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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  Best vehicle we have ever owned. - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By Muse4FDR - May 12 - 11:56 pm

  Best vehicle we have ever owned. Very sturdy vehicle. Great handling in emergency situations!

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  05 Saturn Relay - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Rich - May 12 - 5:40 pm

  Truck averages 23 mpg, good for a vehilce this size. Has approx 40,000 miles on it now, no problems to report. Mine is loaded. Factory remote start is nice, as is the remote doors.

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  Do NOT Purchase this vehicle - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By Julie - April 25 - 12:13 pm

  I have had this van for almost 2 years now and it currently is in the shop for the 5th time. The driver door is always broken and you cannot drive the van with less than a half a tank of gas on an incline - the fuel cannot get to the engine and the car dies or will not start if parked. Ive had a rental for over a week and was just given a document from gm stating they couldnt fix the problem - its "just the way the car was designed" and that I would have to live with it. Very unreliable, interior plastic is cheap and breaks, the brakes squeal constantly, I had to replace tires at 15k. Horrible gas mileage - about 15 mpg!

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  MGP Review - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By m Pratt - April 24 - 12:20 am

  I have nothing but good things to say about this vehicle. Never a problem quality of car is very good and I love the styling. It gets good economy and is very reliable

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  Saturn Relay - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Lori - March 15 - 8:10 am

  I have found several problems with this car and its only a few months old.. First I will be having the radio replaced for the 3rd time since purchasing this car in February. It seems to be shorting out and it makes the steering wheel extremely hot. The car also does NOT have any pick up, I have had other minivans in the past and this is the worst when it comes to that. It also has a habit of shaking as you are braking in the event of having to do so in a quick situation. It makes a grinding noise when you are braking as well. The service center claims this is normal and cannot find anything wrong with it. I would not recommend this car nor would I purchase one again.

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  Impressive - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Doug - March 4 - 11:13 am

  The Relay is easier to drive than my old Chevy Venture. I liked how easy it was to remove all of the seats out of the Relay, and the spacious room it created to put a patio set in with room to spare.

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  We love our Relay - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Deb - February 26 - 2:30 pm

  We have had our Relay for 6 months. We love it. Very comfortable, all kinds of extras. Best all around deal on the market. It is our 4th Saturn vehicle. We have had issue with the sound cutting out but it is such a small thing that is easily fixed. The wonderful vehicle far out weighs a little issue like that.

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  Awesome! - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Anderson - January 11 - 3:03 am

  Driving this baby is like hitting the jackpot at the casino. I always get amped driving it. Love the sound of the engine. Has outlet for my kids to play their video games. The amount of space is ridicuous. It can fit a giant if you wanted.

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  2005 Saturn Relay - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By pelinaca1 - December 18 - 8:26 am

  I have owned my 2005 Saturn Relay for a little more than a month now and have some initial first impressions worth noting. First, of the four like minivans GM is building I feel by far that this is the most attractive of the group. I did notice an intermittent issue with the radio where when you turn it on there would be no sound or the screen would go dark for a second but that seems to have resolved itself. Also the passanger side power sliding door didnt work for a few minutes one day but that seems to also have resolved itself. Otherwise, I have found this to be a very comfortable vehicle with plenty of room and creature comforts to keep the whole family happy for miles and miles.

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  Not overly impressed - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By Ruth - November 17 - 12:06 pm

  I went against one of my basic rules and bought a first year model vehicle. GM continues to use inferior materials and parts. The brake pads wore out after only 8,000 miles and some exterior molding came loose soon after purchase. It handles well and has ok perfomance,but a couple of little details drag it down.