Used 2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette Consumer Reviews
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New Trans Every 3500?
bluetwinkie, 09/16/2009
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette GL 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I didn't have this car at 3500 miles when others lost transmissions, but I have had it at 60k (lost again). Now I hear I need to fix it again (jarring gears). I included traction control problems last time. I did not run it hard (I drive like grandma on purpose) but it did not solve this $4000 later. It runs quiet and smooth sometimes, but I can't put off a transmission repair for complications failure would have - seen elsewhere. It was in the shop a long time despite being partially covered by a plan and monitored for that. They damaged some other features while fixing it at an approved GM dealership (i.e. driver seat warmer).
2001 Silhouette (Electrical Issues)
P. Koester, 01/06/2005
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette Premiere 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Plenty of room for hauling kids, work stuff, etc. MAJOR ISSUE with electrical system. One little short in electrical system and you will have constant problems that pop up out of nowhere. Especially with so many features requiring that electrical system to stay up and running.
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PatC, 09/12/2010
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette GLS 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
19 of 22 people found this review helpful
We now have 167,000 miles on our van and we have had no major problems with it. The AC needed work at 112,000 and the rear lights (including back up sensors) went bad at 125,000 but we bought parts at a junk yard and everything is still going great.
never buy GM again
countyworker, 10/23/2013
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette Premiere 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have over the past 10 years poured a lot of money into this van . While I like the leather seats and all the options being a premiere edition the intake and head gaskets went twice a transmission rebuild ones at 85000 miles heated seats repaired twice broke again had way to many over heating problems just to many things to list .If you like big repair bills by a GM mini van. The van spent more time being repaired than me driving it never get me again GM.
Worst vehicle I've ever owned.
steelymommy, 01/10/2014
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette Premiere 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
I hate this van! The seat heaters quit working,can live w/that, the speakers SUCK. Power door on the passenger side not only doesn't work but will not unlock w/the electronic locks or manually so it can't be opened at all. I've replaced Battery, thermostat, heater/AC blower motor, the resistor(that melted), water pump, belt, Intake Manifold gaskets(top &bottom), heater hose. The entire engine cooling system & heater/AC system cannot handle the pressure &original parts corrode quickly! It's fuel injected but have to give it gas to start it. And now it needs a new Harmonic Balancer-because they couldn't just bolt on the pulley for the belt, they used something rubber that corrodes too!
Transmission
T S, 12/11/2003
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette GLS 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Beware of transmission problems. I'm not a rough driver, and I've just bought my 3rd transmission and only have 66,000 miles on it. I've had it looked at by a few different transmission repair shops and all of them said that GM didn't do a very good job on this transmission. Be afraid. Be very afraid.
If you own it sell it
nobehappy, 08/13/2009
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette GLS 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Good looking with lots of features. But way too many mechanical problems. Heated seats went right after the warranty. The gasket problems cost a fortune to fix and occur over and over. The transmission gave out at 110k miles. Towed to Olds dealer. They quoted $3,400 for them to fix and another $625 for other problems they found on the diagnostics tests. It is going to the junk yard as it is not worth fixing. I really regret buying this thing...just shows how far they are behind in matching the higher- quality build of Honda's and Toyota's. It is no wonder GM has problems getting people to want to buy their vehicles and trust them after experiences like this.
Excellent Value
CCC Chicago, 02/21/2007
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette GLS 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This was our second Silhouette. Our first was a '94 and it served our family well. After seven years it began to have a some minor issues and we traded for the '01 GLS. It has served us without any major problems or issues for 5 1/2 years now. It only has 55,000 miles. I can't speak highly enough on the reliability of this vehicle. I tow jet skis with it. Pile kids into it. Haul cargo in it. Move easily through the snow in it. I'm one person who has loved my minivans over the past 13 years or so, but my next car will probably be some type of crossover. On the '01, I put on a new set of tires at about 45,000 miles and a new battery after 5 years. This has been an excellent family vehicle.
Class with Reliability!
Tom, 11/20/2005
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette GLS 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The 2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette is an excellent van for the money. It's loaded with features and very reliable. I purchased mine with 44,000 miles on it and now have 67,000 miles. I have owned it for 14 months with no problems. If snow is in your area I'd recommend the AWD version available in years 2002 - 2004. Our does not have AWD and that is the only option we wish we had. It gets respectable fuel mileage...23 miles per gallon overall with combined city/highway driving. We get 29 mpg if we burn a full tank on the Interstate averaging 70 mph. This van has respectable handling, power and reliability. I would recommend it over the Pontiac Montana.........the Silhoutte is a much classier vehicle on the inside and outside. Consider a Silhouette if you're looking for a good used family van.
Happy With This One
mrkdrv, 02/26/2006
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette GLS 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my Oldsmobile Silhouette new and five years later I am still happy with it. It has had no major problems to speak of. The only time I had it at the dealer was to fix the blower, it had lost low speed and the heater in the passenger seat died. Both were fixed without issue. I replaced the front brakes twice, tires twice, and rear brakes once. I am happy with the accelation also. It isn't a race car but I can merge onto a highway without feeling like I'm going to get creamed.
Great minivan
Jim Rebeta, 05/07/2004
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette GLS 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is the second Oldsmobile Silhouette we have owned. The first was a 1991 with 210,000+ miles on it. Over the ten years of use repairs were minor and I still had the original engine and transmission. The 2001 is as good; however we miss the composite dent-free body.
Last GM I Will Own
Sal, 01/30/2006
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette Premiere 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my Oldsmobile Silhouette new in '01. It needed a new transmission in '04 at 37,000 miles. GM covered all of the costs. Then my van began having electrical problems in '05 which still are not completely resolved. Also, it has at least one recall every 18-24 months. My other vehicle is an Acura bought new in '01. It has only been in the shop for oil changes, with twice as many miles. Detroit still can't get it right. I was considering Cadillac, I must be crazy.
2000 Oldsmobile Silhouette
vanowner, 05/15/2006
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette Premiere 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Besdies the usual, I transport 6-7 adults with luggage 4-6 times a year so rear seat headroom is very important to me. The 24 mpg that I have been getting has been excellent for the size of the vehicle. My costs were only wear and tear and recommended maintenance, except for an intake gasket related to the cooling system that apparently is a weak feature in GM cars. Replacing that cost $1,000 when I was out of town on a trip. This has been a very comfortable, efficient, reliable road vehicle.
Great Van
Traveling Dad, 01/09/2007
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette Premiere 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I do lots of driving to nearby states and lots of city driving. My Silhouette needed a minor transmission overhaul at 67,000 and an intake gasket at 74,000. I am on my third set of tires, but have needed no front suspension repairs. I will say that Michellin Hydra tires & now Goodyear Assurance, really make the ride comfortable and reassuring.
Great find for a used vehicle
Les, 05/16/2017
updated 05/18/2018
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette GL 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought this with 148k on the odometer. Paid less than the low value of KBB for a vehicle in this condition. I had to do some immediate but minor repairs to bring it up to my standards, i.e. new battery (old one was 7 years old), new tail lights (cracked lens and full of water), clean headlamp lens (clouded), and detailing the interior. Since then it has been running great and the fuel economy has been a most pleasant surprise. At first the cruise control didn't work but I found out that by fixing the taillight problem it also fixed that too. The back seats are removable but I found that by just folding the third row forward it more than doubles the rear cargo area and I still have the extra seating if I need it. I used to own a Pontiac Montana and it was a constant pain. Considering this is the same model and engine, the only difference is it was built by Olds. This is the base model so it lacks some of the bells and whistles but it was those same bells and whistles on the Montana that caused so much trouble. Right now the only problem is the power mirror on the drivers side won't go up or down. I set it by hand and now everything is fine.
- Performance
- Comfort
131,000 miles and replacing shocks
ED DINWIDDIE, 08/14/2008
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette Premiere 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased it with 750 miles from dealers son. Have been very pleased. Lost one of driver side seat heaters and then two months later lost the other one. Very expensive. Hate the spare and where it is located, very hard to work with on a hot intrastate. Headlights are better than our 2000 but still need help.
Great Value with Luxury Features
lady16, 06/29/2002
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette GLS 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have had this vehicle for 1 1/2 years now. Love most things about it very much. Have had problems with windshield visibility when it rains. Been to dealers and talked to Olds but still not able to remove the greasy appearing circles in the line of sight. All else is great. Lots of room lots of comfort and great for 3 cross country trips so far. Van holds up very nicely.
Definitely consider this van
hawk27, 11/07/2002
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette GL 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been a very impressive vehicle. The ride is excellent, and the fit and finish are exceptional. We drove Honda, Toyota, Ford, and Chrysler, and this one had better acceleration and handled well both on the highway and around town. The seats are confortable and there is ample room inside for the family and friends. This van is also reliable, despite many hard miles on short trips.
Olds GL
sr bob, 03/01/2002
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette GL 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
good handling, smooth transmission shifting, good power on hills and open road, nice layout of seats and equipment
Do Not Buy
kendra james, 01/20/2003
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette Premiere 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my first and last experience with an Oldsmobile. The check engine light comes on more than the headlights. As for comfort, interior design, etc. I wouldnt know...I spend more time in a rental than in the van. All in all.. I am not impressed in the least.. I am an American and proud of it but trust me...buy Japan...
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette
P. Carey, 01/25/2003
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette GL 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have experience no problems with this van. It is a fun and enjoyable to drive. The interiors is clean and neat design, with lots of room for all.
Olds Silhouette - A Best Buy
mpkcj, 02/01/2003
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette Premiere 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle has performed very well; the 5 yr, 60000 mile warranty was used one time for a gas pedal proble; other than that it has been very reliable and comfortably hauls the family and the boys' friends everywhere. Best car purchase we made in a long time.
Very Pleased
Mark 1, 07/11/2003
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette Premiere 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I drove from Indianapolis to Philadelphia easily on 1 tank of gas (33 mpg). When I have it washed and waxed, it is an eye catcher (All black w/ gold package). Very comfortable to drive.
Poor transmission
Shera, 08/13/2003
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette Premiere 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Silhouette has been great until at 31000 miles my transmission died. It was in the garage 6 times prior to it dying and is still not fixed!! I'm not too impressed with oldsmobile or General Motors.
Family Car
hdean, 01/17/2004
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette GLS 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent road car. plenty of room for six in captain's chairs. Peppy on road for expressway entrance and around town .
Pleasant ride
AZmutants, 03/25/2004
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette GLS 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We've had this minivan for about 3 years now and have had only one minor problem with a sticking brake. Otherwise, no other warranty work required. It rides smooth and has nice acceleration for a minivan. Definitely more spacious than many of the other brands.
I love this van!
kat7597, 04/29/2004
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette Premiere 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this van just over 2.5 years ago. We have had no problems with it and are very satisfied. It handles well, is quite comfortable, and has all of the options we were looking for. We use the air compressor quite frequently - great for traveling. We took our 13 & 1 year old sons on vacation - nearly 4000 miles round trip. This van made it easy!
Like the van
Douglas Schiff, 08/08/2004
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette GL 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is our second Silhouette and both have been trouble free. Cruises at 75 on the freeway and is very quiet. Seats come out quite easily for lots of storage room.
Transmission
douguch, 08/23/2004
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette GLS 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Transmission died at 35k! Replaced by GM dealer. Running good right now. $3500 later...
A few problems, but overall good car
Susan, 07/20/2005
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette GL 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We had this car for nearly 4 years and just traded it in yesterday. Had a few problems along the way... A/C went out 20,00 miles after the expiration of the 60,000 mile warranty ($850 repair), intermittent problems with the power door not working, and for a while, the horn would sound when it was raining without being bumped or anything! They never figured out why but after some inkering with the electrical system by the deal service department, the problem seemed to have resolved. The front cupholder was rather flimsily designed and came out a few times (causing quite a mess!)
Great car
Steven Dessauer, 03/20/2003
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette Premiere 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have for it for 2 years with no troubles great car!!!!!
Not too Promising
A6SILO, 12/18/2006
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette Premiere 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Since purchasing our 2001 Silhouette Premier in Jan. 06 we have encountered a leaking windshield, a broken driver's side heated seat, a broken driver's side power mirror, and the smell of anti-freeze leaking from the right side engine area. We love all the power options but are very disappointed at the level of quality from a top of the line vehicle.
Everybody has the same Problems...
Jeff, 02/23/2007
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette Premiere 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Get rid of your van prior to 65,000 miles. First the intake gasket broke, then the transmission, and then the head gasket. That's a big hit to take in one year.
oldsmobile review- silhouette minivan PR
Chris-student in Tx, 03/25/2002
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette Premiere 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i think it is a very great van and its reliable and affordable and it have a very nice ride and a nice interior and exterior and it will keep ya passengers in the back very occupied with the fold down movie screen and dvd player
Blown transmission
Broken trans, 04/01/2002
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette GL 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I owned a 1999 Silhouette and had trans problems. Know I have a 2001Was stopped at traffic light, attempted to take off and trans slipped bad than grabed. Took vehicle to dealer who found planitary gear pieces in bottom of trans pan. Will not buy another GM again.
Cheeply made mini van
Rebekah Eller, 06/05/2021
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette Premiere 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Electrical problems. Air conditioner broken and engine problems
Retirement car
Brother , 04/29/2025
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette GLS 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car
A Great Mini Van
modiecast, 03/29/2002
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette GLS 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
After thorough research of both American and Foreign vans, the Oldsmobile cam out on top as the best all around value. While other may have excelled in one area or another, the Olds is the best package for the $$$. Great acceleration, a roomy interior, attractive styling, a host of luxury features, a 5 year / 60,000 factory warranty and great incentives makes this can a hard package to beat.