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 is on the move - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By James Petty - May 29 - 9:46 am

  My wife and I have 6 kids and they enjoy the space and watching DVDs while we travel around town or on the road. We like the storage compartments in the back and over head.The power outlets that let you plug just about anything into it.

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  From a satisified owner - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Charlie - April 27 - 11:03 am

  I love this vehicle. This is my 7th Saturn so I can honestly say that it is a fantastic product. I currently own 3 including this one. I am getting @20 MPG in the city and @27 on the highway. Great vehicle.

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  Very Satisfied with Relay. - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By Mad Matt - March 13 - 11:13 pm

  I tested most minivans before purchasing the Relay. Great braking and handling. Confortable for long trips. I bought with heavy incentives from GM, and I like it more that the Honda and Hyundai. I paid 7k less than most of the competition and it is a better minivan. Cant beat that.

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  The worst vehicle I have ever owned... - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By notagoodvan - February 3 - 5:00 am

  This van has been nothing but a nightmare since the beginning. We should have sold it back under lemon law but we never thought the problems would continue. We certainly never thought that if the problems continued that Saturn would say...sorry you are stuck with it. It has had quite a few different brake problems, major door problems, issues with the windshield or something near there causing an extremely loud wind noise that was never able to be fixed, door paneling falling off, radio replaced 3 times, DVD player replaced once, rear sensor malfunction, broken seatbelt upon purchase, broken horn upon purchase and more...yes theres more. Its a terrible van and Saturn does not back it.

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  Finally an economical 7 seater - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Michael Boyd - January 12 - 7:40 am

  We have only owned this Relay for a short time but we love it. It has more than ample storage and seating space with tons of standard features. We get excellent gas mileage, mp3 capability and a standard DVD player. This van is extremely comfortable and smooth.

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  Hope later years fare better - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By jaw0122 - September 13 - 3:23 am

  Service engine light came on during first 24 hours of ownership. Corroded EGR replaced. Disco headlights and dash lights. Generator replaced. Side mouldings peeling off, replaced. Sliding door motor door stuck open, replaced twice. (Still on occassion tries to open while driving if electric opener is left engaged) Peeling paint, repaired. Headlight fogged internally, replaced. Radio randomly changes stations, replaced. Trim around window caused squealing noise so loud you couldnt talk to your passenger, repaired. HVAC fan continues to run after key is turned off, reprogramed. All within the first 6 months of ownership!

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  Not 100% happy - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By gr8joy75 - June 7 - 2:23 pm

  Like many others, our Relay has been in for repairs numerous times. From the beginning it doesnt want to start at times. Now that warranty is expired they found problem. Imagine that! We dont have the problem with the molding like others, but it has been in for the brakes, sway bar, rear upper light, back seat pull broke, air vent broke (all plastic on it is cheap) shortly after purchase. Gets better gas mileage than others reported, but we set cruise at 65mph. Hwy mpg is about 28-30. Seats are difficult to get out. Otherwise, its a good vehicle.

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  I see its not just me - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By mike d - May 23 - 3:00 am

  I do not know how many times I have had this van to the dealer. Things replaced off the top of my head, fuel sensor, radio,and windshield wiper motor to list a few. There is a constant noise in the front hubcaps when going 20 mph like sticking a playing card in a bike tire. Was told they fixed it with spacer washer in the lugs. No it is still there. They cant fix the front cupholders will not close or open properly. Need new tires and brakes at 30,000. This might be one of the cheaper suv/minivans out there but for 22000+ I expect a decent vehicle this is not. Cant wait till my lease is up to get into something else. Anything has to be better then this. Buyer Beware!!

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  Best in Class In My Opinion - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Bruno - February 24 - 5:40 am

  I took months to test drive all the vehicles in the market for this class. I would like everyone to know that for the buck, the RELAY is the best vehicle I have ever found! Between the Safety and Reliability that Saturn is already known for, I dont think Ill ever buy anthing but a Saturn!

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  Excellent quality love this van - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By CEWCORP - February 18 - 6:46 am

  Have now over 100k miles with no problems. Excellent van that does everything right, everything is still in perfect working order and exterior and interior still looks brand new with no inside garaging. This is my 5th Saturn vehicle and I have had no problems with any of them and I have had all models. Love this car. Stuck in a southern California blizzard once and this car was the only one able to negotiate the freeway safely and did so well I felt like I was driving under normal conditions. Also, really liked the buying experience with Saturn and all the service experiences. This car was very stress free to own