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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  Way to go Saturn - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By OHalloran - April 13 - 9:33 pm

  This is the second Saturn that we have owned. We have had good luck with both vehicles. The Saturn Relay 3 is a great car for our family. We have 4 kids and like to travel together in comfort. We have owned other mini-vans in the past and they do not compare to the Saturn Relay 3.

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  Worst purchase of my life - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By neverdriveasaturn - April 2 - 9:06 am

  Nothing new, except proof of serious probs that should have resulted in recalls. Numerous prob with ABS and traction control systems going out--replaced sensors four times at a cost of $500+ twice(other two times were under part warranty).Had probs with rotors warping immediately after purchase, replaced at 35000 miles.Also had probs with cupping tires(on third set at 67000 miles).Warped tire rods. Auto door opener stopped working.Lever to fold 3rd broke.Depreciation!Traded this one in last week when we were upside down on the loan by $4000 because it was too costly to keep.Our cost to own this one for 3.5 yrs-over $40,000(purchase of $28000 and the rest in repairs, not incl. gas at 20mpg)

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  After 6 Saturns This will be my last - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Chris - February 20 - 11:13 pm

  Where to begin,this is my 6th and last Saturn have loved every one prior to this. the doors dont close, wont stay shut havent since the day I bought it,pop open when your driving down the road. When you disable the power doors it chimes incessantly until you either turn the powerdoor back on or remove the fuse. spent 3 weeks in the shop in the first 3 months due to electrical issues had entire interior torn out to finally find problem. Engine service light kept coming on. Front end pops and clicks when turning believe it is a ball joint issue, All plastic interior pieces keep breaking and falling off.this is the biggest piece of junk I have owned since my S-10 which made me swear of Chevy

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  Not Safe for any Family! - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By CS79 - February 19 - 9:00 am

  Ive had this van for 3 years and its been nothing but a headache. It was in the shop 2 days after purchase for a auto sliding door malfunction. The headlights have malfunctioned in the middle of the night on a car trip out of state. We were stranded until daylight until we could drive it to the nearest dealership, and it took them a week to fix it!!! Worst of all are the breaks. The brakes malfunction from time to time, and the ABS light comes on. Ive had it in the dealerships shop 8 times just for this problem, and they wont fix it! They keep telling me they cant get an error code. All together Ive had it in the shop 20 times in 3 years. Dont buy this van!

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  Excellent Vehicle For The Family - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Douglas - January 25 - 11:03 pm

  We really like our 2005 Saturn Relay. It has plenty of room and standard features that wont break your pocketbook. The OnStar feature is helpful, and the drive is exceptional. Get the convienance package as it will help out with long trips and entry/exit for the vehicle. Also, if you want more room, get a FWD 2 instead of a FWD 3. The captains chairs on the second row take up a lot of room. If you get the bucket seats for the second row, you will have plenty of room to spare, and it is very comfortable to sit in; even for an adult. The drive is nice and the ammeneties are all that we need. Very nice vehicle.

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  Unsatisfied first time Saturn buyer - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By D. Rob - January 8 - 8:23 pm

  I purchased my Saturn Relay in May of 2005 and have had nothing but problems. The roof racked leaked, door trim fell off, its missing a seat belt buckle, the inside trim has started to fall off, and the fuse panel will not stay closed. I bought this Relay right off of the showroom floor. I would not recommend a Saturn Relay to anybody.

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  ABS/Trac Control Light....AGAIN!!!! - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By noHappyRelayOwner - December 30 - 2:33 pm

  We have had our vehicle in the shop 5 times now for the ABS Trac light issue. Everytime, "I think we got it this time, must have been a short", or "Faulty wiring, we replaced it". It just seems funny that this issue happened right at the time the warranty went out.

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  My First Saturn - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By My First - November 10 - 11:13 am

  The Relay does not look like a minivan. That is what attracted us to this vehicle. Knowing that our family was in desperate need to replace our 02 Ford Taurus with a vehicle that would accomodate our childrens active lifestyle, the Relay was the answer. Saturns low key sales approach and excellent service reputation made this decision even easier. So far (only 7k mile)the family loves it, although I find the seats on the small side, Im 6ft 220lbs. No mechanical problems and the engine is very responsive. It was a good purchase.

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  2006 Saturn Relay - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By Dave - September 29 - 7:03 am

  Nice vehicle but has an incurable electrical problem. Lights flicker so much that oncoming cars flash their lights. Saturn dealership tried replacing alternator but this did not help. Dealerships ultimate finding was that this model just has this quirk and there is nothing they can do about it. Automatic side doors malfunctioning. Side doors had to be disabled after opening and closing repeatedly with alarm beeping continuously.

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  Great Minivan - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By dph414 - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Great Minivan. Almost no problems. Fun to drive, easy to drive. Have problems occasionally with the power sliding doors, and the rear windshield wiper also stopped working. Makes a "Groaning" sound when making sharp or tight turns.