1999 OLDSMOBILE Silhouette

Served Us Well

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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.

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

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)