EDMUNDS.COM 2004 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Even though the Silhouette is destined to die as GM phases out Oldsmobile, this is one minivan that deserves careful consideration, especially if you''re looking for a luxurious, fully equipped all-wheel-drive model.
Pros
Available all-wheel drive, generous list of standard and optional features, fold-flat third-row seat.
Cons
Spotty build and materials quality in the cabin, poor offset crash test score, poor resale value.
What''s New for 2004
Largely unchanged for 2004, the Silhouette now offers standard keyless entry on all trim levels and optional luggage roof rails.
Overview
Introduction:
If you like to have a lot of features on your minivan, the Silhouette could be for you. Want power-sliding doors? Leather? An in-dash six-CD changer? Rear DVD-based entertainment system? Full-time all-wheel drive? The Silhouette has you covered. How about a flat-folding third-row seat? Maybe a touring suspension with automatic leveling and an air inflation kit? Side-impact airbags? OnStar telematics? It''s all here, depending on the model you pick. There''s even a reverse-sensing system for easier parking lot maneuvers on high-line models. Maybe the Silhouette''s success at identifying and satisfying the needs of its target consumer stems from the fact the minivan has had a few years to polish its act. The Silhouette was first introduced in 1990; since then, it''s benefited from a number of improvements designed to up its appeal to those looking for the ultimate kiddie-hauler. A power-sliding side door was introduced in 1993. In 1996, the Silhouette''s engine was given an overhaul. And in 1997, the minivan received a top-to-bottom redesign that helped to more than double its sales in the years that followed. With a few noteworthy exceptions -- namely spotty build and materials quality and a poor offset crash test score -- we like the Oldsmobile Silhouette and find its exterior styling to be the most attractive of GM''s trio of sister minivans. Too bad the brand is scheduled for termination after 2004.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Silhouette is available in three flavors: the well-equipped GL, the uplevel GLS and the top-of-the-line Premiere. GL models come with fold-flat second-row captain''s chairs and boast standard items such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, keyless entry, cruise control, an interior air filter and a rooftop luggage carrier. The GLS adds such niceties as 16-inch aluminum wheels, traction control, a power passenger-side door, power leather seats with a driver memory feature, an overhead console with a trip computer, rear air vents and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Move all the way up to the Premiere and you get nearly every goodie standard, including a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, a reverse-parking aid sensor and heated seats. Among the few options for this luxury model are third-row captain''s chairs, an in-dash six-disc CD changer, chrome wheels, a power driver-side sliding door and the obligatory gold package.
Powertrains and Performance:
All Silhouettes are powered by a 185-horsepower, 3.4-liter V6 that drives the front wheels via an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. If you live in a cold climate, you may want to consider the Versatrak all-wheel-drive system; it''s available on GLS and Premiere models. Fuel economy is a strong point for the Olds -- it''s rated for 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Safety:
Side airbags and antilock brakes are standard on the Silhouette. The minivan scored four out of a possible five stars in NHTSA frontal impact tests for both driver and passenger sides. In side-impact tests, it rates five stars in front and four in rear. The Silhouette didn''t fare as well in 40-mph frontal offset crash testing conducted by the IIHS -- it earned a "Poor" rating (the lowest ranking of four), as its passenger compartment didn''t hold up well at all in the impact.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
One of the features prospective minivan owners crave most is spaciousness, and the Silhouette offers this in abundance. With all seats removed, the minivan can carry 155.9 cubic feet of cargo. With all seats installed, 24.2 cubic feet remain for groceries and the like. Interior materials, however, leave something to be desired, with tough, less-than-top-grade leather on the seats and shiny plastic used for dash trim.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The Silhouette drives better than expected, considering that it rides on one of the older minivan platforms. The ride isn''t quite as smooth as that of other minivans, but it''s still comfortable overall. And the Olds handles well around corners and is actually fun to drive. Power from the V6 is adequate, but most of the top-level vans these days enjoy more than 200 hp, leaving the Silhouette a bit behind in this regard. The automatic transmission makes the most of the available power by providing crisp, well-timed shifts.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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