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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  2006 Relay on the road - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By Evets - July 18 - 5:06 am

  This is our fourth Saturn vehicle. We had 2 sport coupes and a 4 door and needed a van. Purchased as a good overall value, we got this van with 1,500 miles for what we would have paid for the "leading minivan" with 70k miles. It rides and performs well and gets good mileage for a vehicle its size. Here about 1 year and 30k later we have some minor fit and finish issues. Its fairly loud at highway speed, theres an annoying windshield howl at 70mph, experienced by a fellow Relay owner as well, some weatherstrip is already coming loose and I have had a minor transmission slip. Hopefully it will hold up a bit better over the long haul. Like the design, just seems the assembly is sloppy.

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  WOW - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By John Ingram - July 15 - 9:53 am

  We shopped and shopped and thought Toyota and Honda would be our choice. Then we went to Saturn of Danbury in CT. The staff was amazing but even more impressive was the Relay minivan. The features and safety, combined with how we were treated made the selection a no brainer. Driving and purchasing has made me a believer again in American cars. GO SATURN!

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  Great family hauler - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By john - June 19 - 8:06 pm

  On paper, and in some of these reviews, the Relay doesnt look competitive. But once you drive it, youll see that the power is great, even at the low end. The standard features like the DVD player and OnStar are excellent. Stack that on top of the great treatment that you get from the Saturn retailer. This is a great van! My family really enjoys it.

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  Great Buy - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By John - June 12 - 7:30 am

  If you want an SUV with the interior of a minivan, this is your car. Great gas milelage, plenty of room, and drives great. Our family absolutely loves this car.

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  Relay 3 - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Matt - May 13 - 9:06 am

  In the past two years we have had a Mercedes ML320 and Jaguar X-type.. We have found that our experience with our older 1999 Saturn was far and away superior. Both at the vehicle and dealer levels. We Traded in our Jaguar for the Saturn and have not looked back. We tow our other Saturn behind a motorhome and have had nothing but good luck with it. We hope to have the same with the van. The final decision factors over the Odessey were style and OnStar. The Honda had neither.

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  Happy with my Relay - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Love my Relay - May 2 - 4:16 pm

  We purchased our Saturn with only 11000 miles on it from the dealer. It has a smooth ride and is very comfortable. My 4 kids have loved the dvd player and the option to listen to their music and play video games. It comes with a normal plug outlet, very cool! This has come in handy for video games and for vacuming the van. The only problems I have had with the Relay is with the traction stability control system (had it fixed 2X now) and I feel the rotors are cheap. My Relay shakes going down the mountain roads. I was told they have shaved the rotors as much as they can so they will need to be replaced at my next brake job.

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  Great - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By Joe - April 21 - 12:50 am

  I have found that the Relay is a great vehicle to drive and the gas mileage on our Relay has been fantastic. The included DVD player has been a lifesaver. I also love the electrical outlet that allows you to plug in regular electric products like a PS 2 game system.

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  I loved this van - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By LEW - April 15 - 2:53 pm

  This was the best van I ever owened. I had one problem with one of the doors, it wouldnt close sometimes. The gas mileage wasnt to good but other than that the kids and I loved it.

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  Still not sure. - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Kim - March 31 - 10:50 am

  Weve had our Relay for about 16 months and Im not as happy as I originally was. The molding on the outside is coming off and there is a grating noise everytime I accelerate. There are so many mystery noises its almost unbearable. The door creaks everytime you touch it, as well as the clicking of the DVD player. Weve loved having the DVD player, but my kids are getting as used to it as the radio and no longer is used as often. Overall, Im just not sure the quality is there. But, I guess you get what you pay for.

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  Few problems, but great buy - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By TTC - March 22 - 7:10 am

  Excellent experience with this, my first Saturn. It handles well, convenient features (cargo trays, sliidng doors, DVD. Mileage 16 city, 24 hwy. No fit or finish problems. Only problems were flickering lights (fixed by dealer) and a radio that refuses to get any AM station (all FM stations are perfect!).