The chassis of the Relay, same as the 1997 Venture and Trans Sport/Montana, seems taxed by the added weight. I recently test drove a 2002 Montana with the extended wheelbase and found that it felt more nimble and even much quicker than the Relay. The Montana tips the scale at approximately 1 750 kg and the tested Relay weighs in at a hefty 2 110 kg. That is over 350 kg or well over 700 lbs of extra mass. The extra 15 hp and 10 lb/ft of torque have to work very hard. The envelope has been pushed to the limit in my opinion. The 2002 Montana, with over 75 000 km under its belt, had fewer rattles than the new 2005 Saturn with less than 9 000 km.
The rear parking assist consists of a small ceiling mounted pod with light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a buzzer. This could describe just about any park assist system. The difference is that this setup will beep once the transmission is engaged in Reverse and will then suddenly begin to beep like mad once the bumper is mere millimetres from an object.
Safety
The Relay has standard dual front, optional side air bags, ABS brakes, the Onstar communication system and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the foursome 5 stars (a Perfect result) for both front passengers in a frontal impact and 4 stars (a Good result) for the front, and 5 stars for the second row passengers in a lateral impact. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated it "Good" in frontal impacts.
Conclusion
I would really have preferred to have tested a FWD as it will surely outsell
the AWD and I cannot imagine that the FWD models will be plagued with as many compromises. This minivan is not designed for quick zips around town; its purpose is to carry people. The limits to its on-road abilities will quickly be recognized, nonetheless these vehicles are not meant to be pushed. They are supposed to be the family bus and actually do it in relative comfort. The Relay gets a grade of 6/10, barely a passing mark.
This minivan is another ameliorated product from GM. The General, though, still has some catching up to do especially where power and a better chassis are concerned. The reliability of GM cars is improving but I would still recommend the purchase of an extended warranty. I would stay away from the AWD and look for financing deals which are very common from GM.
Good stuff:
Surprisingly low fuel consumption
Nice interior design
Not so good stuff:
Gutless 3.5L V6
Steering
Brakes
 |
Safety
The Relay has standard dual front, optional side air bags, ABS brakes, the Onstar communication system and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the foursome 5 stars (a Perfect result) for both front passengers in a frontal impact and 4 stars (a Good result) for the front, and 5 stars for the second row passengers in a lateral impact. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated it "Good" in frontal impacts.
Conclusion
I would really have preferred to have tested a FWD as it will surely outsell
 |
This minivan is another ameliorated product from GM. The General, though, still has some catching up to do especially where power and a better chassis are concerned. The reliability of GM cars is improving but I would still recommend the purchase of an extended warranty. I would stay away from the AWD and look for financing deals which are very common from GM.
Good stuff:
Surprisingly low fuel consumption
 |
Nice interior design
Not so good stuff:
Gutless 3.5L V6
Steering
Brakes
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