2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette: Road Test
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2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette ▼
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- MSRP: $28,040 -$36,340
- Invoice: $25,376 -$32,888
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Our road test for the 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette help you decide if a 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| GLS AWD | Premier Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Front-drive versions of these Chevy, Olds, and Pontiac minivans feel lively enough away from a stop and do well in passing and merging situations. AWD adds about 200 lb and dulls movement off-the-line, but has little effect on acceleration otherwise. AWD aids traction in slippery conditions, especially with a load that transfers weight off the front tires. Kudos to Oldsmobile for making traction control standard on front-drive models.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GLS AWD | Premier Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 |
Good for the class, with front-drive models averaging around 17 mpg in our tests, though one test Montana averaged 15.7 in mostly city driving. Test AWD versions averaged 16.3 mpg in a city/highway mix.
RIDE QUALITY
| GLS AWD | Premier Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.5 |
Most bumps easily absorbed; highway ride is comfortable and stable. Little difference with AWD. Load-leveling suspension available on all three brands is a useful feature.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| GLS AWD | Premier Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.3 |
Slightly sportier than the minivan norm, despite somewhat vague steering feel and more-than-modest body lean by passenger-car standards. Montana's optional sport suspension slightly improves agility but makes ride jittery on rough roads. Braking controlled, progressive.
QUIETNESS
| GLS AWD | Premier Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 |
Wind noise prominent around mirrors at highway speed. Engine well-muffled. On coarse surfaces, road noise prominent around side-door area.
CONTROLS
| GLS AWD | Premier Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Gauges unobstructed. Controls for radio are large and easy-to-reach, those for climate system are mounted low. Overburdened turn-signal stalk also handles wipers and cruise control. Rear entertainment system has bright, ceiling-mounted screen and cordless headphones, but DVD unit is mounted low in the dashboard and is hard to load or operate while driving, though it can be adjusted via remote control. Serviceable interior materials reflect cost-conscious vehicle pricing, but lightweight plastic dashboard trays and drawers tend to squeak and rattle.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| GLS AWD | Premier Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 |
Comfortable seats, plentiful room in all directions. Easy entry/exit, though pass-through between front buckets is narrow. Handy cargo net between seats; multitude of cupholders.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| GLS AWD | Premier Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.9 |
Second- and 3rd-row seats have good head room but don't feel as substantial as those of rivals, and are too close to floor for best comfort. Among these GM minivans, only Venture offers 2nd-row bench.
CARGO ROOM
| GLS AWD | Premier Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9.3 |
The 2nd-row bucket seats are lightweight for easy rearranging, removal. Optional stowable 3rd-row seat doesn't disappear into floor; it folds level with convenience tray, about 4 inches above floor level.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| GLS AWD | Premier Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.9 |
These minivans merit strong consideration. Venture is the best value of the three, but base prices on all are reasonable and include a fine array of standard features. And only Dodge and Chrysler offer AWD among direct competitors. Note, however, that the phaseout of Oldsmobile has damaged Silhoutte's near-term resale value and lease residual value.
Total Score
| GLS AWD | Premier Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 58 | 58 | 57.1 |
Total Score: 58
Scores for all Minivans
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