KansasCity.com's view

Oldsmobile has its strongest product lineup in a decade and many of the models are a good buy despite the fact General Motors has decided to phase out the brand.

The Silhouette minivan is an excellent example. The 2001 is easily the best iteration yet, particularly because it embodies a number of improvements wrought to keep it competitive with rivals from Honda and DaimlerChrysler. The changes are both welcome and needed.

Most noticeable is the flat-folding third seat that is standard on the GLS and Premiere. GM has this option available on all of its minivans for 2001. Stowable third seats add tremendous functionality to minivans and SUVs because they don’t have to be taken out and stored in the garage when maximum hauling capacity is needed. Although the OldsmobileÕs seat doesn’t fold into the cargo load floor like the Honda Odyssey, the practical effect is essentially the same.

The third seatÕs fairly thin cushions allow the seat to be less than a foot tall when folded. The cargo floor behind the third seat has been built up so it is more or less level with the folded seat back. The space under the false floor contains divided storage compartments that keep small valuables, or tools, out of sight yet handy.

Buyers can specify a split-folding third seat or even two rows of captainÕs chairs if they need seating for only six. The Premiere model driven here is loaded with luxury equipment, such as woodgrain trim, leather seats, steering-wheel fingertip controls for the radio and AC, memory driverÕs seat and dual-zone climate control, so each row of seats can be controlled separately.

A video system is standard in the Premiere, and it has been upgraded for 2001. This system is ideal for families who spend long hours in the vehicle and need a way to keep the kids occupied. The screen that folds out from the roof is a larger, 6.8-inch unit, and the VCR controls are now mounted on the front console.

Cordless headphones are available, and second-row speakers are dedicated to that row of seats. Latches for child seats are built into the second-row seats.

Another nice feature that has been added this year is rear parking sensors that give an audible warning when you back close to parked cars or errant bicycles left lying in the driveway. Keyless entry is standard on all models, and it operates the power sliding door on the right side.

The Silhouette has always had a well-controlled suspension that gives it a tighter ride than most minivans. The Touring package with automatic load leveling enhances its handling and keeps it riding level regardless of the load.

OnStar, GMÕs communications system, offers route guidance, emergency assistance and a new feature this year, Virtual Advisor. Virtual Advisor allows the user to create a profile on the Internet, and the system will then provide appropriate information by voice-activated cell phone. Virtual Advisor can read e-mail, stock prices or news headlines to the d river while on the road.

Motivation comes from the same 3.4-liter, 185-horsepower V-6 as last year. It drives the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. Performance is on par with its competition, although some other vans have a bit more power.

Traction control and anti-lock brakes, both standard on the Premiere, are extremely useful in bad weather.

Price

The base price of our test vehicle was $32,990. Chromed wheels and destination charges brought the sticker price to $34,315.

Warranty

Three years or 36,000 miles.

To get in touch with Tom Strongman, send e-mail to tstrongman@kc.rr.com.

Point: Adding a stowable third seat to the Silhouette improves its function because the third seat doesnÕt have to be removed to haul cargo. The Premiere gets an improved video system, woodgrain trim and rear parking sensors.

Counterpoint: One might question the wisdom of buying a product from a company that is bei phased out, but since the Silhouette is mechanically identical to the Chevrolet Venture and Pontiac Montana, service and parts should always be available.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 3.4-liter V-6
Transmission: automatic Front-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 120 inches
Curb weight: 3,948 lbs.
Base price: $32,990
As driven: $34,315
Mpg rating: 19 city, 26 hwy.