2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette Premiere 3.4L from North America

Summary:

Great reliable vehicle

Faults:

Rear wiper motor, fuel gauge / sender??? not sure yet, the fuel reading is off.

Waterpump issues, replaced waterpump.

- replaced headlights for projector high intensity HID lighting to improve beam and intensity.

- replaced front bearings, struts

- driver window motor arm replaced.

General Comments:

Great car, very reliable engine and well built. I bought it with high Km and its been very decent. It was driven 700km without a working waterpump, rad, cooling fans, ac condenser after hitting a deer and it held up amazingly at 120km/h on the highway. Well built gm product, things that people are complaining about are maintenance issues which break down on any car. Its just wear and tear things. One thing this car has for sure is great fuel economy, could use better seats, but the premiere is very decent and its very well equipped. You guys should get a caravan to see the difference, these GM vans were built to last.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th September, 2006

2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette from North America

Summary:

A superb family vehicle

Faults:

The transmission went out at 50,000 miles.

Sometimes makes a clanking noise in the engine when you start it up.

General Comments:

This van has been a great family vehicle. The only problem was the transmission. It basically stopped working at 50,000 miles. I gave the dealer a 10 because they said that since we bought, and serviced it with them they would try to see what the could do about extending the warranty on the car. The new transmission cost me $23 for labor, so I saved big time there. The other thing is that clanking noise it makes when you start it up. I have no idea what is up with that, but I will take it in sometime soon to have it checked out.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th May, 2002

26th Jun 2003, 11:58

I love our van too. Seats are wonderful. TV/VCR is great for the long road trips.

Regarding the engine noise, I have owned two GM's with 3.4 liter engines. They all make the same noise. My last one was a 1997 Montana. We actually had engine oil consumption issues, even after a rebuild. My new olds is less noisy, but still has the valve ticking on cold start. It does not however consume oil. It also is a lot quieter than the engine in my Montana.

Regard the transmission, were there any warning signs. My transmission on occasion may slip. I have the 50K warranty on it, but certainly don't want to deal with it going out just after warranty expires.

Any feedback is welcomed.

1st Aug 2003, 00:15

Just be glad you didn't get a Chrysler minivan.

14th Jul 2008, 20:53

After reading about the problems that owners of some of the other minivans are having, I sure love the Silhouette. I am the owner of our third which is a Premier. From my experience it is the best van for the money. Excellent ride, economical on gas; 19.5 city with Ac on. 25+ highway at 70+.

I increased the power and acceleration by changing the air intake that makes it have more get up and go.

Carrying capacity is excellent as well as towing, 3500# rated.

This is the best car for the money in my opinion! I will buy another quality Silhouette without hesitation when needed.

2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette Premier 3.4L from North America

Summary:

A well-engineered vehicle for families

Faults:

No defects to date.

General Comments:

Extremely comfortable vehicle to drive and be a passenger in.

VCP/TV entertainment system is superior. The wireless headphones for the system make it very enjoyable for kids and adults. The clarity of the flat-screen TV is impressive.

The fold down rear seat into a low profile cargo area helps hauling tall items.

The 3.4L engine is grossly underpowered for this vehicle. Trying to maintain highway speeds on inclines causes excessive transmission downshifts.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th April, 2001

29th Jun 2007, 16:49

We have an Sillouette and it's engine accelerates quickley and never gives any problems. It feels like there is a 220 hp under the hood instead!