1997-2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette
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1997-2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette ▼
- Price Range: $1,500 - $9,600
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1997-2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes
- Ride
- Passenger and cargo room
Cons
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
Three GM divisions--Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and Chevrolet--rebuilt their family minivans for 1997. Plastic body panels were abandoned. Instead, these redesigned minivans were all steel. Also gone was the curious "dustbuster" styling with its ultra-extended snout. Minivans now came in two sizes: short- or long-wheelbase. At 112 inches, the wheelbase of the shorter model was more than two inches longer than that of the prior Silhouette. The extended version stood more than 10 inches longer than its predecessor. Dual airbags were standard, along with antilock brakes. Long-wheelbase models could have an optional driver-side sliding door. A passenger-side sliding door and one-piece rear liftgate were standard on all models.Sole powertrain on the front-drive Silhouette was the same 180-horsepower, 3.4-liter V6 engine and 4-speed automatic transmission used in 1996 minivans. All Silhouettes could seat seven passengers, but middle seats came in a choice of two forms: a 60/40 split bench (with one or two built-in child seats optional), or a pair of captain's chairs. Middle and rear seats fold forward and slide fore and aft on tracks, to alter seating and cargo room. Quick-release latches allow them to be removed from the vehicle.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Oldsmobile Silhouette Premier Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 9 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 57 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1997-2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1997-2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette.
Year to Year Changes
1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette:
Seat-mounted front side airbags went into Silhouettes this year, and 8-passenger seating became available. In addition, GM's OnStar emergency/information system joined the option list.
1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette:
A Premiere edition joined the lineup late in the 1998 model year, equipped with a VCR and 5.5-inch TV monitor for use by back-seat passengers.
2000 Oldsmobile Silhouette:
Shorter-bodied Silhouettes disappeared this year, leaving only extended-length minivans with dual sliding side doors. Eight-passenger seating also was dropped, making seven passengers the maximum. Middle-row child safety seats were abandoned, too. A revised gauge cluster featured a dot-matrix data display, audio units had Radio Data System (RDS) capability, and second-row reading lamps became standard. Heated front seats could now be installed in GLS and Premiere.
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette:
Silhouette got a stowable third-row seat and revised video system for 2001. Newly standard were second-row lower child-seat anchors, remote keyless entry, CD player, load-leveling suspension, and GM's OnStar assistance system.
2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette:
The rear-seat video-entertainment system came with a DVD player instead of a VCR for 2002.
2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette:
Traction control is newly standard on all front-drive versions, and the GL trades 15-inch wheels for the 16s already standard on other models. Rear-seat controls for audio and air-conditioning systems are among new base-model standard features.
2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette:
Collector's edition badging, wheels, and embroidery is available this year, for Oldmobile's last year of production.
Our road test for the 1997-2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1997-2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1997-2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Silhouette's ride is comfortable and the minivan handles more than competently. If not actually sporty in nature, it's at least at the top of minivan class, helped by particularly communicative steering. Yes, a firm suspension means you'll feel more bumps in a Silhouette than in a Chrysler Town & Country, for one; but the Oldsmobile's ride is never harsh. Acceleration ranks as adequate with the 3.4-liter V6 engine, but low-speed power was better with the 3.8-liter V6 that had been available in '95 models. On the plus side, GM's 4-speed automatic transmission is one of the smoothest around, with prompt downshifts that help get the most out of the engine whenever a welcome burst of power is needed. In a lengthy test run that included several highway trips, a Silhouette managed 19.2 mpg. Standard antilock brakes stop the Silhouette with minimal fuss, but the pedal tends to feel slightly mushy. In a Silhouette, you get a comfortable driving position and a commanding view of the road. Passenger space is good, though taller adults might complain about leg room--especially in the farthest-back seats. Center and rear seats are low to the floor and do not feel as substantial or supportive as those in rivals. Entry and exit to the back seats is awkward, and the pass-through between the front buckets is narrow. Cargo room behind the rear seats is good in the extended-length model, but only average in the regular-length version. Radio and climate controls in the new dashboard are easy to see and reach, with large buttons and knobs. Gauges are amply sized and unobstructed. Storage space is abundant, including more cupholders than most people will ever need, and handy cargo nets attached to the sides of the front seats. Paint in our test minivans has been smooth and glossy, though many body-panel gaps were uneven. Interior materials are pleasant in quality.
Value for the Money
All told, Silhouette brings a lot of equipment for the money, along with convenient sliding doors and friendly driving manner. We recommend a test drive before buying any family minivan.
All told, Silhouette brings a lot of equipment for the money, along with convenient sliding doors and friendly driving manner. We recommend a test drive before buying any family minivan.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Oldsmobile Silhouette Premier Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 9 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 57 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Oldsmobile Silhouette includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Oldsmobile Silhouette .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Brakes:
The brake pedal may not return fully causing the brakes to drag, get hot and wear out prematurely. Also, the cruise control will not function. The cause may be misadjusted brake or cruise-control switches of a defective brake-pedal assembly. (1997)
Climate control:
The heater may not be adequate in very cold weather requiring as revised heater core and possibly a new air-distribution duct for the floor outlet. (1997)
Climate control:
If the air conditioning is insufficient, the engine-cooling fan and the air-conditioning orifice tube may have to be replaced. (1997)
Engine noise:
Ticking on cold startup may be due to excessive piston pin to bore clearance. (1997-98)
Engine temperature:
Overheating and coolant loss may be due to rough surface on radiator filler neck. Neck should be sanded smooth and cap replaced. (1999-2000)
Hard starting:
Corroded electrical connector under the driver's seat can cause hard starting, stalling, and improper fuel gauge readings. (2000-02)
Suspension noise:
A dull, rattling noise from the rear on long-wheelbase models equipped with electronic level control requires replacement shock absorbers. (1997-98)
Windows:
If the "auto-down" feature of the power window quits, a voltage spike from the driver's side switch has probably destroyed the integrated circuit that controls this function. (1997)
Windshield:
The windshield may crack in cold weather. (1997)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $635 |
| Alternator | $380 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,160 |
| Brakes | $240 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $490 |
| Exhaust System | $330 |
| Radiator | $450 |
| Radiator | $460 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $345 |
Our price chart for this generation Oldsmobile Silhouette details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2004 | |||
| Silhouette GL, GLS | $7,000-9,200 | $6,200-8,200 | $3,300-4,300 |
| Silhouette Premiere | $9,500-10,700 | $8,600-9,600 | $4,900-5,600 |
| 2003 | |||
| Silhouette Premiere | $7,700-8,800 | $6,900-7,900 | $3,900-4,400 |
| Silhouette extended | $5,800-7,500 | $5,000-6,500 | $2,400-3,200 |
| 2002 | |||
| Silhouette Premiere | $6,200-7,200 | $5,400-6,300 | $2,700-3,100 |
| Silhouette extended | $4,700-6,400 | $3,900-5,400 | $1,800-2,400 |
| 2001 | |||
| Silhouette Premiere | $5,300-6,100 | $4,600-5,200 | $2,200-2,500 |
| Silhouette extended | $4,100-5,200 | $3,400-4,300 | $1,400-1,700 |
| 2000 | |||
| Silhouette Premiere | $4,500-5,300 | $3,700-4,400 | $1,600-1,900 |
| Silhouette extended | $3,700-4,400 | $3,000-3,600 | $1,100-1,300 |
| 1999 | |||
| Silhouette Premiere | $4,000-4,700 | $3,300-3,900 | $1,300-1,500 |
| Silhouette extended | $3,200-4,000 | $2,500-3,100 | $800-1,000 |
| Silhouette regular | $3,000-3,700 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-900 |
| 1998 | |||
| Silhouette extended | $2,700-3,400 | $2,000-2,600 | $600-700 |
| Silhouette regular | $2,500-3,100 | $1,800-2,300 | $500-700 |
| 1997 | |||
| Silhouette extended | $2,300-2,800 | $1,700-2,000 | $400-500 |
| Silhouette regular | $2,100-2,600 | $1,500-1,800 | $400-500 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Oldsmobile Silhouette include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 3-door van | 4-door van |
| Wheelbase, in. | 112.0 | 120.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 187.4 | 201.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.2 | 72.2 |
| Overall Height, in. | 67.4 | 68.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3746 | 3942 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 133.0 | 155.9 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.0 | 25.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.9 | 39.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 39.9 | 39.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.3 | 39.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.9 | 39.0 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
All Silhouettes carry a 3.4-liter V6 engine that develops 180 horsepower, driving a 4-speed automatic transmission. No powertrain options have been offered, but horsepower grew by 5 in 1999.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V6 | 3.4 / 207 | 180-185 | 205-210 | 4-speed automatic: 18/25 | 4-speed automatic: 19.2 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Oldsmobile Silhouette include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Silhouette |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1997-2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1997-04 w/second-row bucket seats or captainÕs chairs and power sliding passenger door:
If someone holds onto the sliding-door handle while it's being opened by the motor, that person's arm may be pushed into the seatback or armrest, possibly resulting in injury to wrist or lower arm.
1997-2001 w/passenger-side sliding door:
Door closes but may not be latched. If this happens, the sliding door can open while the vehicle is in motion.
1997-98 w/bucket seats or split bench seat in second or third row:
Seat-latch mechanism does not have protective covers; when activating release mechanism to roll a bucket seat forward, finger(s) could be severely injured, or severed, if they are not kept clear.
1997-98:
Windshield-wiper linkage arm can contact brake line connected to traction-control modulator valve; brake line can chafe, resulting in brake-fluid leakage.
1998:
Broken shift-cable fitting or loose shift linkage can occur; moving shift lever to "Park" position may not shift the transmission to "Park," and vehicle could roll.
1999:
Steering shaft on a few minivans could separate, as a result of collapsed sleeve.
2000 w/extended wheelbase:
Fuel-tank rollover valve on small number of minivans is inoperative.
2000:
Some seatbelt assemblies were not properly heat treated and do not pass the load-bearing requirement.
2001:
Seat-latch anchor-wire diameter may be wider than 6.1 mm, potentially inhibiting the installation of child restraints.
2002:
Driver's-side airbag inflator could fracture during deployment increasing the risk of serious injury.
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