San Jose Mercury News, Calif., Drive Column.

Byline: Matt Nauman

Jul. 29--2002 BRAVADA STILL WON'T TURN MANY HEADS: The Bravada sport-utility never has been much of a success story for Oldsmobile, so perhaps it's an appropriate symbol as the last all-new vehicle from that historic, but destined-for-death nameplate.

There's no doubt that the 2002 Bravada with its new engine, improved ride and larger interior is a nice move up from the 2001 model. Still, it's neither a vehicle that will turn a lot of heads nor, years from now, have buyers kicking themselves for not buying one.

Again, in a nutshell, that's the (recent) Oldsmobile story.

The problem remains that the Bravada shares so much -- the engine, transmission, chassis and most mechanical parts -- with both the Chevrolet TrailBlazer (formerly the Blazer) and the GMC Envoy (formerly the Jimmy). And, since …