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:

• 

  Love it after 1 year - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By bselmon - March 16 - 2:00 am

  We have had our Relay for 1 year, The dealership warranty replaced a door motor and a radio , no questions asked. People remark how comfortable the 2nd row captains seats are. I like the pickup and the rear ultrasonic sensors, great for tight parking spots. The kids love the DVD. We love the car and have been treated well

• 

  Always Reliable - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By sgtuglee - March 6 - 3:30 pm

  My 4th Saturn, I pulled a 3000 pound trailer from MD to AK via FL and AZ. Driven in 117 degree AZ and -23 degree AK. Always starts always works. Handles 12" fresh snow with no problem. Goes on ice, but doesnt like to stop or change direction, so go slow. Kids love the interior. Used the OnStar phone when we couldnt get cell signal in back country. I got 12 MPG towing 3000 lbs. I get 23 on mountain highway with no trailer and light load. 16 mpg in town. 14 mpg in snow in town. Continental tires were lousy. Have michelins now and they seem to be lasting well. Have had only one dealer needed repair and they covered it for free even though the warranty had expired by 2k miles.

• 

  DONT BUY THIS VAN - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Give the van back - January 1 - 1:20 am

  This vehicle is horrible. Yes the interior is nice but the ABS and stablization controls are always broken. Sliding doors will randomly open - or they may not open at all - its a gamble. Have to press the gas to get it started - engine has a hard time turning over. Lights flicker. Saturn will tell you this is "normal" - but its still not acceptable. They should all be recalled and demolished.

• 

  LEMON!!! Dont buy one of these cars - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By jamikey - December 25 - 12:00 pm

  I have had multiple problems with this car. My side paneling has peeled off 3 times now, the ABS system has had problems, and the remote sliding door has been replaced and the remote for it doesnt even work. That is just a few of the problems associated with the car. My latest problem is the engine blew in the car (yes, that is right!!) while in another state. They said that there was a bulletin about this potential problem, but since there hasnt been very many people with this problem, it wasnt a recall. The car has 26,000 miles on it. I have 2 children and do not feel safe driving this car. The child lock on rear door also locks on its own, trapping kids inside. Dangerous car!

• 

  Fun Family Car, Lots of Small Problems - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By Barbara - November 23 - 11:00 am

  Bought Nov 2004, I love to go for drives with the family in my Relay. I dont like that GM does not support all the issues it has had. And the recall that made the second row seats difficult to flip forward has made getting to the third row inconvenient.

• 

  Saturn Relay. A Lot of Problems - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Sharon - October 14 - 11:00 am

  We have owned 3 Saturns before this one. This one is a true lemon! It has been in the shop more than it has been on the road. Had many service bulletins out already. My timing belt went the 1st year. Radio is cheap and never tunes in. Molding outside falls off all the time. Back wiper changed 3xs already. CD player hums when you hit the gas. Lights go dim and bright while driving. I can go on and on. A lemon by far.

• 

  Good - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Francisco - August 15 - 10:40 am

  Do not like engine performance. Interiors, they are not bad but can get better. Overall good.

• 

  Good Deal - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By SMED - June 19 - 3:03 am

  We have spent 3 months analyzing different minivans. It has been a good environment for getting a deal. However, comfort in the front and back were most important. The Saturn Relay and the Honda Odysey were the two most comfortable. The Quest was uncomfortable, but offered the best deal. We love the Saturn. The inside looks like leather, and the trim is very nice. The outside is designed to look more like a SUV than a minivan. It is very roomy inside and I like to two captains chairs. We paid $27,500 for a Relay 3 , loaded. It handles great. The kids love the DVD. I love the rear ultrasonic sensors and my paralell parking has improved. The OnStar is pretty cool.

• 

  Hit or Miss - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Bsrice - May 23 - 1:33 pm

  Bought my 05 Relay new, great price (I thought till depreciation hit)DVD player was a must have. Did good on gas mileage 28-30. Had problems from the start with molding, carpet, auto door, cupping tires every 8 K miles. Put 3 sets on, told no problem with car, yet camber set so off by Saturn specs, rotor issues, lights flickering. Ended up eating the depreciation and buying a 06 Jeep Liberty. Was a good little van if they spent more time in testing, could have had a nice price nich in the market.

• 

  What a great family Van - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Sam - May 18 - 5:36 pm

  We bought this van Early in 05, I think we were the first. Lots of small problems, updates, and fixes. The only major issue, was the flickering headlights and dash lights due to the wrong alternator. Dealer never figured it out, I found a buletin on alldata. Oh, and the Goodyear Integrity are the worst tires ever. We replaced the alternator and Tires (Michelin Hydrodedge - well worth the money). after that, the best family vehicle ever! 19mpg city, and 27 on the highway! DVD is awesome for kids, great for a trip taking vehicle with 7 passengers. Born a Ford man, now considering another GM Product for the family.