Acceleration

Relay 2	Relay 3	AWD Relay 3 w/leather	Class Average
3	3	3	4.2

GM quotes 10.5 sec 0-60 for front-drive models, 11.2 for AWD versions. However, Relay feels livelier than those numbers suggest and compares well with most rivals. The AWD's extra weight is felt more from a stop than during passing/merging, where power is adequate in most instances.

Fuel Economy

Relay 2	Relay 3	AWD Relay 3 w/leather	Class Average
4	4	4	4

Test front-drive 3 averaged 19.8 mpg in mixed driving. No opportunity yet to measure with AWD.

Ride Quality

Relay 2	Relay 3	AWD Relay 3 w/leather	Class Average
6	6	6	5.5

Most bumps easily absorbed. Highway ride comfortable. AWD has no noticeable effect on ride quality. Relays without the optional load-leveling rear suspension feel a bit less stable at highway speeds than those with it.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Relay 2	Relay 3	AWD Relay 3 w/leather	Class Average
4	4	5	4.4

Middle of the pack among minivans. Steering somewhat vague at highway speeds. Marked body lean in turns, though no tippiness. Braking controlled and progressive. AWD a boon in slippery conditions. Traction control a worthwhile option for FWD models.

Quietness

Relay 2	Relay 3	AWD Relay 3 w/leather	Class Average
6	6	6	5.4

Side mirrors generate noticeable wind noise at highway speed. Engine well-muffled. Tire noise more marked than in Buick Terraza, but still impressively low up front. Tire noise more prominent in back where kids might have a hard time hearing front passengers.

Controls

Relay 2	Relay 3	AWD Relay 3 w/leather	Class Average
6	6	6	6.1

Gauges unobstructed. All controls legible and easily accessible. Dashboard materials and controls have an upscale flair. Dashboard trays and drawers made of budget-grade plastic. Standard DVD entertainment a plus for families.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Relay 2	Relay 3	AWD Relay 3 w/leather	Class Average
6	6	6	6.3

Low step-in makes climbing aboard a simple matter. Generous head and leg room. Fine outward visibility, helped by large mirrors.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Relay 2	Relay 3	AWD Relay 3 w/leather	Class Average
6	6	6	6.7

Good 2nd- and 3rd-row head and leg room. Narrow space between 2nd-row buckets makes access to 3rd row more difficult than in some competitors. Standard 2nd-row seats fold farther out of the way than available leather buckets, but returning driver-side upright requires an awkward reach over seatback. Third row seats set too close to floor for best adult comfort; fine for kids, though.

Cargo Room

Relay 2	Relay 3	AWD Relay 3 w/leather	Class Average
9	9	9	9.4

Second-row buckets don't fold into floor, but are light enough for easy removal. Third-row seat doesn't disappear into floor either, but folds level with a cargo-area convenience tray that stands about 4 inches above the floor. The available rear cargo organizer is handy for groceries and other items, but GM's minivans don't have as much storage space behind the 3rd-row seat as those rivals that have a well.

Value within Class

Relay 2	Relay 3	AWD Relay 3 w/leather	Class Average
5	5	5	5.8

The lack of curtain side airbags is a big minus for safety conscious buyers, and the rear seating rows and cargo area aren't as convenient or as roomy as the minivans from Chrysler, Honda, or Toyota. However, fair prices and a comfortable ride make Relay a worthwhile option for value-conscious shoppers who want features such as available AWD and standard rear DVD entertainment.

Total Score

Relay 2	Relay 3	AWD Relay 3 w/leather	Class Average
55	55	56	57.8

Scores for all Minivans

Low Score		45
Average Score		57
High Score		70