Oldsmobile Silhouette
| Oldsmobile Silhouette | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Oldsmobile (General Motors) |
| Production | August 1, 1989–March 31, 2004 |
| Model years | 1990–2004 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Minivan |
| Platform | U-body |
| Related |
Pontiac Montana Opel Sintra Chevrolet Venture |
| Chronology | |
| Successor |
Buick Terraza Saturn Relay |
| First generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1990–1996 |
| Assembly | North Tarrytown Assembly, North Tarrytown, New York, United States |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 3-door minivan |
| Layout | Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive |
| Platform | U-body/GMT199 |
| Related |
Pontiac Trans Sport Chevrolet Lumina APV |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.1 L LG6 V6 3.4 L LA1 V6 3.8 L L27 V6 |
| Transmission | 3-speed 3T40 automatic 4-speed 4T60-E automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 109.8 in (2,789 mm) |
| Length | 1990–93: 194.2 in (4,933 mm) 1994–96: 194.7 in (4,945 mm) |
| Width | 1990–93: 73.9 in (1,877 mm) |
| Height | 1990–91: 65.2 in (1,656 mm) 1992–96: 65.7 in (1,669 mm) |
| Curb weight | 3,599 lb (1,632 kg)—3,899 lb (1,769 kg) |
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1997–2004 |
| Assembly | Doraville, Georgia, United States |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 3-door minivan 4-door minivan |
| Layout | Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive |
| Platform | U-body/GMT200 |
| Related |
Pontiac Trans Sport Chevrolet Venture Pontiac Montana Buick GL8 Opel Sintra Vauxhall Sintra Pontiac Aztek Buick Rendezvous Buick Terraza |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.4 L LA1 V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed 4T65-E automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | SWB: 112.0 in (2,845 mm) LWB: 120.0 in (3,048 mm) |
| Length | SWB: 187.4 in (4,760 mm) LWB: 201.4 in (5,116 mm) |
| Width | 72.2 in (1,834 mm) |
| Height | SWB: 67.4 in (1,712 mm) LWB: 68.1 in (1,730 mm) |
| Curb weight | 3,710 lb (1,680 kg)—3,832 lb (1,738 kg) |
The Oldsmobile Silhouette and its GM U-Van siblings, the Pontiac Trans Sport (later the Montana) and Chevrolet Lumina APV (later the Venture), are a trio of minivans that debuted in late 1989 as 1990 models. Upon the demise of the Oldsmobile division in 2004, it was replaced by the newly designed Buick Terraza the following year, in 2005.
General Motors' first attempt at producing a minivan to compete with the Chrysler minivans, the rear wheel drive, truck-based Chevrolet Astro and its twin, the GMC Safari failed to make a noticeable dent in Chrysler's near monopoly of the minivan market in the 1980s, so this second attempt was made. The 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette and its sibling models, while more successful than the Astro/Safari due in terms of market share, had unconventional "dustbuster" styling that ultimately limited its appeal and sales.
First shown to the public in 1986, the Pontiac Trans Sport concept car was well received. It featured futuristic styling, individually removable bucket seats with built-in stereo speakers, a gull-wing rear passenger door and extensive use of glass including a glass-paneled roof as well as many other "dream car" features.
Based on the warm reception the concept vehicle received, the Pontiac Trans Sport was approved for production, but as is often the case, the styling and features showcased on the concept did not make the translation to the mass-produced edition. The gullwing door was deemed too expensive to produce and would probably have impacted overhead doors in suburban garages. The glass roof was too heavy and expensive, so the resultant production vehicle made-do with high-gloss black painted panels for the roof to suggest the glass canopy of the concept.
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