The Oldsmobile Silhouette

The standard equipment list is as long as a felon's arrest record. And the price isn't too bad, either: around $27,000 to start; about $1,000 little more with leather seats and destination charges. That's about what the competition charges.

Standard features include power programmable door locks, 15-inch aluminum wheels, power driver and passenger seats, overhead console with map lights, compass and driver info center, cruise control, keyless remote locks, power outside mirrors, power windows and power quarter vent windows.

Love that power sliding door.

The Silhouette GLS tested had front bucket seats, captain's chairs for the second row and a bench seat for the third row of seats. That's seating for seven. And unlike most minivans, there was a substantial amount of room in back of the third row to stow more than a week's worth of groceries or anything else your heart desires.

The Silhouette is front-engine and front-wheel drive, of course. The 3400 (3.4 liter) V6 is just right for a van of this size. Not too much, not too little. The powertrain is also very quiet, leaving you wondering if it even turned over. The Silhouette has a tight turning circle, which means better maneuverability on city streets.

Your rear passengers will enjoy rear air conditioning and heater controls, as well as rear seat radio controls. It gives your passengers just a little bit too much control, if you know what I mean. But it's a convenience that can't be overlooked.

My kids noticed that every passenger has a cupholder all to their own.

There's also a good amount of storage space to put all your Fruit Roll-ups in. The front glove box can hold 8.4 liters of ice, if you wish. The center console has two bins-one can hold all your compact discs and the other is removable so you can take it with you.

The greatest invention since canned beer is that mini cargo net that's between the front seats.

The overhead console can accommodate the garage door opener and a pair of sunglasses.

I liked this minivan. It was comfy, had a lot of places to stuff my goodies into and drove more like a luxury car than any other minivan out there. And the price ain't half bad, either.

- Avanti News Features
-     By Anne Fracassa