1997-2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette: Overview

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.