2007 Saturn Relay Review
2007 Saturn Relay Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Smooth ride, plenty of cabin storage, innovative multimedia storage system.
Cons
- Large turning radius, no airbag coverage for third row, unimpressive IIHS side-impact crash test score.
What’s new
For 2007, the 3.9-liter 240-horsepower V6 is now standard in every Saturn Relay, as is stability control. The all-wheel-drive version has been discontinued. A more basic version called the Relay 1 debuts, forgoing luxuries such as a rear DVD entertainment system, cruise control and keyless entry for a lower price tag.
Edmunds says
Though the 2007 Saturn Relay features a slick interior and distinctive styling, it doesn't have the on-road finesse, in-cabin conveniences or top-notch safety ratings of its minivan competitors.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2007 Saturn Relay 1 4dr Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.18 per gallon for regular unleaded in Oklahoma.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Oklahoma
$208/mo for Relay 1
Relay 1
vs
$197/mo
Avg. Midsize Minivan
Vehicle overview
One of GM's minivans that attempts to look more like a rugged SUV than a bland family shuttle, the 2007 Saturn Relay shares the ups and downs of its brethren. Marketed as a crossover sport van, the Relay has a longish nose, aggressive front fascia and a roof rack to give the impression of an SUV, while the basic body architecture remains that of a minivan, meaning a space-efficient box. To our eyes, it still looks more like a minivan with a big snout, but there's no arguing that it has a more distinct style than the average snub-nosed people mover.
More upscale than the typical Saturn, the Relay has a number of attractive family-friendly features, such as a split-fold third-row seat and a 40-gigabyte "PhatNoise" digital media system that allows owners to store and play thousands of MP3s and/or several dozen movies. Notably missing on the spec sheet, however, are three-row side curtain airbags and a rear backup camera. Saturn did decide to make stability control standard equipment this year, however. It has also dropped the smaller V6 engine and made last year's optional 3.9-liter, 240-horsepower V6 standard across the board, meaning that the Relay now packs as much standard horsepower as segment leaders such as the Honda Odyssey and Nissan Quest.
We give Saturn credit for making improvements to its minivan, but the reality is that it still doesn't match the top dogs when it comes to overall driving dynamics, luxury and safety features. True, the 2007 Saturn Relay is a decent choice for family transportation, and if price is an issue (as it typically is in this class), one could probably get the minivan for at least a few thousand dollars less than the comparably equipped class leaders. More demanding buyers who don't mind spending the extra bucks, however, will likely be happier with the aforementioned rivals or the Hyundai Entourage/Kia Sedona twins.
Performance & mpg
All Saturn Relays are front-wheel drive, as the all-wheel-drive version has been dropped, and all come with a 3.9-liter V6 with 240 hp and 240 pound-feet of torque matched to a four-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Antilock disc brakes, stability control and traction control are all standard. Side-impact airbags for first- and second-row occupants are optional, but there's no protection for passengers seated in the third row. In NHTSA frontal crash testing, the 2007 Saturn Relay scored five stars (the highest possible rating) for the driver and front passenger. In side-impact tests, the Relay earned four stars for protection of front occupants and five stars for the rear occupants. During IIHS crash testing, the Relay scored a rating of "Good" (the highest of four) in frontal-offset testing. In that agency's side-impact test, however, the van received a "Marginal" (the second lowest of four) rating even with the side airbag option and a "Poor" (the lowest) when tested without them. (Most of the newer minivans on the market are rated "Good" in the IIHS side-impact test.)
Driving
The stout V6 offers brisk performance around town and when merging and passing on freeways. The Relay's suspension is on the soft side, yielding a plush ride and average handling for this class. Upgrading to the optional sport suspension does provide tighter handling, though maneuverability in tight spaces is still compromised by the van's large turning radius. Braking capability is average for the class.
Interior
The Saturn Relay seats seven, and the fold-flat third-row seat offers a 50/50 split. A pleasing two-tone color scheme with faux wood accents dramatically brightens the cabin and lends an upscale ambience. Folding center trays (with cupholders) between the first- and second-row seats are available. An overhead rail system provides rear-seat access to climate and entertainment functions, and can be outfitted with various storage containers. Springing for the PhatNoise digital media system saves you the hassle of juggling DVDs on road trips, while an optional remote vehicle start system makes it easy to warm up the van on cold mornings.
2007 Saturn Relay models
The 2007 Saturn Relay minivan comes in three trim levels, named simply 1, 2 and 3. The Relay 1 has air-conditioning, full power accessories, an eight-speaker sound system with an MP3-capable CD player and the OnStar communications system. Upgrading to the Relay 2 adds cruise control, keyless entry, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, deep-tinted side and rear glass, an interchangeable overhead console (that allows one to arrange storage compartments as needed), heated mirrors and a rear wiper. The top-of-the-line Relay 3 adds dual-zone climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, rear air-conditioning, a power driver seat, alloy wheels, a 115-volt AC outlet, power rear vent windows, power-sliding passenger side door, second-row captain's chairs, alloy wheels and upgraded storage.
Major options include the PhatNoise 40GB digital media system, a remote vehicle startup system, dual power-sliding side doors, rear park assist, satellite radio, a navigation system, leather seating and a sport-tuned suspension. Depending on the trim level, most of these options are available either à la carte or bundled with other features as part of various packages.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2007 Saturn Relay.
5 star(46%)
4 star(23%)
3 star(19%)
2 star(12%)
1 star(0%)
32 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.88 out of 5 stars
Mixed blessing
Scott Nelson, 07/29/2005
2006 Saturn Relay 2 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Our Saturn Relay has been a great vehicle to drive and carry the crew around in. Good acceleration and handling for a large vehicle. The trim needs a lot of work! Exterior trim is peeling off, door trim and plastic mouldings behind the sliding doors peel off when the door opens. Interior trim around both front doors is broken, and fell off, what a pain.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Always Reliable
sgtuglee, 04/22/2008
2006 Saturn Relay 3 4dr Minivan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
My 4th Saturn, I pulled a 3000 pound trailer from MD to AK via FL and AZ. Driven in 117 degree AZ and -23 degree AK. Always starts always works. Handles 12" fresh snow with no problem. Goes on ice, but doesn't like to stop or change direction, so go slow. Kids love the interior. Used the OnStar phone when we couldn't get cell signal in back country. I got 12 MPG towing 3000 lbs. I get … 23 on mountain highway with no trailer and light load. 16 mpg in town. 14 mpg in snow in town. Continental tires were lousy. Have michelins now and they seem to be lasting well. Have had only one dealer needed repair and they covered it for free even though the warranty had expired by 2k miles.
3.38 out of 5 stars
What Relay did I Buy??
SpanglishScienceMom, 08/18/2006
2006 Saturn Relay 3 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Wow! After reading all these great reviews, I'm wondering if we are talking about the same vehicle. The mpg has never been over 16.8, and that's 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!
4.63 out of 5 stars
Could be better
Bryan, 07/04/2006
2006 Saturn Relay 3 4dr Minivan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Our Relay has been a vehicle that our children have come to love with the built in DVD player. We couldn't go anywhere without it. It is a smooth ride with a few bugs that need to be worked out. The molding has a problem with sticking to the vehicle. Our tires (Continentals) were worn to the wires after 11,000 miles. The automatic sliding passenger door pops when closing. Other … than that we really like the vehicle. OnStar is not the best thing if you dont live in the city. Have tried using it when things go wrong with the vehicle and they cannot get the contracted towing companies to come out to give us a tow. The first year service is ok for free but we would not pay for OnStar.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2007 Saturn Relay, so we've included reviews for other years of the Relay since its last redesign.
2007 Relay Highlights
1
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $21,570 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $208/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 26.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Relay include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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