DecodedCars2006 Saturn Relay
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Minivan - 2WD
- Body styles
- 2 FWD 4dr Minivan, 3 AWD 4dr Minivan, 3 FWD 4dr Minivan
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.9L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 16 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- 204.7 in
- Curb weight
- 4,231–4,575 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints1 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 34 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 11 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Saturn Relay is a minivan offered with 2 engines (3.5L 6-cyl and 3.9L 6-cyl) 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 4,231 lb (2 FWD 4dr Minivan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (16 city / 23 highway), 2% better than the 2006 minivan average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2006
- Engine added: 3.9L 6-cyl
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Relay →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 FWD 4dr Minivan | 204.7 in | 72 in | 72 in | 121.3 in | 63 / 63 in | 4,231 lb | 56/44 |
| 3 AWD 4dr Minivan | 204.7 in | 72 in | 72 in | 121.3 in | 63 / 63 in | 4,575 lb | 56/44 |
| 3 FWD 4dr Minivan | 204.7 in | 72 in | 72 in | 121.3 in | 63 / 63 in | 4,308 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relay FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | +2% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Relay FWD | 3.9L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | +2% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Relay AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | 0% | $3,950 | 523 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Saturn Relay under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 minivans
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Saturn Relay (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Toyota Sienna | 19 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2006 Kia Sedona | 18 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2006 Honda Odyssey | 20 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Chrysler Town and Country | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Nissan Quest | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Ford Freestar | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Saturn Relay.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2006 Saturn Relay is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Saturn Relay buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Service Brakes — 1 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Electronic Stability Control (Esc) — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 130,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Saturn Relay. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Relay years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 Relay | 19 | 204.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2005 Relay | 18 | 204.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 10 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Saturn. How we calculate this →