2005 Saturn Relay

*** Specifications and prices contained in this article are based on US products ***

What do you get when you cross a SUV with a mini-van? General Motors calls it a "Crossover Sport Van." In particular a Saturn Relay Crossover Sport Van. Although it sounds outrageous as a concept, in reality it works quite well. MSRP begins at $23,770 US for the Relay 2 and runs to $29,885 for the Relay 3 with all wheel drive.

Not wanting lose the macho consumer who is married to the SUV image, and knowing that room for seven and a dog or two are important to families, General Motors did what any company would do; they put a SUV nose on a van body. Thus those people who dig the SUV look and need the convenience and safety of a van can have it all. And, to be honest, it isn't a bad idea. Better yet, you get about 20 mpg on unleaded, the superior safety ratings of a passenger van, and the owner doesn't have to worry about your neighbors thinking they bought a mommy mobile.

2005 Saturn Relay (photo: General Motors)

Regardless of how you feel, this is a as mainstream as any product GM has produced and whey you throw in Saturn's dealer friendly ratings consumers just might have a good reason to look at this new arrival with interest. Besides, don't be surprised if Saturn places some outstanding lease rates on the Relay to get them out there. We have heard of zero down, 39 month, and under $400 a month deals.

In reality, the Relay is essentially the same design as the Buick Terraza, Chevrolet Uplander, and Pontiac Montana SV6. All of these vehicles have a variety of tried and true features such as seats for seven, a folding and removable second-row of bucket seats, and a 50/50 split folding third row bench seat that folds into a bay in the floor. Our test vehicle also had power sliding side doors. One very important factor with these doors is to check on make sure they stop if they encounter an obstacle. Power doors are a superior option, but only if they stop immediately when they meet resistance.

Mom's view: I liked the look of the Relay, and it had a quiet ride. The inside is typical for a mini van with lots of storage, an available entertainment center that is very well thought out, and good visibility. It is a pleasant layout with some nice cosmetic touches, but nothing that is going to fool you into thinking you are driving an upscale vehicle.

Since these vans or whatever you want to call them are about families the ease of moving the seats around is very important. The second row seatbacks can tip forward and they are easy to unlock. However, you need a strong arm to flatten the floor for that 135 cubic feet of room to be most usable. The seatbacks on the rear bench are divided in two and fold down separately. This is not so easy to do without practice. You can remove the rear bench seat, but it is heavy. One option I did not like was the multi-section cargo organizer that greets you when you open the rear hatch. It has lids that fold up and give you a place to put your packages. The problem is that it is too high for me to easily reach. I think GM needs to hire shorter women.

Of the two trim levels, Relay 2, and the Relay 3, I would go for the 3 and its much more useful equipment level. I like power-operated sliding doors because if you park on a hill it is very difficult to open and shut them without this feature. It is also so handy to just push the key fob and have the doors open when you arrive with shopping bags in hand. I feel safer with this option, too.