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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  2005 Saturn Relay - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By saha - November 11 - 5:53 pm

  We bought the Relay after having two other Saturns. We will never buy another. Had nothing but problems. Had it in shop for flickering lights, rear parking sensors, both automatic door motors replaced, OnStar went out, tie rods, abs sensors, back windshield wiper motor, dvd player, doenst always start, idles crazy when air is on and needed new brakes and tires all of this after one year of ownership. In shop more than out.

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  Man, its hot in here - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By NoMoreSaturns4me - November 10 - 6:10 am

  This is a very loud vehicle to drive. This is a very hot vehicle to drive. This is a very difficult vehicle to clean. The A/C doesnt get very cold. When drying the exterior after washing, it is very difficult to get the "spots" off of it. My husband is very particular about his cars, and this one has gotten the better of him. The power of this vehicle is lacking as well. Wish it took off a little quicker.

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  Problems with start up - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Jenn - June 17 - 7:10 am

  I love my Saturn Relay for the exception that since I bought the van if I did not push the gas peddle when I started the van then it would cut off on me. The van came with a warranty and took it to a dealership to be fixed and was told that it was the fuel pump. The replaced the fuel pump and now it is still having the same problem. Saturn has told me that it is just what "those" vans do. I will never get stranded it will always crank, it just might take several times before it starts.

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  Reeling in the Relay - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Fran - May 30 - 11:43 am

  In general I like the car. The first year I owned it the A/C wasnt strong at all. This past summer I found the A/C to work much more efficiently. The ride is average, the road noise is below average. I love the styling of the van. Its what encouraged me to purchase it along with the built in DVD player that my daughter plays video games on as well as watch movies. For a large cargo area that this van has, I found there was more room in the Chrysler/Dodge/Honda vans. I was sold on the look for the most part.

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  The Air Conditioning Stinks! - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Scrapmetal - March 27 - 11:06 am

  Living in Arizona, you use a/c year round. The a/c in this platform stinks! During the summer I was unable to cool the inside below 90 degrees! We have had it checked. I could drive 50 miles at 65 mph before the cabin started to cool down to the upper 80s. I was given several reasons why this was, but each service visit am told "it is cooling just fine" because they read the center vent with side vents closed and the air temp coming out, not what it feels like! Dont buy it!

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  2005 Saturn Relay - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By 2005 Saturn Relay - March 7 - 1:13 am

  The new Saturn Relay is a great choice for those that still like the idea of an SUV, but finally realize that they need a van. For the price, the Relay is a great buy and has a smooth ride. Much quieter and smoother than the Ford Freestar and Kia Sedona, and the relay has more standard features that you would be paying extra for in the Caravan, Honda Van, or Toyota Sienna. This van offers plenty of storage space while not giving up any of its comfort. I work as a valet and have parked every van that is available, and I find that for the money and the buying experience at Saturn, the Relay is a Best Buy.

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  Much better than a Ford! - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Jen - January 6 - 8:06 pm

  We had a Ford Windstar (now the Freestar) and had nothing but problems. Then we got into the Relay. It has a smoother drive, quiter ride, more room, and of course all of its fancy standard options. We look forward to many long road trips with our Relay . . . Great deal for the price.

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  Excellent! - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By RBG - December 22 - 12:36 pm

  This is our second Saturn and we have had nothing but good experiences with both the vehicles and the service. With 3 kids, the sliding door, second row bucket seats, DVD with headphones and the overall interior design has made our travel much easier! Plenty of storage room behind the rear seat, lots of leg room, AND a decent place for a purse! (Hard to find in any vehicle!) Its easy to drive and very comfortable. Our kids call it the SUVan because of the exterior look-- they like that is doesnt look like all the other minivans on the road. Highly recommend!

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  A good car - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By wow - October 6 - 7:10 am

  This car is for the family. Since I purchased the car, my two boys really enjoy the ride, the space, the entertainment system, and many amenities. With two months of driving, we are still in love with the vehicle.

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  Worst car ever - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By gallagher - October 5 - 7:56 pm

  It is very sad that I report on this. At first we thought it was a good and boy were we wrong. It was given to us by a friend that need us to take over payments and our credit was to bad to get one on our own. Now we are stuck with a lemon nothing but problems - bad brakes, door, tires, trim, abs brakes and the dealers has bad service and now that it is out of warranty.