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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  Not your average minivan - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Lisa - February 24 - 11:56 am

  I am not a minivan person, drove a few and said NO WAY.. then i saw the Uplander, test drove it and thought I CAN DO this! Couldnt stand the dealers, so went to Saturn to look at the Relay. Its the same vehicle with a different name & I love it. It handles well, the DVD player is a godsend with kids playdates, plus I can fit 6 other adults comfortably. I am getting used to the mileage going from a small car to the Relay, so that is to be expected. The parking assist and OnStar are two great features and being able to control the radio/DVD from the steering wheel is great. Since I got mine, I have convinced 6 other people to get one as well. All love them. This is like an SUV but better

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  Vegas Saturn - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By 3 time saturn owner - December 30 - 1:23 am

  I have had more problems with this Saturn than any other. We have had problems with the air conditioning not blowing cold air (the dealer stated that it was blowing fine, but for us the air was coming out hot), the child lock on the rear passenger door engages on its own trapping riders in the van, the wiring was faulty so the van would not start, and now the suspension is creaking. I havent even owned the vehicle for a year yet. The dealer is a 45 minute drive from my house and it takes them all day to fix anything. I am truly disappointed with this experience and do not plan on owning a Saturn again

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  Great Choice - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Irvin & Jill - December 12 - 7:30 am

  This is our 4th Saturn & 1st Minivan (although this is labeled a crossover). Again, Saturn has proven - they know what they are doing. We were skeptical in purchasing a minivan, but the SUV look & Minivan comfort did it for us. Affordable, dependable and we get tons of compliments. Get the Automatic door & DVD Player - it is worth it for the little ones. Great use of space front to back; comfortable seats all around. For those anti-minivan folks - this is a good choice. Adults & kids alike have a great ride whether 15 mins or 5 hours. We are really pleased with our RELAY.

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  First year model - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By dougp26364 - July 18 - 9:50 pm

  The Saturn view really doesnt look like a minivan which I consider a plus. There are lots of nice features on our Relay 3 which make driving it a joy. It sits up high for good view with other high profile vehicles. The biggest complaint I have after driving it 1,000 miles is the overhead rack system. Its supposed to be convenient storage but the DVD player rattles unmercifully. If its cold outside its almost unbearable. Either Saturn is going to have to do something to correct this oversight or theyre going to have a lot of them in the shop with unhappy customers. I know ours will be in the shop until they make it stop. Otherwise its a great vehicle.

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  They missed it on this one... - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By unhappysaturn - April 2 - 7:53 pm

  Ive had a several different brake problems (some very serious), non-stop problems with my sliding doors, Ive had a seatbelt that was bad and when they serviced it they told me there was nothing wrong with it but when I get the service record a year later I find out that they replaced the seatbelt, my driver side air bag was faulty, my radio has been replaced 3 times, my dvd player has been replaced once, the trim on my car has been replaced more times then I can count because it peels off, theres a piece of trim now that has completely deteriorated after being replace about a year ago, I had to have my brakes rewired, Ive had my windshield reset many times and the noise issue stil

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  Love the car, minus the Kazoo noise - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By k2az - March 4 - 11:06 am

  We have had our RELAY for 9 months now and we absolutely love everything about it except a very loud and annoying "kazoo" noise. We love the way it looks, the way it drives, and all the toys that come standard as opposed to other makes who charge for every little extra add-on. However in the last 9 months we have had our van in the shop 7 times! Ridiculous for a new vehicle. 4 times for this kazoo noise. It literally sounds like someone is playing an obniouxiously loud kazoo above the drivers head. The dealer has had GM engineers to look at it and no one can figure it out. After 4 tries they basically said we cant fix it deal with it. We are currently filing a lemon law claim.

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  Yugos were better. - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By Daddyainthappy - February 10 - 8:40 am

  Not really but not far off. I had this thing in the shop four times while it was under warranty for an annoying popping/clicking noise in the front end. Each time they said they had it fixed and alas, it is now out of warranty and still pops.Oh, and the service engine light came on about 2000 miles after warranty expired. The computer code shows the catalytic converter is not functioning properly. Now my transmission is slipping horribly. Fluid is clean and has always been full. This van has not been driven hard or fast. It is simply a lemon and from looking at the other reviews, it is not alone in its misery.

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  2005 Saturn Relay Review - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Mr MR - January 21 - 7:00 pm

  Appearance and performance wise I like it. However, I must of bought the one built on a Monday or Friday. It has several minor but annoying problems. The annoying part about all these things is that they do not happen consistent enough for the dealer to note the problems to fix. 1. Wind noise from front window at highway speed and windy days. 2. Four times in two months the Radio & CD did not function in the morning. The radio shows a signal being received but no sound. 3. The back side window on the driver side rattles when you close the door. Not always. These things are weird and again just plain annoying. Should not have these problems with a new vehicle.

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  Domestics are still great - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By BP - December 30 - 5:06 pm

  This was a much better deal than Toyota or Honda and looks far better than either. We will likely buy Saturn again if they keep making this van.

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  Dont make the same mistake we did! - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Saturn Relay - December 15 - 8:50 pm

  This is our 5th Saturn purchase. The battery died at 2900 miles in a gas station I am no longer welcome at. The bolts that hold the windshield wipers on were not properly tightend at the factory and came off during a rainstorm on a major interstate while I sat for 28 minutes until the state police could nudge my car off to the next ramp. Both abs chips on the brakes/hubs have been replaced within 35 days of each other, the left ball joint has been replaced, the power locks go on and off by themselves at mysterious times when your just sitting there,t he doors stick. Did I mention that its 2 years old with 14,000 miles on it. I walk a lot..its safer than being trapped inside or having no brakes.