Positioned at the high end of the minivan market, the front-wheel- drive Silhouette was designed to appeal to upscale buyers who desired the practicality of a minivan but want one with special luxury touches. Key competitors included the Pontiac Trans Sport, Mercury Villager, Chrysler Town & Country and Mazda MPV.
Year-to-year changes[]
1994[]
The Silhouette offered a single model with 7-passenger seating and two trim levels: Base featured air conditioning, power windows and door locks, remote keyless-entry system, AM/FM/ cassette stereo sound system, rooftop luggage carrier and cruise control. The Special Edition model added a driver's- side power seat, leather trim, steering-wheel touch controls for the radio and a power sliding side door that could be opened or closed from the driver's seat or with the remote door-lock control. Options included traction control, one or two built-in child safety seats and an auxiliary rear air conditioner.
1995[]
For 1995, the Oldsmobile Silhouette was essentially a carryover model. The only changes were some minor engineering enhancements designed to reduce noise and improve engine performance. Also on board this year in the safety arena was a brand-new brake-transmission shift interlock system that would prevent you from shifting out of park unless the brake pedal was depressed.
The powertrain team was also simplified for 1995. The standard powertrain was now the more potent 3.8-liter V6 and 4-speed automatic transmission combination. The 3.1-liter V6 and 3-speed automatic transmission were dropped. A new laminated oil pan and redesigned gasket promise to reduce engine noise and oil leaks.
Retail prices[]
As of December 17, 1993:
- $20,365 (1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette)
As of mid-1994:
- $20,255 (1995 Oldsmobile Silhouette Series I)
- $21,755 (1995 Oldsmobile Silhouette Series II)
As of mid-1995:
- $20,660 (1995 Oldsmobile Silhouette Series I)
- $22,160 (1995 Oldsmobile Silhouette Series II)
As of October 9, 1995:
- $21,355 (1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette Series I)
- $22,655 (1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette Series II)
Shipping prices[]
- $530 (1994 models)
- $540 (1995 models)
- $545 (1996 models)