Overview & Reviews

The Saturn Relay was one of General Motors' minivans supposedly styled to have the look of a rough-and-tumble SUV rather than a plain-Jane family shuttle. Marketed as a "crossover sport van," the Relay had a longish nose, more aggressive styling and a roof rack to lend an SUV persona. However, the basic body structure and sliding doors remained true to the minivan segment's guiding principles.

The Saturn Relay was certainly family-friendly, with a folding third-row seat and optional 40GB digital media system that could store and play thousands of MP3 music files or a few dozen movies. Missing in action, though, were popular safety features like three-row side curtain airbags and a back-up camera.

Consumers never warmed to the Relay, however, and after just a few years on the market, Saturn pulled the van in favor of its new large crossover, the Outlook. As a choice for a used minivan, the Relay provides solid family transportation to be sure, and if price is a major issue, it will typically cost less than comparably equipped class leaders. However, more demanding shoppers who don't mind spending the extra cash will likely be happier with one of several other popular rivals.

Most Recent Saturn Relay

The midsize Saturn Relay minivan was produced from 2005-'07. Mechanically, it was related to GM's other vans, the Buick Terraza, Chevrolet Uplander and Pontiac Montana SV6. Originally, there were two trim levels simply named 2 and 3. Standard Relay 2 amenities included power accessories, air-conditioning, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, antilock brakes, first- and second-row side airbags and keyless entry. The Relay 3 added rear air-conditioning, a power driver seat, alloy wheels and upgraded interior storage.

Noteworthy options included the "PhatNoise" portable 40-gig digital media system, dual power-sliding side doors, a navigation system, rear park assist, leather seating, a sport-tuned suspension and a stability control system. For the van's final year, Saturn added a Relay 1 trim level that dropped some features in exchange for a cheaper price. The stability control system also became standard that year.

At first, all Saturn Relays came equipped with an underwhelming 3.5-liter V6 that made 200 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission was standard. No other powertrain combinations were available, though buyers could opt for all-wheel drive. For 2006, a 3.9-liter V6 with 240 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque became optional on front-wheel-drive Relay 3 models. For the final year, Saturn made the big engine standard and discontinued all-wheel-drive availability.

The Relay could seat seven, and the folding third-row seat was split 50/50 for added versatility. A pleasing two-tone color treatment with faux wood accents dramatically brightened the cabin and lent an upscale ambience. Folding center trays between the first- and second-row seats were available, and an overhead rail system provided rear-seat access to storage and climate/entertainment controls.

When shopping for a Saturn Relay, we recommend trying to get a model with the 3.9-liter V6. This engine offered commendable performance around town and made quick work of merging and passing on freeways. The Relay's suspension was on the soft side, delivering a smooth ride and average handling for this class. Upgrading to the optional sport suspension provided tighter handling, though maneuverability in tight spaces was still compromised by the van's large turning radius.

User Reviews:

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  Saturn 2006 Relay 3 - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By Lady Anne - September 28 - 5:10 am

  The Relay 3 was the perfect minivan for us. As a disabled veteran a wheelchair, so we needed something with a lot of room but did not want a full sized van. The interior is very roomy, it comes standard with a DVD player and a 120 outlet in the back. Ours had the entertainment package & came with 2 wireless headphones as well. The center & backrow seats and toy box, lift out very easily, and there is tons of storage. Driving the Relay has been refreshing as well. It handles extremely well and has fantastic pickup. I highly recommend the Relay to everyone looking for an affordable minivan with lots of room, tons of standard features, and is fun to drive.

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  Quite a nice van - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By wazrmans - September 26 - 2:33 am

  This van is fun to drive and has lots of room for the kiddos. Weve also fit quite a lot of cargo in the back, even with kids aboard. The fuel economy is poor, and so far, does not live up to even the mileage range listed on the sticker. If we leave the fuel out of it, its a rockin van!

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  We Like It But Its Not Perfect - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Wisconsin Family - September 13 - 3:00 pm

  We recently purchased our Saturn and love all the bells and whistles. Between the amount of options and room we got for the money and working with the Saturn dealership, we are very satisfied. As first time mini-van owners, we were happy not to have to give up some of the comforts and looks of our old SUV while getting the room of a van.

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  unhappy owner - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By saturn owner - September 2 - 2:00 am

  We have 2 powered doors and have had nothing but problems with them. They have opened while driving 75mph down the highway and GM is refusing to fix them even though we have a 16 page detailed service report of these on going problems. Put the doors aside and the other issues we have had with this very expensive vehicle and it is a great ride. It is a very comfortable and smooth ride. But I will never buy another GM vehicle again, we were sold a lemon of a vehicle and GM just tells us too bad. Hopefully not everyone is having the same problems we are. But I would not recommend buying this vehicle to anyone. The dvd screen is way too small for the kids to see it good from in back.

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  Saturn van - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By wade - July 21 - 7:46 am

  A good driving van. Comes loaded up on the level 3 package. The DVD player, with four cordless headphones, is a great kid pleaser. Nice American made van

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  Lemon - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By fab - July 16 - 5:13 pm

  I had a Vue before I got the Relay and loved it but the Relay is another story. It has been worked on by the dealer 7 times in less than 4 years. All 7 times has been for the same problems! Its not the dealer because I have been to 2 with the same results. Dont waste your money on this car and save yourself a headache.

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  Saturn Relay 2006- Check out the ride - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By david nelson - July 10 - 2:06 pm

  Having many problems with rough ride. Tires replaced, extensive investigation of rough ride, dealership states "interent to the vehicle". I will never buy another saturn. Only started happening about 15,000 miles.

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  JUNK - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By YoseMom - June 26 - 12:30 am

  JUNK I had been waiting for over five years for Saturn to come out with a minivan. But this is not a Saturn (and Saturn isnt the company it used to be) it is a piece of junk. Constantly in the shop. Over heats going uphills (even with the heater on full blast)Brakes unreliable, smoke going down hill even in 2nd gear, sometimes brakes dont take when coming to stop signs. Finally got the ABS light fixed $2000 later. Passenger door still doesnt close right. Makes grinding noise sometimes when starts, sometimes doesnt start at all. NOT SAFE. I wish I had never bought it. Still owe between $5000 and $10000 more than its worth on it. Anyone heard of any class action suits with/about it yet?

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  Saturn Relay - 2007 Saturn Relay
  By pdg - June 13 - 12:13 am

  This is by far the roomiest and best handling minivan I have owned. Ive owned a Toyota Sienna and Nissan Quest in the past. The price was much less than that of other makes but had more options and standard features. I would definitely recommend this minivan.

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  Good car for the money - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By driver75 - June 8 - 12:43 pm

  Much cheaper than Toyota and Honda. Have only had a few minor things that the dealer repaired quickly. A/C could be colder, but other than that it is great for long trips.