the distinction of being the LAST ever new Olds ever introduced (in 2002)! Also, the last Bravada had an I6 engine, very unique as well. That red/burgundy interior is so classy and retro too. My interior on my Bravada is grey, so it’s remained relatively timeless in terms of color. But the only other brands nowadays you really see doing interiors in fascinating colors like that are various luxury cars (Genesis, Mercedes, Bentley, some Cadillacs etc.).

Ok that’s the best dashboard turn signal indicator of all time😅

Doug is the type of guy that calls a VFD screen a CRT screen.

Ha! Me and a buddy were flying into Anchorage for work. When we landed we went to the car rental place to get a ride. We specifically asked for a 4WD car because we were gonna go see a glacier on our down time. They gave us a Bravada 😂. To be fair, we never got stuck anywhere, and it was quite comfortable. The mirror compass actually came in handy too when we got lost in a foggy snowstorm. Our glacier excursion kinda turned into a clown show because it was snowing so hard you couldn’t see 20 foot in front of you. We were trying to stay on the trail but found ourselves going in circles. We could make out our own footprints. But they did get covered up rather quickly which means we would have a hard time backtracking to find our way to the Bravada 😂. So we decided to head back before it got dark. It was getting more and more difficult to track our footprints. Then we noticed fresh prints of what appeared to be a large cats paw. We started bugging out thinking we were getting stalked by a mountain lion 😂. Anyways, we somehow made it back to the vehicle and we were happy to be in the Olds Bravada after that. 😂

My dad had a 1989 blazer , although this is the Oldsmobile version this just makes me think of that truck. Good times!

That "Oldsmobile" badge font is burned into my brain. My family used to own a '91 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser, and I would be responsible for washing that tank. I've cleaned that badge a thousand times. Always brings back the smell of car shampoo whenever I see it!

I can only imagine a Bravada in red, a GMC Jimmy in green, and a Blazer in blue.

This was the first vehicle my old man gave me. Made a lot of memories and that 4.3L Vortec is virtually bulletproof. Not to mention Doug could be reviewing a mcclaren or some one of one something or another but he chose to review this American classic. This is why he’s the best at what he does!

When my dad’s Cadillac Seville was in service at the dealership in ‘93, this was the loaner car.

I didn't think Doug would ever review a car that I own like it, I have a 1994 Oldsmobile Bravada in Black, and I just love it, keep what you're doing Doug 👍

9:15 this is a common problem in all those vehicles on the S10 platform. My friend's 2003 blazer does the same thing with the analog cluster if you rev it in park.

I had a '91 Bravada and absolutely loved it. It was my first car. The AWD was awesome.

The S-10 Blazer got the digital dashboard as well, and they were INCREDIBLY fragile. First the odometer will disappear and then it will be the speedometer. I sent mine off to be fixed once and it started breaking again. Bought one with similar mileage online and eventually they went out too. Finally said forget it and used a GPS for the speedometer for the last few years I had it.

Doug is my kinda guy

Doug: this is Cool RCR: this sucks

OMG the memories here! A friend of mine from grade school, his parents had one of these, in this exact exterior paint too. (iirc, the interior was gray though). They even had a car phone installed too, which at the time was like WHOA. Felt like you were riding in a car from the future!

I still see these on the road more than the explorers of that time. Makes me miss my 93 S-10, basically same interior minus the leather.

14:45 the ever elusive doug going through the car manual again

I remember the RCR review of this car, a classic

Love seeing these survivors still looking great. I had the Blazer version I bought new after desert storm. Put 230,000 miles on it and only traded when I needed a car for better mileage. Miss it.

No matter when you pause a Doug video with his face in view it always looks hilarious.

THIS is the earliest I've ever commented on a Doug video. Love the old and obscure car reviews. Keep them coming!

My friend got arrested in one of these 20 years ago in highschool. The cops never found his pot in the Hidden space behind the glovebox.

You cannot dislike Doug!!! The fact that he’s grown astronomically and stays grounded is worth of admiration and emulation. Thank you for all the goodness you bring us man. Keep highlighting old school cool stuff

Приятно смотреть, как человек занимается любимым делом. Когда Дуглас обозревает подобные машины, у него даже голос меняется-такой радостный и довольный. Это именно то, за что мы так любим этот канал.

My buddy had one in high school. He ripped off the first “a” and painted an “o” in gold so it was the BROvada.

This is my kind of old school luxury fun boxy GM SUV I can daily drive in 2024, way better looking and a reliable RWD/AWD. Then the boring FWD appliances called crossovers we have today that non-car enthusiasts ask for. I'll find me one in this red, black, and white only with a floor shifter, but the column shifter is cool. Oldsmobile was always an innovative car brand, sad that it went away in 2004. Doug, keep it up and do a review on three of my favorite Oldsmobiles. 1993 Olds Ninty Eight Touring Sedan with the 3800 supercharged, 1999 Olds LSS supercharged, and a 1992 Olds Toronado Trofeo with the CRT screen. If you can find one. I know a Cutlass Calis International series in a super hard find with the 2.4L Quad 4 engine.

My dad got one of these used from a coworker. I LOVED this vehicle. I hope to buy one someday and restore it. ❤

My friend had one of these when we were in high school. I have never seen another vehicle take such a beating and still function flawlessly.

2:09 it was actually the opposite for the MDX. The MDX came out first in 2001, then Honda used the platform (with the engine, transmission and AWD system) for the Pilot in 2003.

Thank you for the review, Doug. This was a blast from my past. My family had a green Bravada with a tan interior and as a kid the digital gauge cluster blew me away. We also had an 85 S10 Blazer and it felt exactly the same when being driven around, except now with plush leather seats and rear doors to hop out of.

13:40 Doug call it what it is, it's the Goochcooler 9000

THISSSS is my favorite kind of content from one of my favorite car people, and I LOVE how excited he was right away! 😄

Wow, what a throwback for me! I had the 93 S-10 Blazer version of this as my first car in high school back in 96. I'm half tempted to go for this just for nostalgia sake. Can't believe how good of shape this is still in!

Please review an early 90s Pontiac Grand Prix with the special tech package, not exactly sure what it was called, but it was pretty amazing looking.

Great video Doug. Thanks for reviewing these older cars!!!

I love these things and all its brethren. The Typhoon is on my dream car list. Im in southeast Michigan, not too far north of Detroit, and the car scene around here eats these up. Had a '94 Yukon GT for a while and would meet up with a few car show mates. One '92 Bravada, '89 S10 Blazer and a '84 K5 Blazer. The crowds always loved our little collection.

Boy this video takes me back, my uncle used to have a first generation Bravada, I rode in that thing quite a bit, and my Grandma also had a second generation Bravada

This def deserves a like for having the balls to release this review

I have fond memories of that GM red interior. My grandparent’s Lumina APV was such a cozy place to be.

My first car was a '94 Bravada I bought in 2002. Black exterior/tan interior. Did well in Wisconsin snowy winters. I remember it fondly.

So this is the "first" Luxury SUV, huh... It's way cooler than I was expecting. Loved the interior's color, this red is just so beautiful. I must say, it's just cooler than a S10 Chevy Blazer

I would love to see him review a 2003 Chevy Avalanche

Never stop giving us a look into old vehicles like this. I know it can be frustrating because some know it all in the comments is going to correct you and older vehicles get lower view counts but you do such a great job and I really enjoy watching.

I love these 1st Gen Bravadas.I've been waiting for you to review this for a while.Nice job on the review Doug

I always thought the 4-door Blazer and Bravada looked weird. It basically looks like they took an S-10 Blazer and cut two rear doors into it in a hasty reaction to the Ford Explorer. The Ford Explorer really freaked out GM, apparently.

People talk about all modern crossovers looking the same. If it wasn’t for the badging I can barely tell the difference between a 90s explorer from a 90s s10 blazer and bravada. Even the Range Rover looked like a block.

Man this brings back memories. I had a 1989 S10 blazer 2 door as my first vehicle and it had the digital gauges and I remember not being able to trust the speedometer and the fuel gauge in that cluster. Good times. Awesome video Doug.

@Doug Demuro: Thank you for this one. I always enjoyed seeing these growing up in the central/northern ky hills.

Doug's reviews of Oldsmobiles have to be some of my favorites.

Nothing wrong with that burgundy interior. Car interiors today with color options and palettes are unbelievably dull and boring. We had some beautiful interior colors back in the 80’s and mid 90’s. We had various shades of red, burgundy, blues, tans, greens, browns, and more. How many here remember the good colorful ultra comfy plush velour interiors of the 80’s and early 90’s.

My moms 1989 s10 Blazer had the exact same gauge cluster. My dad learned the hard way, more than once, that when the fuel light was flashing and even though it showed 3 bars…you were empty.

Keep doing these older vehicles Doug! I love these as it allows me to get a feel for how cars that I could not afford were back then.

You know what else is square with a lot of backseat leg room? The first gen Scion xB. It needs your review Doug! It needs a Doug score!

I just remember Regular Car Reviews having absolute *vitriol* towards this car.

Finally, videos outside look much better 🎉. Cool review as always

My first car from 11 years ago is my 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada. The best first vehicle I could ever have and has been super reliable, dependable and comfortable. Still have her to this day and haven’t had any problems besides oil changes and brake changes. So happy to see you do the “Luxury Blazer” 😊

That turn signal indicator is still futuristic

Dougs microphone is from 1991 too

i worked at a place that has one of these as a work truck. I really enjoyed that you could set the seat memory all the way up and forward and when the next person got in and started it they would get squished into the steering wheel. It was old but it kept on ticking

I love how you review car's brother.... You have smoothed out my day more than once... Thank you for all your research and everything you do...

Would love to see you review a 90s Buick Riviera

First SUV. I ever owned with leather interior. I missed the 90s. 😂

14:12 doug discovers gm rpo codes. welcome to the club.

The digital cluster was available on the Jimmy too. Also, the vehicle uses a conventional speed sensor for road speed. The speed changing while stopped is the result of an electrical issue. Common issue on analog and digital clusters of that era. The lower vent below the steering wheel was called a lap cooler, a lot of GM cars had it.

Finally a new video not filmed in the dark concrete bunker!

*cybertruck exists* Doug: “Here’s a 90s Oldsmobile!”

I was wondering when you would be reviewing the Oldsmobile Bravada. I'm so glad you did. This is one of my favorite SUVs.

Reminds me of the 91 GMC Sonoma I special ordered. Started with standard cab, short bed, 2 wheel drive, 4.3, auto. Then completely loaded it up from there, including that digital dash and those factory fog lights. Loved that little truck!

“Ahead of its time but not executed all that well” - this is a perfect description of GM. I love what they come up with, I hate how they implement those ideas. Heck, 10 years after the Bravada they predicted the modern crossover with the Aztek and oh how we laughed and laughed

90's reviews are my favorite.

Finally!!! I've been commenting for this truck for so long!!!!!! Thank you that was my dad's car that he passed to me before he passed ❤

My grandmother had a '91 GMC Jimmy with the same digital cluster. I loved it.

Don’t forget the Acura SLX when it comes to luxury suv flops

The Explorer Limited was pretty luxurious.

I like how you appreciate all of the vehicles you review thank you for that I always enjoy your videos

This is one of my all time favorite Doug reviews!

Doug's attention to detail is outstanding. He really gets to know his vehicles.

4:20 that's an amazingly small amount to get out of a 4.6 litre engine even by '91 standards

The two additional “Cigarette Lighters” are not Cigarette Lighters but rather accessories power ports. You can tell that is the case by the fact they have no Cigarette Lighters plug into them and they have hinge covers over them. This has become the default in modern cars where the cigarette lighter is omitted and it’s just refer to as an accessory power port (Though car pop-out Cigarette Lighters are available as aftermarket option for anyone who misses them). These two car accessories ports are the 80s/90s equivalent of USB power ports on a modern car.

Thanks for sharing this video, I appreciate this. It came out the same year I was born.

I love the reviews of the late 80s, early 90s

I like it a lot even more now than ever before 😅

If I havent said it, I really appreciate you reviewing some of this awesome eclectic stuff. One that I would LOVE for you to get your hands on is the 88-89 Pontiac 6000 STE AWD. It was GM's first AWD car. I have one (being converted to an EV), and they are weirdly cool. Car and Driver had the FWD STE as Ten Best '83-'85.

Love this! This is the kind of review I subscribe for ❤

Whoa, a California 2 license plate. This car has been in the family since new.

I grew up with one of these. My grandparents got it only two months old in 92. It was the same red exterior but the solid black interior, and it had the spare tire mounted on the rear (With a very nice leather tire cover.) At the time my grandfather was looking for "Something to replace his van" (He had a conversion van he used to travel to relatives that lives far away) and he wanted something to tow his boat with (And his Mercedes wasn't going to tow, and his corvette certainly wasn't going to lmao). My parents got it as a hand me down around 2008, drove it into the ground a bit. But be it the front or the back seats, this thing was comfortable AF. I learned how to drive in it lol. It never once let me down, which is something to be said considering we had a 98 Regency Elite and an 88 Regency after that and both were nice cars but broke so often. My grandparents daily drove it, took it on trips, all of the things, and I will be the first one to say this was a good car. Sadly, we had to retire ours in 2018 with only 140k miles on it, rust got to it. (We didn't have a garage at the time.) Living in the rust belt was killer for it. So much so that the frame was literally gone, the only thing holding it together was the body lol. (It still ran and drove though! If it weren't for pesky state inspection I'd still be driving it!) I told myself if I was ever in a position to get another one of these I would, I've looked, FOR YEARS, to find one of these first gen Bravada's that hasn't been rusted out, trashed, or modified to hell and back. Unfortunately due to medical issues I'm on a disability income and can't afford to bid on this one even though I need a car. (Carless atm.) To whoever gets this Bravada, treat it well and it will treat you well. It will never let you down. Juuuuuuuuuust make sure you keep up on potential frame rust. . .

My step- monster had one of these back in the mid 90s and it was a Classy, Elegant machine for its day. I know millennial Dougy 2 Shirts wouldn't remember but back in the day the digital gauge cluster was something out of a SciFi movie. Dad's '86 Toronado had the digital dash too and that was bragging rights. I showed his car to my auto shop teacher in '91 and he was beyond impressed.

I'm so happy you reviewed this!