2006 Saturn Relay Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Saturn's minivans add available 2nd-row side airbags for 2006. Relay mimics Buick Terraza, Chevrolet Uplander, and Pontiac SV6. It comes with front-wheel drive in "2" and uplevel "3" trim, plus a Relay 3 with all-wheel drive. The AWD includes load-leveling suspension that's also available for other models. A 201-hp V6 (196 hp with AWD) and 4-speed automatic transmission are standard, as is ABS. Promised but not delivered during the model year was an optional 235-hp V6. Traction/antiskid control standard on FWD, unavailable on AWD. Front side airbags are also newly standard on 3 and optional for the 2. They're designed to protect both head and torso, as are the newly optional 2nd-row side airbags. All Relays seat seven via folding/removable 2nd-row buckets and a 50/50 3rd-row bench that folds flat atop the cargo floor. All 3s now include a power sliding right-side door; dual power doors are available. Every Relay has DVD entertainment and OnStar assistance. Options include remote starting and a navigation system.

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 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, and Honda Odyssey. Our Recommended pick is Toyota Sienna.

Kia Sedona is new or significantly redesigned.

News

Informants see little change for Relay and its corporate siblings until 2009. That's when GM is to replace its current minivans with clean-sheet models. The basis will be the Lambda platform premiering for 2007 with Saturn's Outlook large crossover wagon. The next Relay is said to have dramatic styling and fold-flat rear seats.

2006 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/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

2006 Saturn Relay Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 07/11/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2 4-door van	$22,750	$21,212	$740

FWD 3 4-door van	$26,750	$24,932	$740

AWD 3 4-door van	$29,250	$27,257	$740

Price note: FWD denotes front-wheel drive. AWD denotes all-wheel drive.

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, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, 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, DVD entertainment system, intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

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

3 adds to 2:

Safety

Front side airbags.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Rear air conditioning and heater w/rear controls, 6-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 2nd-row captain chairs, power rear-quarter windows, power sliding passenger-side door, universal garage-door opener, outside-temperature indicator, compass, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo organizer, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Roof rails, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, air inflator, sport suspension, load-leveling suspension, 225/65R17 tires. Deletes: traction control, antiskid system.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Preferred Pkg.
2	$565	$525
Power rear-quarter windows, illuminated visor mirrors, rear storage bins, cargo organizer, floormats, alarm. Std. 3.

PDG Seating Pkg.
2	$1,375	$1,279
Front- and 2nd-row side airbags, 2nd-row captain chairs, Requires power-sliding passenger-side door.

Touring Pkg.
2, FWD 3	$260	$242
Air inflator, sport suspension, load-leveling suspension, 225/65R17 tires.

Entertainment Pkg.
2	$450	$419
2 w/PDG Seating Pkg. or 2nd-row captain chairs	$250	$233
Two wireless headphones, 2nd-row storage box, additional auxiliary power outlet. Requires rear air conditioning. Std. 3.

Premium Trim Pkg.
3	$1,350	$1,256
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 6-way power passenger seat.

Convenience Pkg.
3	$545	$507
Rear-obstacle-detection system, power sliding driver-side door.

Trailering Pkg.
2, 3	$175	$163
Heavy-duty alternator and engine cooling, trailer harness. 2, FWD 3 require Touring Pkg.

Safety
Front side airbags
2	$350	$326


2nd-row side airbags
3	$350	$326


Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
3	$1,995	$1,855


Rear air conditioning
2	$475	$442
Includes heater, rear controls.

6-way power driver seat
2	$275	$256


2nd-row captain chairs
2	$675	$628
Includes foldaway tray.

Power sliding passenger-side door
2	$450	$419


PhatNoise
2, 3	$795	$740
Mobile digital-media player.

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.

2 wireless headphones
2, 3	$75	$70


Remote starting
2, 3	$190	$177


Overhead storage bins
2, 3	$100	$93
NA w/Entertainment Pkg.

2nd-row utility tray
2	$75	$70
Requires PDG Seating Pkg.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rails
2	$230	$214


Engine-block heater
2, 3	$50	$47

2006 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.	4221

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.	201 @ 5600

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	216 @ 4000

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	18/25

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

Rollover Resistance	3

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	All Saturns have a 30-day, 1500 mile vehicle exchange program. VTi vehicles are covered for an additional 5/75,000 miles.

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

< 2006 Saturn Relay Photos

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