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What Is It?

2005 Saturn Relay

What's Special About It?

The Relay is Saturn's first minivan and it also marks a kind of departure for Saturn. Since the brand's introduction, GM has billed Saturn as "a different kind of car company" and for the most part it has stayed true to that formula. With the new Ion and now the Relay, GM is showing that it is not afraid to bring Saturn a little closer to the fold. The Relay shares its basic architecture with other minivans and it does not have the dent-resistant body panels that have become a Saturn calling card. The Relay should benefit from Saturn's image as an import fighter — more than 40 percent of new minivan buyers look to imports for their purchase. The Relay also gives current Saturn owners a way to accommodate growing families without having to change brands. Previously, anyone who loved the Saturn customer service and no-haggle shopping experience but needed to accommodate more than four or five passengers was forced to shop outside the brand. The Relay is a logical step for a new car company that hopes to earn more customers as it grows.

With its simple styling, the Relay stays true to the Saturn formula. The horizontal grille and front lip on the bumper have a bit of a Vue look to it but the Relay has a cleaner overall look. More upscale-looking than other Saturns, the company's new van offers plenty of luxury along with the expected versatility. The interchangeable overhead console works on a rail system that allows owners to move, rearrange or add storage components as they see fit. Standard interior trim includes wood grain trim, cloth seats with faux leather trim and power rear quarter windows. OnStar is also a standard feature and leather seating is available on the top trim level. Saturn is calling the Relay a crossover sport van but really it's a minivan that shares many of its mechanical components with other GM vans like the Chevrolet Uplander and the new Buick Terraza.

Powered by a 3.5-liter V6, the Relay makes an adequate 200 horsepower. Other vans in this class offer as much as 40 more ponies but Saturn feels the power delivery and refinement of this engine are good enough for its potential customers. The Relay is also available with GM's Versatrak all-wheel-drive system as well as the StabiliTrak stability control system.

What's Edmunds' Take?

If you're shopping for a minivan, the Relay offers one more choice in an already competitive field. Need a minivan but don't want to be hassled at the dealership? Say hello to the Relay. — Brian Moody

See Also:

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