GM's V6 engine is a powerful workhorse with satisfying throttle response and good 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 standard on GLS and Premiere, and a $195 option on GL, and we recommend it 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. Still, 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 at the expense of driving fun.
This year, for the first time, the Silhouette is available with GM's Versatrak all-wheel-drive system. Versatrak directs the power to the wheels with the best traction whenever traction is lost and wheel spin is about to occur. So, if you accelerate on a slippery road, the system transfers power to one or both of the rear wheels before the front wheels can start spinning. The system comes with four-wheel disc brakes (in place of the standard rear drum brakes), and an independent rear suspension. Impressively, the rear cargo floor is flat even on models equipped with the Versatrak all-wheel-drive system.