2005 Saturn Relay Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The Saturn division of General Motors gets its first minivan for 2005. Relay shares its basic design with the 2005 Buick Terraza, Chevrolet Uplander, and Pontiac Montana SV6. All basically add an SUV-style nose to the 1997-2004 GM minivan design to create what GM dubs the "crossover sport van." Relay comes in trim levels labeled 2 and 3. There's one body length and seats for seven via folding/removable 2nd-row bucket seats and a 50/50 fold-flat 3rd-row bench. Power sliding side doors are available. Relay uses a 200-hp V6 and 4-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Available on front-drive models is traction control and GM's Stabilitrak antiskid/traction control. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, 17-inch wheels, and OnStar assistance are standard. Front side airbags that provide head and torso protection are available, but curtain side airbags aren't offered. Also standard are a CD/MP3 player, rear DVD entertainment, and a roof-rail system with optional snap-on storage modules. Rear heating/air conditioning is optional on 2, standard on 3. Optional on both are satellite radio and a remote starting system that operates from the keyfob.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Long the choice as the family hauler, Minivans are easily the smartest use of space for passengers and cargo. These vehicles offer a fantastic blend of comfort, convenience, and safety features for the modern family.

Our Best Buys include the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, and Honda Odyssey. Recommended picks are the Mazda MPV and Toyota Sienna.

News

Relay is just out of the blocks, and our moles see no big changes until 2008 at the earliest. That when GM's old-solider minivan design--oops, "crossover sport van"--reportedly give give way to clean-sheet models on the company's Lambda platform. Lambda will also serve a Saturn sport wagon sized and priced above the Vue. It bows for 2007. Related Buick and GMC versions follow 6-12 months later.

2005 Saturn Relay Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy

Available all-wheel drive	Quietness

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

2005 Saturn Relay Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 08/05/2005

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2 4-door van	$23,770	$22,160	$715

FWD 3 4-door van	$26,865	$25,038	$715

AWD 3 4-door van	$29,855	$27,819	$715

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Powertrain

3.5-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Front air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, 7-passenger seating, quad bucket seats, center console, cupholders, 3rd-row split folding seat, heated power mirrors, power front windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, rear radio controls, digital clock, tachometer, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, intermittent wipers, passenger-side visor mirror, map lights, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, 225/60R17 tires.

3 adds to 2:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Rear air conditioning and heater w/rear controls, 6-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, power rear quarter windows, universal garage-door opener, outside-temperature indicator, compass, illuminated visor mirrors.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Roof rails, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, front side airbags, air inflator, sport suspension, load-leveling rear suspension, 225/65R17 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Premium Seating Pkg.
3	$1,350	$1,256
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 6-way power passenger seat. FWD 3 requires Safety Pkg.

Touring Pkg.
2, FWD 3	$360	$335
Air inflator, sport suspension, load-leveling rear suspension, 225/65R17 tires.

Power Pkg.
3	$995	$925
Rear-obstacle-detection system, power sliding rear doors.

Convenience Pkg.
2	$565	$525
Power rear quarter windows, illuminated visor mirrors, rear storage bins, cargo net, floormats, alarm.

Entertainment Pkg.
2	$450	$419
Two wireless headphones, 2nd-row storage box, additional auxiliary power outlet. Requires rear air conditioning. Std. 3.

Trailering Pkg.
2, 3	$165	$153
Heavy-duty cooling, trailer harness.

Safety
Safety Pkg.
2, FWD 3	$545	$507
Traction control, front side airbags.

Antiskid system
2, FWD 3	$450	$419
Requires Safety Pkg., Touring Pkg.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear air conditioning
2	$475	$442
Includes heater, rear controls.

6-way power driver seat
2	$275	$256


Power sliding passenger-side door
2	$450	$419


AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
2, 3	$295	$274


Satellite radio
2, 3	$325	$302
Requires monthly service fee after 3rd month.

Remote starting
2, 3	$175	$163


Overhead storage bins
2, 3	$100	$93


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rails
2	$230	$213


Engine-block heater
2, 3	$35	$32

2005 Saturn Relay Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Saturn Relay 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	121.1

Overall Length, in.	204.9

Overall Width, in.	72.0

Overall Height, in.	72.0

Curb Weight, lbs.	4272

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	136.5

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	25.0

Seating Capacity	7

Front Head Room, in.	39.8

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	39.9

Rear Head Room, in.	38.9

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	38.9

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	ohv V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.5 /213

Horsepower @ rpm.	200 @ 5200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	220 @ 4400

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	18/24

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Saturn Relay 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Side Impact, Driver	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	Buyers can choose between 5/60,000 Bumper-to-Bumper coverage or $1000-1250 cash back. All Saturns have a 30-day, 1500 mile money vehicle exchange program.

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2005 Saturn Relay
Trim Level: 3
Arrival Date: 02/07/2005
Engine: ohv V6
Bodystyle: 4-door wagon
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $26,865
Price as Tested: $29,445
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 3303
Mileage at End of Test: 3850
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 25.253 gals.

Major Options: Power Pkg. (Ultrasonic Rrear Park Assistance, Power Left Hand and Right Hand Sliding Doors) Safety Pkg. (Traction Control, Dual Stage Frontal Air Bags with Right Front Passanger Sensing System and Side Impact Airbags), XM Satellite Radio (w/3 months free), 3.5 Liter OHV SFI V6 Engine, 4-Speed Automatic Transmission, Silver Pearl Exterior, Tan Interior

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 21.62 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Mark Bilek GM should be embarrassed by this van. It lacks so many features that have become required in the class that it immediately feels dated. There's no curtain airbags, no fold-away rear seat, and the interior is cramped. The Relay strongest point may be its on-road presence that makes it very carlike to drive. Prices aren't out of line, but they shouldn't be either considering that this van is down on features. Despite the tag of all-new, this van is more of the same from GM and a disappointment in the class.

Tom Appel I officially curse Relay with faint praise: it's fine. I like the interior a lot, and the un-GM-like switchgear feel and improved dash/console materials speak volumes about GMs intentions. Still, the lack of power and missing curtain side airbags are critical failures that doom this non-plastic Saturn to be a heavily rebated discount special. Shame.

< 2005 Saturn Relay Photos

Also in the 2005 Saturn Relay Review:

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Saturn Relay Road Test

Saturn Relay Prices & Equipment

Saturn Relay Specs & Safety

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