Acceleration

Relay 2	Relay 3	AWD Relay 3 w/Prem. Trim Pkg.	Class Average
3	3	3	4.2

Saturn says front-drive models do 10.5 sec 0-60 mph, 11.2 with AWD. Relays feel livelier than that, comparing well with most rivals. The AWD's extra weight is felt more on takeoff than during passing/merging, where power is adequate in most instances.

Fuel Economy

Relay 2	Relay 3	AWD Relay 3 w/Prem. Trim Pkg.	Class Average
4	4	4	4.2

Test front-drive Relay 3 averaged 19.8 mpg in city/highway driving. No opportunity yet to measure Relay with AWD, but similar test AWD Buick Terraza CXL averaged 19.4 mpg in mostly highway driving.

Ride Quality

Relay 2	Relay 3	AWD Relay 3 w/Prem. Trim Pkg.	Class Average
6	6	6	5.8

Most bumps easily absorbed. Highway ride comfortable. AWD has no noticeable effect on ride quality. Load-leveling rear suspension lends a slightly more stable feel at highway speeds, so it's a worthwhile option for FWDs.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Relay 2	Relay 3	AWD Relay 3 w/Prem. Trim Pkg.	Class Average
4	4	5	4.7

Midpack among minivans. Steering somewhat vague at highway speeds. Marked body lean in turns, but no tippy feel. Braking controlled, progressive. AWD a boon in wet weather, as is FWD models' standard antiskid system.

Quietness

Relay 2	Relay 3	AWD Relay 3 w/Prem. Trim Pkg.	Class Average
6	6	6	5.7

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

Controls

Relay 2	Relay 3	AWD Relay 3 w/Prem. Trim Pkg.	Class Average
6	6	6	6

Gauges clear, minor controls simple and handy. Interior decor shows upscale flair, but is let down in places by budget-grade plastics. Standard DVD entertainment a plus for family peace on longer trips.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Relay 2	Relay 3	AWD Relay 3 w/Prem. Trim Pkg.	Class Average
6	6	6	6.7

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

Room/Comfort (rear)

Relay 2	Relay 3	AWD Relay 3 w/Prem. Trim Pkg.	Class Average
6	6	6	6.8

Good head and leg room in both cabins, but narrow space between 2nd-row buckets makes 3rd-row access harder than in some rivals. Second-row seats fold up better with standard cloth upholstery than with available leather; either way, resetting driver-side seat requires awkward reach over backrest. Third-row seats too low for best adult comfort, but fine for kids.

Cargo Room

Relay 2	Relay 3	AWD Relay 3 w/Prem. Trim Pkg.	Class Average
10	10	10	9.9

Second-row buckets don't stow in floor, but are light enough for easy removal. All rear seats fold level with a 4-inch-high cargo-area convenience tray to form a flat load deck. Available cargo organizer keeps groceries and other small items in place, but GM's minivans have less room behind the 3rd-row seat than rivals with a hideaway-seat well.

Value within Class

Relay 2	Relay 3	AWD Relay 3 w/Prem. Trim Pkg.	Class Average
5	5	5	6.3

Chrysler, Honda, and Toyota minivans offer more rear-seat room and cargo-carrying convenience--plus full curtain side airbags. But fair prices, a comfortable ride and standard DVD entertainment make Relay a worthwhile option for value-conscious buyers, bolstered for '06 by optional 2nd-row head/torso side airbags.

Total Score

Relay 2	Relay 3	AWD Relay 3 w/Prem. Trim Pkg.	Class Average
56	56	57	60.3

Scores for all Minivans

Low Score		56
Average Score		60
High Score		71