The Silhouette offers a classier look than the sporty Pontiac Montana or back to basics Venture, which will leave a void in the lineup when it disappears. A new appearance package is available for 2003 that includes a hood protector, splash guards and a vent visor, optional across all trim packages. What else is new this year? The ride and handling suspension is now standard, along with 16-inch alloy wheels. Also, a handy food and beverage cooler/warmer is perfect for long trips, that also might find you making use of its optional hard cargo carrier and trailer hitch. To round out the new accessories an optional rear spoiler dresses up the exterior.
Three models are offered, all of which incorporate the platform's extended wheelbase and dual sliding doors. Starting with the $35,690 base GL, standard comfort and convenience features include filtered air-conditioning front and rear, a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD/cassette audio system, cruise control, tilt steering, power windows, power locks with keyless entry, remote power and heated mirrors, intermittent rear wiper, illuminated entry and an engine block heater. On the outside, fog lights join color-keyed bumpers, door handles and moldings, a roof rack and tinted glass as part of the base model. Dual front and side airbags are also standard, as is an anti-theft alarm, ignition disabling system and height adjustable, pretensioning front seatbelts.
Like most minivans the GL also comes with a versatile interior. It incorporates 893 L (31.5 cu ft) of storage space with all seats in place and up to 3,985 L (140.7 cu ft) with both rear rows removed. A handy floor console sits to the right of the 6-way power adjustable driver's seat. Just above, an overhead console stores sunglasses, etc. A center folding armrest is also standard. Its standard split bench third row is removable, but doesn't tumble under - you'll need to move up to the GLS for this feature. Its center row bucket seats are also removable. Unlike its GM sibling vans a center bench seat can't be ordered so the Silhouette maxes out at seven occupants instead of eight.