2007 Saturn Relay

Saturn has always had its critics, but personally I usually like them. The Relay though is something of a failure. Made for the family with tons of groceries in tow and who live in the suburbs, it only lasted a few years due mainly to the fact that it was a cheaply built vehicle.

Saturn tried to catch on the trend of the SUVs body style on this van and the outcome was an awkward looking mini van. The little extras such as outside trim fall off pretty quickly, especially in warmer areas making the bodies go from awkward to trashy. The body also has issues too numerous to list with the doors, latches (inside and out) as well as it just damages easily. The ride though comfortable as long as you are under 5'5", is easily forgettable due to the road noise.

Now all vehicles have little hiccups but this van had a lot. The parts that where used were cheap, dealers replaced them with the same parts that again would just fail. Items such as the radio, cd, DVD and lighting systems are all better off being replace by a private guy who can upgrade them. On a more serious note if buying a Relay make sure to check out the more influential issues such as the several causes of engine cooling system failure, the transmission's everything, the braking system, the fuel system and the air bags. As said before the doors have issues but they are not limited to just the structure, the electrical systems as well as the latches and sliding parts all cause minor to major annoyances.

As for the cost of owning a Relay the general upkeep is on the cheap side and will range from $50-$80, but the cost of fixing and replacing adds up so quick as to make your head turn. The general maintenance must be done every 3 months or even more problems will arise. Though stated as more the gas mileage will not impress at all and ranges from 18-21 MPG.

There was a reason Saturn stopped making the Relay and it was because it was just a bad vehicle. I gave it a 1.