2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette Review
2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Handsome styling, reverse parking aid sensor, folding third-row seat, available all-wheel drive, DVD-based entertainment system, tons of standard equipment.
Cons
- Spotty interior build quality, poor offset crash-test scores, gruff powertrain.
What’s new
Despite the fact that the Silhouette is headed to the graveyard with the rest of Oldsmobile's lineup, there are still minor changes on tap for the 2002 model. The Versatrak AWD system will now be available on GLS and Premiere models coupled with special 16-inch aluminum wheels. The standard front airbags are now dual-stage units that deploy according to the severity of the crash, and Premiere models equipped with the onboard video system get a DVD player in place of a standard VCR.
Edmunds says
Even though Silhouette is destined to die as GM phases out Oldsmobile, this is one minivan that deserves careful consideration, especially if you're looking for a luxurious, fully equipped all-wheel drive model. The only real competition on that front comes from Chrysler.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette GL Fwd 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$208/mo for Silhouette GL
Silhouette GL
vs
$217/mo
Avg. Midsize Minivan
Vehicle overview
Why do we like this Oldsmobile minivan so much? Because you name the feature, and the Olds likely has it. Want power sliding doors? Leather? An in-dash six-CD changer? Rear DVD-based entertainment system? Full-time all-wheel drive? A powerful V6? The Silhouette has you covered. How about a flat-folding third-row seat? Maybe a touring suspension with automatic leveling and an air-inflation kit? Side-impact airbags? OnStar telematics? It's all here, depending on the model you pick. There's even a reverse parking aid sensor on higher-line trims.
The Silhouette is available in three flavors: a well-equipped GL, an uplevel GLS and the top-of-the-line Premiere. All are powered by a 185-horsepower 3.4-liter V6 that drives the front wheels via an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. Side-impact airbags are included, to go along with Silhouette's reduced-force frontal airbag system, four-wheel antilock brakes and GM's Passkey III antitheft system. Other standard features include the OnStar communications system, a touring suspension with self-leveling rear shocks and an on-board air compressor.
GL models come with fold-flat second-row captain's chairs and boast standard items such as air-conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, interior air filter and a rooftop luggage carrier. The GLS adds such niceties as 16-inch aluminum wheels, traction control, a power passenger-side door, power leather seats with driver memory feature, overhead console with trip computer, rear heat/air, integrated universal garage door opener and steering-wheel radio controls.
Move all the way up to the Premiere, and you get nearly every goodie standard, including a combination television and DVD player for rear-seat passengers, a reverse parking aid sensor and heated seats. Among the few options for this luxury model are third-row captain's chairs, a six-disc in-dash CD changer, chrome wheels, a power driver-side sliding door, and the obligatory gold package. Every time we've driven the Silhouette, we've come away impressed. These well-equipped Oldsmobile minivans are smooth and powerful. Thanks to excellent road feel provided by precise steering and easily modulated brakes, they are actually fun to drive, something that can't be said about many of today's best-selling makes. Our complaints are limited to uncomfortable rear seating and a noticeable amount of cheap-looking plastic inside the cabin. It also failed to perform brilliantly in offset crash testing. As you've probably guessed, we like the Oldsmobile Silhouette and find its exterior styling to be the most attractive of GM's trio of sister minivans. Even in today's hotly contested minivan market, the Silhouette remains a solid choice.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette.
5 star(60%)
4 star(25%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(3%)
40 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
This car is a treasure!
voodoolilly, 02/10/2012
2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette Premiere AWD 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
I loved my Town N Country but It kept having mechanical issues. It's style was what drew me. Recently I purchased a silluette and have found all the features
love in the TnC without mechanical problems.
4.88 out of 5 stars
100K and no problems
2002 Olds Minivan, 07/25/2010
2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette GLS Fwd 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
I am the original owner of 2002 old minvian. I just made it 99,700 miles and decided to sell it and buy a 2008 Chrysler T&C. I basically had zero problems with the minivan and it was the best vehicle I have ever owned. On the way home from the Chrysler dealership after purchasing my 2008 T&C with 15,000 it started making brake noise. Had to replace front/rear pads/rotors and they … also replaced the battery. I know GM takes a lot of grief but in my experience their quality has been very good.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Lovin my Olds!
Steve & Becky, 08/26/2004
2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette Premiere Fwd 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
This vehicle is the top of the line from what I have seen in minivans, total luxury. We bought this vehicle used and we did'nt know all the neat extras it had until we got it home, we were just looking for a nice minivan, but got so much more. Has a great 6-track cd player, electronic sliding doors,(with many different locations inside the car from which to open them), really nice to … have when you are carrying baby seats and groceries etc. Van is nice and roomy, for real people, not just kids. Overall a great choice for anyone wanting lots of room and luxury.
5 out of 5 stars
Nice luxery for the price
JKM, 12/19/2003
2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette Premiere Fwd 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
This is the first Oldsmobile I
purchased. It rides and handles well.
Nice gas mileage.
2002 Silhouette Highlights
GL
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $26,995 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $208/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 24.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Silhouette include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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