The Saturn Relay crossover sport van was first introduced for the 2005 model year. Functionally, it was a minivan while the exterior appearance was designed to resemble an SUV, though the Relay never had the horsepower, torque or functionality of an SUV at that time it was available in two front wheel drive versions simply named Relay 2 and Relay 3, with the Relay 3 also available as an all wheel drive model. Standard equipment included a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission that delivered 200-horsepower. All models included a third row of seats and could accommodate up to seven passengers. Noteworthy features included an Onstar roadside assistance system and a rear seat DVD entertainment center. Additional features and options included keyless entry, cruise control, anti lock brakes and a third-row 50/50 split bench seat that folded down to create a level cargo area. With the third seat in the down position the cargo area could be combined with optional rear storage bins that served to protect and organize items being transported.

For the 2006 model year, a 3.9-liter V6 that produced 240 hp became optional for front wheel drive Relay 3's., while a power passenger side sliding door became standard on the Relay 3. In 2007, the Relay's final year of production, stability control and the 3.9 liter V6 became standard for all models, while the all wheel drive model was discontinued in exchange for a new model labeled the Relay 1 that carried a much lower sticker price but lacked certain comfort and convenience features that were standard on the Relay 2 and Relay 3 such as the rear seat DVD player, cruise control and keyless entry.

Due to its lack of popularity with the majority of automotive consumers and stiff competition from other manufacturers cross over's, the last Saturn Relay rolled off the assembly line in the fall of 2006 for the 2007 model year and was replaced for the 2008 model year by the 8 passenger Saturn Outlook. Although not exceptionally refined in appearance due to its combination of an athletic SUV inspired front end and less bold and more typical mini van style mid section and rear, the short lived Saturn Relay was solidly built, family friendly and reliable and would be a fine choice and a very good value if purchased as a used model with the more powerful V6 engine.