Oldsmobile's Silhouette Premier for 2000 is 'All-In-One' Minivan

By Vince Bodiford
Automotive Editor

Oldsmobile's Silhouette minivan for 2000 has come a long way since the nameplate was introduced in 1990. Sport utility vehicle sales have eaten away at the once dominant minivan segment, but Oldsmobile Silhouette sales remain strong, and are up nine percent from last year. Part of the popularity of the Silhouette is due to its car-like ride and innovate features like dual sliding doors (power opening on the passenger side) and the Premiere video entertainment system.

The Silhouette is the first vehicle of its type to offer a factory-installed integrated video system, complete with a fold-down color monitor. The overhead liquid crystal display monitor is located directly behind the front seats, so second and third-row passengers can easily see the screen. Pop in a videocassette, and even the sound is fed through the vehicle's stereo system. Chevrolet now offers the same package in it's "Let's go" Venture minivan.

The Premier entertainment system is versatile, and it also accommodate video camcorders, video game and headsets that can independently switch between the movie, compact disc or radio. The nice part is the entire package, including leather interior and a cadre of other options, is included in the optional Premier package. The Silhouette Premier standard vehicle price is $31,550. - an "all-in-one" package price that includes all of the standard and optional features available in all three trim level offered in the Silhouette.

Very few add-on options are available for the Premier, but you can add the GM OnStar service as a factory-installed upgrade. A towing package is available as an option, too. OnStar is a combination cellular telephone and GPS that links the car and position to a central operator that offers driver assistance, directions, and emergency help. Oldsmobile's Silhouette is in the same class of minivans that include the Chrysler Town and Country, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sierra and Dodge Grand Caravan. The Silhouette is available in three trims levels - the standard vehicle GL, the GLS, and Premier.

As great a feature the entertainment system is, the Silhouette is a versatile minivan that easily seats seven passengers in comfort. The new styling is attractive, and its performance is strong among minivans. Its rear seats roll out easily on tracks for more cargo area, and are lightweight enough to be carried easily.

Silhouette's 185-horsepower SFI 3.4 liter 3400 V6 engine is the most powerful in the minivan class. The 3400 engine is among my favorite, producing 90 percent of its peak torque between 1,400 and 5,300 rpm. That means power on demand throughout the "power curve," or at most any speed. Performance service intervals are the buzzword in new cars today, and Silhouette is no exception, with 100,000 mile platinum-tipped spark plugs, 100,000 mile transmission fluid, and engine coolant that GM says will go 150,000 miles in regular service. And, it's backed by an impressive GM warranty that includes roadside assistance. Silhouette's ride is smooth but not overly soft, and more agile than you'd expect from a minivan. The rear shocks are tilted toward the horizontal member and attached directly to the frame. Coil springs and a twist beam rear axle contribute to the refined ride and handling. Up front, Macpherson struts are the only off-the shelf part in a superior front suspension system. The L-shaped lower control arms are fitted with bushings that are soft longitudinally to minimize impact hardness, and hard laterally for precise steering control. A large-diameter stabilizer bar contributes to minimizing body roll and keep the body relatively flat in wide, sweeping turns. The result is a good ride, precise handling and agility that surprised me.

New for model-year 2000 is a standard extended length body (the short-wheelbase GL is no longer available), a new instrument panel, new radio packages, retained accessory power, second-row reading lamps, two new trim levels and driver and passenger heated leather seats. All the new stuff is standard on the Premier model. For more information about the Oldsmobile Silhouette, contact your local GM dealer.