2000 Oldsmobile Silhouette Driving Impressions Review at Automotive.com
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2000 Oldsmobile Silhouette Review: Road Test

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2000 Oldsmobile Silhouette Review

Comfortable cruising with entertainment for everyone.
Driving Impressions
GM's 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. Though it works well, the output of GM's V6 is less than that available in Ford, Chrysler, Honda and Toyota minivans. The four-speed automatic is programmed to shift up as soon as possible, which improves fuel economy but makes it less fun to drive.

Oldsmobile's Silhouette does a better job of filtering road vibration than Pontiac's Montana or Chevy's Venture. Perhaps the touring tires of the Premieree we drove are tuned for less harshness. These same tires likely contribute to the Premieree feeling a little less grippy in corners; body lean is also more noticeable in the Silhouette than in the Montana.

The brake pedal of the Silhouette feels spongy, especially when you compare it to Oldsmobile's more modern sedans, such as the Alero, Intrigue, and Aurora. The anti-lock brake system, however, works well, with steady and unobtrusive feedback when it's engaged on slick surfaces. Next Page



2000 Oldsmobile Silhouette