Makesโ€บSaturnโ€บRelayโ€บ2005

2005 Saturn Relay

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems โ€” with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.

Class
Minivan - 2WD
Body styles
2 FWD 4dr Minivan, 3 AWD 4dr Minivan, 3 FWD 4dr Minivan
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
18 combined ยท 16 city / 23 hwy
Length
204.7 in
Curb weight
4,222โ€“4,634 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
0 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • No recalls so far

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 12 similar 2005 models โ€” not a review. How we calculate this โ†’

Overview

The 2005 Saturn Relay is a minivan offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 205 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,222 lb (2 FWD 4dr Minivan).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 23 highway), 3% worse than the 2005 minivan average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,700 a year in fuel.

It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2 FWD 4dr Minivan204.7 in72 in72 in121.3 in63 / 63 in4,222 lb56/44
3 AWD 4dr Minivan204.7 in72 in72 in121.3 in63 / 63 in4,634 lb56/44
3 FWD 4dr Minivan204.7 in72 in72 in121.3 in63 / 63 in4,345 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence โ€“ Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements โ†’

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCOโ‚‚ g/mi
Relay FWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 18-3%$3,700494
Relay AWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-1%$3,950523
Spend $6,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.6 MPG2005 Minivan - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this โ†’

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Saturn Relay under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2005 minivans

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2005 Saturn Relay (this car)18 MPGNot rated0
2005 Toyota Sienna19 MPGNot rated9
2005 Honda Odyssey20 MPGNot rated3
2005 Nissan Quest19 MPGNot rated0
2005 Ford Freestar18 MPGNot rated2
2005 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan20 MPGNot rated1
2005 Chevrolet Uplander18 MPGNot rated1

Recalls (0)

No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Saturn Relay.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA โ†—

Not every 2005 Saturn Relay is affected โ€” only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

10Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
110,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Service Brakes5
Electrical System5
Electrical System โ€บ Ignition1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1
Visibility/Wiper1
Exterior Lighting1
Steering1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
15/01: 115/02: 115/03: 115/04: 215/08: 216/07: 117/11: 118/07: 115/0115/0215/0315/0415/0816/0717/1118/07max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2005 Saturn Relay buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
  2. Service Brakes โ€” 5 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  3. Electrical System โ€” 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Electrical System โ€บ Ignition โ€” 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 110,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Saturn Relay. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Relay years

Compare all years โ†’
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2007 Relay19204.7 inNot rated02
2006 Relay19204.7 inNot rated01

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Saturn. How we calculate this โ†’