Served Us Well
KentGA on 12/06/2008
Performance: 4
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 4
Fun To Drive: 3
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
Now have 168,000 miles on it and needed to replace a front wheel bearing recently. Still original tranny, at least since 83000 miles when I bought it. Going to sell it soon before I begin to put more money in it. Really have not had to put much in it besides the well documented problem of a leaking oil/coolant gasket. Has been the best van I have had (Chrysler, Ford are the others).
Best Vehicle I've Owned
Kelly on 07/03/2008
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 4
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
It seems many owners haven't had as much luck as I have. My van has over 100,000 miles on it, and I bought it new. Only had one major repair- manifold leak at 50K -$900. Never stranded, had front brake pads replaced, regular oil changes, transmission system flush and MUST use BP gas or it will have injector problems where it runs rough, chugs and the engine light goes on. Since I have been using BP gas, haven't had an issue in 5 years. (Dealer told me I had to replace all the injectors at $1500! -- not true at all - just changed the gas after reading a newspaper article.) Still runs great, still on original battery. Best car I've owned in 30 years.
Buy something else
DA on 01/30/2008
Performance: 3
Comfort: 3
Fuel Economy: 3
Fun To Drive: 2
Interior Design: 2
Exterior Design: 2
Build Quality: 1
Reliability: 1
Comfort Rating: 3
Performance Rating: 3
Interior Rating: 2
Reliability Rating: 1
I was against the purchase of this vehicle from the beginning as I was suspect of GM's ability to provide a quality product. My suspicions were accurate. This week I forked out $1,550 for a new head gasket. Two years ago, it needed an intake manifold gasket for $800. VHS system is broken, trim and molding parts falling off van. A/C will not work, keyless entry broken, rear wheel cylinder needed replacement, TCM sensor broken, it's just endless. GM should be embarrassed for the lack of build quality in this vehicle. I am still waiting for the recall notices. As for my Honda and Nissan purchases prior to buying this van, I never had any of these problems.
This car rots!
Furious on 01/14/2008
Performance: 1
Comfort: 4
Fuel Economy: 2
Fun To Drive: 3
Interior Design: 4
Exterior Design: 4
Build Quality: 1
Reliability: 1
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 1
Interior Rating: 4
Reliability Rating: 1
Bought the car. Was thrilled. Two weeks later the transmission failed - got replaced - then the alignment was never right - replaced tires every year; breaks too - tranny replaced three more times - two engines - alternator gone twice - electrical failed in year 4 - rail for driver sliding door broke year 5 - leather is so thin on seats, metal seat cushion supports showing year 7. With some cars you can say you got two cars for the price of one they're so good. With this stinking car we had to pay for two cars (repairs) but only got to take one - broken one - home. Right now it's in Baltimore MD - broken down - the trany went again - we live in N. Carolina. We're not fixing it again!
Very Little Hassle
robamra on 04/08/2006
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 5
Fun To Drive: 4
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
I have had this vehicle now for seven years. I have had just regular wear problems with it. It has been to the shop only three times, and had no problems with motor or transmittion. A radio problem and and door problems, the were reasons. This is a great vehicle for the family.
Very Pleased
Mike on 02/08/2006
Performance: 5
Comfort: 4
Fuel Economy: 5
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 4
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 4
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 4
Reliability Rating: 5
We bought our totally loaded Oldsmobile Silhouette GL new. It has everything a GLS has except leather. We've put 80,000 plus miles on it and we can't complain. It's been extremely reliable and economical. We've had to replace tires and the coil packs failed at around 60,000 miles. The intake gasket was replaced under warranty as a recall. Everything else has worked just fine. I changed the front brake pads myself at around 40,000 miles. The rears were done just recently. She's due for shocks and another set of tires, both of which are reasonable in my opinion. She's never left us stranded or even made as much as a hiccup while on the road. I've just done oil changes and regular maintenance for 80,000 miles and almost 7 years.
Not My Favorite
Tekascooter on 01/22/2006
Performance: 3
Comfort: 4
Fuel Economy: 4
Fun To Drive: 3
Interior Design: 4
Exterior Design: 3
Build Quality: 3
Reliability: 3
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 3
Interior Rating: 4
Reliability Rating: 3
I bought my Oldsmobile Silhouette used with 81,000 miles on it. I did'nt like the fact that it didn't have rear air but I had a new baby on the way and needed a van. The low traction system went out and cost me $1,200 to fix and now the transmission is starting to fail. This is all at 94,000 miles. The seatbelts are not car seat friendly and there isn't enough leg room for adults in the back. I like the power door and the fact that the rear seats come out easily and they are light, but I am getting reaty to trade it in on an Expedition. I would not buy this van again.
Not Pleased
kds on 01/02/2006
Performance: 4
Comfort: 4
Fuel Economy: 3
Fun To Drive: 2
Interior Design: 3
Exterior Design: 4
Build Quality: 1
Reliability: 1
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 3
Reliability Rating: 1
This piece of junk is the last GM product that will ever darken my driveway. I have 39,000 miles on my Oldsmobile Silhouette and just outside of the 3-year waranty period it dropped the transmission. After doing some research I found that this was a fairly common problem caused by a known defect in one of the solenoids in the transmission. GM provided no assistance and it cost me $3,500 to get repaired. Run don't walk from this thing.
Brake Trouble-Dealer won't help
Raymond Colley on 09/06/2005
Performance: 4
Comfort: 4
Fuel Economy: 4
Fun To Drive: 4
Interior Design: 3
Exterior Design: 4
Build Quality: 3
Reliability: 3
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 3
Reliability Rating: 3
I bought my Oldsmobile Silhouette in 2000 and had no problems until about 30,000 miles. The driver's side front rotor was scored because the brake pad was worn unevenly. Took it to my dealer and was told I was driving incorrectly. The right front was fine, only the left was worn. So I had the left rotor, pads, and caliper replaced. At about 55,000 miles it did it again. Took it to three dealers and they told me the same thing. I wish I knew what I was doing wrong! (LOL) After talking to several GM mechanics, I found this is not an unusual problem with this van. Everything else works fine-but every 25,000 miles I had to replace the brake pads-I can't afford a new rotor each time.
buyer beward
nomorevans on 05/07/2005
Performance: 4
Comfort: 4
Fuel Economy: 3
Fun To Drive: 3
Interior Design: 4
Exterior Design: 4
Build Quality: 3
Reliability: 2
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 4
Reliability Rating: 2
I have owned this van for almost 4 years. During that time the power sliding door stopped working, the driver's side power window does not work properly. The passenger side seat belt has been replaced twice because it keeps shredding. We no longer have interior lights because of an electrical problem, which the dealership says is not their problem.
my van
wildcat on 03/27/2005
Performance: 4
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 5
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
I bought my van used the summer of 2004 and I love it. It is more stylish than the other vans on the road. It is very roomy. I took it on vacation a month after I got it and it go great gas mileage on a 600 mile trip and was very comfortable to drive.
Great overall experience
amc731 on 01/02/2004
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 5
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
We leased this van for 5 years and
have 6 months left to make a decision
on whether to keep it or move on to
something new. We only have 41,000
miles on it and it still looks and
runs like new. In our opinion, it
looks better than most other (even
newer) vans out there.
Iowa Farm Van
J SAYERS on 10/10/2003
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 5
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 4
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 4
We are looking to trade our 1999 Silhouette
only because it has such high miles (96,000) -
but want to trade it for a new Silhouette. This
van has been dependable and economical. The
only major repairs were the CD player a couple
years ago ($500 to fix) and just this month the
automtic traction control board (a $900 repair
bill). We live in the country so this van spends
a lot of time going to town and back. Also my
wife travles 40 miles to work and back each
day. The rear CD/headset controls have
helped us keep peace with the kids on long
trips. I am only sorry that when our new
Silouette wears out, they won't be making
them anymore :(.
Best GM vehicle yet
Bendo on 05/06/2003
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 5
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 4
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
I have made two long trips with this
vehicle, one to the west coast and all
the National Parks while getting 25
miles per gallon going 70-75, great
performance. It is so quiet I can
hardly tell it's running. I only had
one incident ( problem) and that was
with the transmission where the
computer needed adjusting. It was the
most comfortable van I've even ridden
in after trying out every style and
make. It is the only one where I
could drive for 100 miles or more at
one time and not get a back ache or
leg cramps, and at my age it really
means alot.
Fantastic Family Van
Karen V on 03/13/2003
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 5
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
We bought the Olds Silhoutte Premiere
new in 4/99 and it now has 65k on it.
We have never had a single mechanical
problem! Has been a marvelous &
comfortable vehicle for daily use, as
well as for long trips. We'd buy one
again in a heartbeat. Our teens have
loved it also. My previous car was a
Mercedes 300SD and I was reluctant to
get the van, but it has been great.
Go for the GLS
slotking on 11/09/2002
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 4
Fun To Drive: 4
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
No repairs to date that are out of the
ordinary. They would have been
reported if they existed.
Nice vehicle
Nkairns on 09/22/2002
Performance: 4
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 5
Fun To Drive: 4
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 4
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
Purchased used at 58000 kms.
Comfortable ride, good suspension and
lots of interior room.
Love This Van So Far!
gspot on 09/04/2002
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 4
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 4
Build Quality: 4
Reliability: 4
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 4
I bought this van 2 months ago used and
think it rocks. I have a 1999 premiere
edition. The only problem that I had
when it was bought was the auxiliary
inputs are not working for the TV, but
the VCP works good. Unfortunately, it
costs up to $500.00 to repair those
inputs. The kids keep very quiet on
long trips due to the TV/VCP. We have
already driven to California from
Washington and back without any issues.
The ride is very smooth. I'm not fond
of the gas milage of about 20mpg,
however you can't expect much more out
of a minivan.
1999
KatyHorn on 07/31/2002
Performance: 4
Comfort: 4
Fuel Economy: 5
Fun To Drive: 4
Interior Design: 4
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 4
Reliability: 4
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 4
Reliability Rating: 4
This van is the sharpest looking van on
the road. Only compaliants are poor
location of front drink holders and the
fact that we have had to replace
battery twice in less than 4 years.
Silhouette Premiere
berry on 06/09/2002
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 5
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 4
Build Quality: 4
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
Very good and reliable vehicle. Great
for those long family trips. Has
plenty of room and is very comfortable
for children and adults alike. The
entertainment system helps calm your
nerves by preoccupying the children.
better than ford, plymouth, dodge
Denny_J on 06/04/2002
Performance: 4
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 4
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 4
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
What can I say..my Olds has
outperformed all other minivans easily.
I have owned a windstar, grand caravan
and grand voyager for my company
vehicles, and none of them handle, ride
or are as comfortable for the
passengers as my Olds Silhouette
Premiere. Gas mileage is great, and
the interior is very quiet on the
highway. I've never had it in the shop
other than for new tires, new brakes
and oil changes. so regular maintenace
pretty much.
I would highly reccomend this van to
anyone looking for a roomie van set
apart from the rest.
Denny
problems
Gabbert on 06/01/2002
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 5
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
only problem I have had was with
bad gas,so the ports had to be cleaned
out three times.once in arizona then
twice in park ridge il.
Olds Silhouette GLS (1999)
DEG on 04/28/2002
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 5
Fun To Drive: 4
Interior Design: 4
Exterior Design: 4
Build Quality: 4
Reliability: 4
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 4
Reliability Rating: 4
Vehicle include trailer towing package
that provides additional engine and
transmission cooling. It is very
comfortable on long trips (12 hours)
because of the leather seat with
lumbar control. Trip back to the shop
were primarily for electrical
malfunctions (locks, power sliding
door, etc.). Only back to the shop 2
times in 3 years. Load leveling very
useful on trips with the family with a
full load of luggage and people.
Engine performed well with 5 people
and luggage traveling 800 miles in one
day. Also traveled 500 miles before
filling tank again. Good gas mileage.
Great Van
brelia on 04/26/2002
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 4
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 4
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
I've loved it from the start. My kids
love the LCD player and game hook-ups.
Great for trips! Rides like a car,
handles great and very roomy. No major
problems at all. Would buy one again!
The Service Department is on My Speedial
HEF on 04/06/2002
Performance: 3
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 4
Fun To Drive: 3
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 1
Reliability: 1
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 3
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 1
When shopping for a minivan, the
Oldsmobile had the "right stuff". All
of the amenities were there in nicely
presented package. All would be utopic
if not usurped by continual visits to
the dealer for repairs. I treat this
vehicle gingerly and still am plagued
with numberous and unnessecary
repairs, i.e...new engine head,
windshield, tranny work, 4 cd players,
rear passenger climate controls, rear
suspension, intake manifold, brakes,
electrical, continual squeaks and
rattles. All of the aforementioned
problems have been addressed more than
once. Oh yes, the driver leather seat
is wearing rapidly...I'm not a large
or heavy person. If there were no
problems, this would be an ideal
vehicle!
Fun when not in shop.
Jayson on 03/11/2002
Performance: 4
Comfort: 4
Fuel Economy: 4
Fun To Drive: 4
Interior Design: 4
Exterior Design: 4
Build Quality: 1
Reliability: 3
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 4
Reliability Rating: 3
I own a 1999 Olds Silhouette that I purchased new. Since I have had the vehicle, it has been in the shop for:
1. Tire tread seperation - $50
2. Transmission work - $1200
3. Intake manifold leak - $713
I have 48,000 miles on the vehicle now.
Olds Silhouette a fine car
stanfell on 03/03/2002
Performance: 3
Comfort: 4
Fuel Economy: 4
Fun To Drive: 4
Interior Design: 4
Exterior Design: 3
Build Quality: 4
Reliability: 4
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 3
Interior Rating: 4
Reliability Rating: 4
No repairs necessary other than regular scheduled maintenance and brakes at 30K (average life)