- minivan 185,088
- 2,081 below average
- 1,750 great
- Plainfield, NJ
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- autoshopper.com
- 2,081 below average minivan 185,088 gasoline automatic
2001 oldsmobile silhouette review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Every silhouette is v6-powered. Every one, by accepted minivan standards, is an extended-wheelbase model. And even the most basic gl packs a long list of luxury equipment that most other minivans offer only as options, or not at all. Yet with its long wheelbase, silhouette seats seven comfortably and comes with thoughtful interior touches that make trips with kids go easier. The premiere edition even features a state-of-the-art video entertainment system. lineupoldsmobile silhouette is available in three models: gl, gls and premiere. The gl retails for $26,290, while the loaded gls goes for $30,425. In fact, the gls is so well-equipped that there isn't much more for the flagship premiere 33,225) to add, beyond a well-integrated video entertainment system for rear-seat passengers that is not available on the other models. Premiere also adds heated front seats (a boon for chilly mornings or lower back pain; they are optional on gls), gm's new ultrasonic parking aid (optional on gl and gls), and dedicated mid-row stereo speakers with their own separate controls. In fact, nearly two dozen items have been added to the standard-equipment list for 2001. walkaroundoldsmobile's minivan has a subtly new look, front and rear, for 2001. All silhouette models get two sliding passenger doors as standard equipment. Curbside doors on the gls and premiere edition are power-operated, convenient for unloading the munchkins. The engine sits in the usual sideways position, which allows maximum use of interior space. interiorthe silhouette is a great vehicle for big families, extended families, and multi-generation family units. Silhouette coddles and comforts its occupants with bins and cubbies and cupholders for every seating position. All silhouettes come with bucket seats in front, two captain's chairs in the middle row (redesigned for 2001 to fold flat), and a split bench in the third row that will hold three adults. Third-row captain's chairs are optional on gls and premiere. the premiere edition comes with no less than six cordless headphones, and an audio system that can run three tracks simultaneously, so junior and grandpa won't have to listen to the same tunes. head and elbow room are generous in all seats. The third-row seats are perched a bit taller than the middle row, so the view forward is clear. Moms tell us that smaller children mounted at such heights are entertained by what they can see out the windows, and that this keeps them quieter. the seats fold and remove easily. The premiere edition's vhs tape player, once awkwardly mounted on the floor, has been moved to the forward console for 2001. the video entertainment center's flat-panel color monitor screen has also been improved for 2001: it now measures 6. 8 inches rather than last year's smallish 5. 6. It still folds down from the ceiling behind the two front-seat occupants. A separate rear console houses separate rear-seat heating and cooling controls, along with remote controls for the video player, and controls that determine what the in-dash stereo plays through the headphones. (the tapes are inserted by the driver, but can be controlled by a remote from the rear seats.) this way the driver can cruise along in relative silence while the rear-seat passengers switch stations, or play cassettes or cds. All of the systems can be overridden by the boss in the driver's seat, which is helpful for parents issuing time-outs to unruly kids. driving impressiongm's v6 engine is a powerful workhorse with a satisfying throttle response and good efficiency. It produces strong low-rpm torque for quick acceleration, even when loaded down. Traction control is standard on gls and premiere, and a $195 option on gl, and we recommend it for easier control in winter driving. With a powerful v6 and front-wheel drive, torque steer is sometimes noticeable: a slight tug on the steering wheel under hard acceleration. Still, the output of gm's v6 is less than that available in ford, chrysler, honda and toyota minivans. These same tires likely contribute to the premiere feeling a little less grippy in corners. The anti-lock brake system, however, works well, with steady and unobtrusive feedback when it's engaged on slick surfaces. summarythe oldsmobile silhouette makes all occupants feel they have control over their personal space, with spots for drinks and trinkets, and volume controls for headphones. That makes the video system an expensive option. with or without video, the silhouette is fun to drive. It rides and handles better than the previous generation of minivans from gm and is an excellent choice. model lineupgl 26,290), gls 30,425), premiere 33,225). assembled indoraville, georgia. options as testedfront-engine, front-wheel drive. model testedsilhouette premiere 33,225). Bucket Seats
1,750 Plainfield, NJPlainfield, NJ at autoshopper.com