All Silhouettes come with a 3.4-liter V6 engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission. The V6 makes 185 horsepower. a slight increase over the 1998 model. Anti-lock brakes are standard.The V6 engine is a powerful workhorse with good throttle response and efficiency. It produces strong low-rpm torque for quick acceleration, even when loaded down. You can feel the engine growl slightly through the steering wheel. Traction control is optional, and is a good idea for easier control in winter driving. Without traction control engaged, you can spin one front wheel during a spirited take-off. With a powerful V6 and front-wheel drive, torque steer is sometimes noticeable--a slight tug on the steering wheel under hard acceleration.
There seems to be less feedback of road vibration through the steering wheel of the Silhouette than you'll find in the Montana or Venture. Perhaps the touring tires of the Premiere are tuned for less harshness. These same tires likely contribute to the Premiere feeling less grippy in corners. Body roll is also more noticeable in the Silhouette than the Montana.