
The Good
The 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette offered a comfortable, quiet ride, appealing to families for long trips. Its spacious interior and flexible seating provided practical utility. While not a performance powerhouse, its V6 engine delivered adequate power for daily driving and highway cruising. Its competitive pricing and standard features provided good value, making it a sensible choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable family transportation.
The Bad
Potential buyers should watch out for transmission issues, particularly around the 4T60-E automatic. Rust, especially on rocker panels and subframes, is common. Electrical problems, power door malfunctions, and issues with the intake manifold gasket are frequently reported. Front suspension components also tend to wear out over time.
1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette: Quick Overview
The 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette primarily featured a single engine option for the U.S. market:
- Engine: 3.4L "LA1" SFI V6 engine
- Horsepower: 180 hp @ 5200 rpm
- Torque: 205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic (4T60-E)
- Fuel Economy:
- City: Approximately 18-19 MPG
- Highway: Approximately 24-26 MPG
- 0-60 mph Acceleration: Estimated in the 9.0-10.0 second range, typical for minivans of its era.
- Towing Capacity: Typically around 3,500 lbs when properly equipped with the towing package.
Trim-Level Features:
The Silhouette was offered in several trims, including the base GL and the more upscale GLS, with optional features allowing for considerable customization.
- Standard Features (GL/Base):
- Power windows and locks
- Air conditioning (front)
- Cruise control
- AM/FM stereo with cassette player
- Dual front airbags
- Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
- Seven-passenger seating with removable second and third rows
- GLS Trim (adds or upgrades):
- Dual zone climate control (front and rear)
- Premium audio system (often with CD player)
- Power driver's seat
- Heated mirrors
- Steering wheel-mounted audio controls
- Optional leather seating surfaces
- Optional integrated child safety seats
- Available power sliding passenger door (a popular feature)
- Optional rear seat entertainment system (VHS player was common for this era)
- Keyless entry
- Fog lights
- Aluminum wheels
- Optional Packages:
- Luxury Package (often including leather, power seats)
- Towing Package
- Driver's Awareness Package (e.g., side airbags, integrated child seats)
- OnStar communication system (available in later iterations, might be optional for '99)
The Silhouette aimed to provide a premium minivan experience, offering features that were advanced for its time, particularly in its GLS trim.
1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette Specifications
Vehicle Information
Year | 1999 |
Make | Oldsmobile |
Model | Silhouette |
Trim | - |
Style | - |
Type | Minivan |
Category | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle Medium Truck |
Manufacturing Details
Made In | United States |
Manufacturing City | DORAVILLE |
Dimensions
Doors | 4-Door |
Curb Weight | - |
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 6000 pounds |
Overall Height | - |
Overall Length | - |
Overall Width | - |
Wheelbase Length | - |
Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
Engine | LX0 |
Engine Size | 6.5L |
Engine Cylinders | 8 |
Transmission | - |
Transmission Type | - |
Transmission Speeds | - |
Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
Anti-Brake System | - |
Steering Type | - |
Pricing
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
Invoice Price | - |
Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
Check
Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette Have?
- Transmission Issues: The 4T60-E automatic transmission is a common failure point. Owners frequently report harsh shifting, slipping, delayed engagement, and eventual complete failure, often requiring costly rebuilds or replacements. This is perhaps the most significant long-term reliability concern.
- Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: The 3.4L V6 engine is prone to upper and lower intake manifold gasket leaks. This can lead to coolant loss, overheating, mixing of oil and coolant, and misfires. If not addressed promptly, it can cause severe engine damage.
- Power Sliding Doors: The optional power sliding doors are notorious for mechanical and electrical failures. Issues include motors failing, cables breaking, sensors malfunctioning, and doors failing to open or close properly.
- Electrical Problems: Various electrical gremlins are common, ranging from malfunctioning power windows, door locks, and climate control components to flickering dash lights and issues with the stereo system.
- Rust: Due to its age and construction, rust is a significant concern, especially in regions that use road salt. Common areas for rust include rocker panels, subframes, rear suspension components, and around wheel wells.
- Suspension Components: Front suspension parts such as control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rods often wear out, leading to clunking noises, poor handling, and premature tire wear. Rear suspension air shocks, if equipped, can also fail.
- Brake System: Premature wear of brake pads and rotors, as well as issues with ABS sensors, are often reported.
- Air Conditioning System: AC compressors and lines can fail over time, leading to a loss of cooling.
Recalls for the 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette:
Several recalls were issued that could affect the 1999 model year or similar U-body vans:
- Recalls related to windshield wiper motor failures.
- Recalls concerning potential fire risks from electrical shorts, often related to power window switches or ABS pump motor.
- Recalls for faulty seat belt buckles.
- Recalls regarding fuel tank strap corrosion.
It is crucial for potential buyers to check if all applicable recalls have been addressed for any specific vehicle they are considering. The overall long-term reliability of these vans is considered below average, primarily due to the transmission and intake manifold issues.
How long will the 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Built-in Tech & Entertainment:
- Audio System: Standard AM/FM stereo, often with a cassette player. Higher trims (GLS) and optional packages offered a CD player. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls were a convenience feature available on premium trims.
- Climate Control: Base models had manual front air conditioning. GLS trims often featured dual-zone automatic climate control, allowing separate temperature settings for front occupants and rear passengers, a significant comfort feature.
- Keyless Entry: Remote keyless entry was a common feature, providing convenience for unlocking doors and the power sliding door.
- OnStar (Optional): For 1999, OnStar was an emerging technology that might have been available as an option. It offered services like emergency assistance, roadside aid, and navigation support through a telematics system.
- Rear Seat Entertainment (Optional): A notable luxury for its time, the Silhouette offered an optional rear-seat entertainment system. This typically involved a ceiling-mounted screen and a VHS player, perfect for keeping children entertained on long journeys.
Driver-Assistance & Safety Features:
- Airbags: Dual front airbags (driver and passenger) were standard. Side-impact airbags for front occupants were an advanced optional safety feature, often part of a "Driver's Awareness" package.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Four-wheel anti-lock brakes were standard, enhancing control during emergency braking situations.
- Traction Control: Traction control system was often available as an option, helping to prevent wheel spin during acceleration on slippery surfaces.
- Integrated Child Safety Seats (Optional): Some models offered integrated child booster seats in the second row, a practical and convenient safety feature for families.
- Daytime Running Lights (DRL): Standard safety feature, increasing vehicle visibility.
Crash-Test Ratings (NHTSA):
For the 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette (and its GM U-body siblings), NHTSA crash test ratings were generally:
- Frontal Impact (Driver): 4 out of 5 stars
- Frontal Impact (Passenger): 4 out of 5 stars
- Side Impact (Driver): 3 out of 5 stars (without side airbags)
- Side Impact (Rear Passenger): 3 out of 5 stars (without side airbags)
It's important to remember that these ratings are relative to vehicles of its era and current safety standards are significantly higher. The Silhouette offered a decent safety package for a minivan in the late 1990s, especially when equipped with optional features like side airbags.
What Colors Options are Available?
1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette Prices and Market Value
In today's used market, prices for a 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette are very low, typically ranging from a few hundred dollars to around $2,500. A vehicle in excellent condition with low mileage might fetch slightly more, but this is rare.
Depreciation has been substantial, as expected for a two-decade-old minivan. Factors severely affecting its resale value include its age, high mileage, common mechanical issues (especially the transmission), and the overall decline in demand for older minivans. While it offered good value new, its value retention has been poor. Maintenance history and overall condition play a role, but even a pristine example will command little on the open market, primarily due to the availability of newer, safer, and more reliable alternatives. It's now mainly a "beater" or parts car.
1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette Cost of Ownership
1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette Fuel Efficiency
1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette Safety Rating
NHTSA
1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette Recalls & Defects
Latches/Locks/Linkages:doors:latch
Latches/Locks/Linkages:doors:latch
Steering:gear Box:shaft Sector
Latches/Locks/Linkages:doors:latch
Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:pressure Relief Devices
Exterior Lighting:headlights
Steering
1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette Compare to Other Minivan?
- Performance: The Silhouette's 3.4L V6 (180 hp) offered adequate but not exhilarating performance. It was comparable to the base V6s of its GM siblings (Chevy Venture, Pontiac Montana) and competitive with the base engines of the Chrysler vans. However, the Honda Odyssey (1999-2004, 210-240 hp V6) and Toyota Sienna (1998-2003, 194 hp V6) often offered smoother, more refined, and sometimes more powerful powertrains, especially the Odyssey.
- Features: Oldsmobile positioned the Silhouette as a more upscale offering. It boasted features like available power sliding doors, dual-zone climate control, and a factory VHS entertainment system, often matching or exceeding base offerings from rivals. The Chrysler vans were innovators in features like Stow 'n Go (though that came later) and offered similar creature comforts. The Japanese rivals often provided a more integrated feel to their features but might have been less flashy in terms of options for the price.
- Reliability: This is where the Silhouette generally falls short. Its well-documented transmission issues (4T60-E) and intake manifold gasket problems are significant drawbacks compared to the generally more robust Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna, which are renowned for their long-term durability. Even the Chrysler vans, while having their own set of common issues, arguably had slightly better transmission longevity in some configurations.
- Price: New, the Silhouette was competitively priced, often offering more features for the money than its Japanese counterparts, though typically a bit pricier than its Chevrolet and Pontiac siblings. On the used market, the Silhouette is considerably cheaper than comparable Honda Odysseys and Toyota Siennas due to its reliability reputation and brand depreciation.
Recommendations/Alternatives:
For those seeking a more reliable and durable long-term minivan from this era, the Honda Odyssey (1999-2004) or Toyota Sienna (1998-2003) are significantly better alternatives. While they might command a slightly higher used price, their superior reliability often offsets future repair costs. If budget is the absolute priority and a "disposable" family hauler is needed, the Silhouette might suffice, but only if its major known issues have been addressed or if you're prepared for potential costly repairs. The Dodge Grand Caravan / Chrysler Town & Country from the same period could also be considered, offering similar features but with their own set of reliability concerns, albeit perhaps slightly better than the Silhouette's transmission woes.
Final Verdict: Is the 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette a Good Minivan?
Is it worth buying? Generally, no, unless you find an exceptionally well-maintained example with documented service history and, crucially, a rebuilt or recently serviced transmission and intake manifold gasket. Buying it used at its current low prices means you're primarily buying into potential problems. Its low acquisition cost can quickly be eclipsed by significant repair bills. It might be worth buying if you're mechanically inclined and can perform repairs yourself, transforming its inherent weaknesses into a budget-friendly project. Otherwise, for long-term reliability and peace of mind, better alternatives exist.