2005 Saturn Relay: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.