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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  The typical van - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By jack - November 6 - 9:43 pm

  Before the purchase of the Relay 2, we had two Dodge Grand Caravans. This realy is heads and shoulders above those previous vans. It is comfortable, powerful, handles ok and is reliable. We once had a problem when we overfilled our gas tank, but hav had no real problems since. Now, we need brakes at 30k, but that is the only problem it has had. I hope to get seveal more years of good service out of it before it gets sacrafiiced. So far, this has been a good vehicle.

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  Not so happy - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By rob - August 10 - 12:23 pm

  I have owned my Relay for two years now, and it has seen its fair share of shop time. The steering pump has been replaced once and they have put tow steering columns and a new set of tie rods. The gas mileage isnt near what I expected either, it is worse. The kids do love the dvd player though and it looks sharp for a mini van.

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  What Relay did I Buy?? - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By SpanglishScienceMom - April 15 - 11:46 pm

  Wow! After reading all these great reviews, Im wondering if we are talking about the same vehicle. The mpg has never been over 16.8, and thats w/all freeway driving. In the summer during the hotest days of Aug, the A/C refused to work twice. When usung the A/C mpg tops out at 15.1. Lots of minor molding, door sticking, cup holder derailing issues. Met other Saturn owner at dealership w/ identical issues plus they suffered oil leaks that were not satisfactorily handled. I miss my 91 4-Runner!

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  DONT BUY THIS VAN - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Give the van back - January 1 - 1:20 am

  This vehicle is horrible. Yes the interior is nice but the ABS and stablization controls are always broken. Sliding doors will randomly open - or they may not open at all - its a gamble. Have to press the gas to get it started - engine has a hard time turning over. Lights flicker. Saturn will tell you this is "normal" - but its still not acceptable. They should all be recalled and demolished.

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  Saturn Relay. A Lot of Problems - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Sharon - October 14 - 11:00 am

  We have owned 3 Saturns before this one. This one is a true lemon! It has been in the shop more than it has been on the road. Had many service bulletins out already. My timing belt went the 1st year. Radio is cheap and never tunes in. Molding outside falls off all the time. Back wiper changed 3xs already. CD player hums when you hit the gas. Lights go dim and bright while driving. I can go on and on. A lemon by far.

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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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  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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  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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  Be Careful - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Not Good! - November 19 - 10:30 pm

  I was a first time Saturn buyer and being newly married and now having 4 children I needed something for us all that was also affordable. I chose the 2005 Relay. Very nice looking outside and inside, good sound system and DVD player! A week later it started having acceleration problems. Warning message was Reduced Engine Power. It was replaced. This happened 3 more times over the next few months. I had to threaten legal action but Saturn replaced my Relay. I got a 2006 VUE as the replacement and have been very happy so far. My situation may not be normal; but it happened. Be careful when thinking of buying this vehicle.