Saturn Relay - Background

A.J · 08-26-2007, 07:57 PM

The Saturn Relay is a minivan from the Saturn brand of American automaker General Motors. It was introduced for the 2005 model year, and was built alongside its sisters, the Buick Terraza, the Chevrolet Uplander, and the Pontiac Montana SV6 in Doraville, Georgia. The Relay was the first Saturn vehicle without polymer side paneling.

The Relay was introduced with a 3.5 L LX9 V6 that generates 200 hp (149 |kW) and 220 ft·lbf (298 N·m) torque, going from 0-60 mph in 10.2 seconds. For 2006, a 3.9 L LZ9 V6, with 240hp (179kW) and 240ft·lb (332Nm) torque, was added as an option. For 2007, the 3.5 L V6 was dropped, leaving the 3.9 L as the base engine. Consequently, the optional AWD system was also dropped, since it could not handle the torque of the 3.9 L engine. Unlike it's siblings, the Relay did not receive an optional flex-fuel engine for 2007. The Relay scored three "Good"s (the highest possible score) and two "acceptable"s (the second highest possible score) in IIHS crash tests. In terms of gas mileage, the Relay is rated at 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway.

The Relay started at US$22,850. There were three available trim levels, 2FWD, 3FWD, and 3AWD. All Relays seat seven via folding/removable 2nd row captains chairs and a 50/50 third-row bench. The third-row bench folds flat but did not fold entirely into the floor. OnStar assistance and a DVD rear entertainment system came standard on all Relays. A navigation system was optional on Relay 3s. Front side airbags were standard on 3s and optional for the 2. Second-row side airbags were optional on all models.

toyz · 01-29-2008, 03:17 PM

In 2007 Saturn decided to drop the line all together to go with the Outlander. Also to correct you in 2005 the Saturn Relay is Not considered a Minivan but is a SUV. Funny story about that is it originally was to be the first FUV (family Utility Vehical) I have an early model 2005 with 105,xxx miles plus. Number 3.

epsilon · 02-29-2008, 08:39 PM

Not many companies are big on making mini-vans but a lot of my friends love driving them. I personally like crossovers like the Vue and the Outlook. The new Vue for 2008 reminds me of a combination between the Chevy Equinox and the Pontiac Vibe. the old Vue looked more like the Cadillac SRX.

Aboyade · 03-11-2008, 07:46 PM

I thought the 2005 Saturn Relay was known for its desire to be like an SUV moreso than it actually being referenced as one. It managed to maintain its family appeal (perhaps not willingly) with its third row of seats being able to fold in and more importantly, the ability to play lots and lots of music or movies through its stored media system.

RjION · 03-11-2010, 09:48 PM

It's a van, so it's a van, nothing more then a passenger van.

**Ssicarman** · 03-11-2010, 10:36 PM

Well I guess the only good thing about you waking up this two year old post was that I found a couple of more old spam posts to clean out.

RjION · 03-11-2010, 10:43 PM

Yep: just trying to bring life to this forum.

CAmos · 09-01-2010, 12:35 AM

Are there other owners of the Relay active on the fourm?

My son is looking at one, my daughter in law is expecting twins.

It is a 2006, with 66k, and the 3.5l. I read that the 05's had some
electrical issues, and that the power doors can be an issue for some.

Anyone have much experience with these>?

**Ssicarman** · 09-01-2010, 02:23 AM

Hopefully a really really good price.
They have some issues. The biggest being Saturn is going away. The flip side is that the Relay is a GM clone van so parts and service can be had. Saturn fans has had more relay traffic than here. Worth checking their posts.
The 3.5 is an older GM engine that is fairly solid with a few known coolant leak issues but mechanically sound.
I have heard of power sliding door issues and vaguely remember other electrical problems.
If the van has been looked after it should be OK.