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The compact Ion is offered in two trim levels, including the Ion 2 and Ion 3 sedan and quad coupe body styles; the former Ion 1 sedan has been discontinued for 2006. The coupe comes with rear-hinged half-doors to ease entry and exit into and out of the back seat. 2006 interior updates include a redesigned center console/center stack that provides additional leg and knee clearance, an additional storage pocket above the radio, and revised seat fabrics add a more contemporary appearance. Both sedans and coupes come powered by a just-adequate 140-horsepower, 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine. A sporty Red Line edition of the Ion Quad Coupe offers a quicker 205-horsepower, supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, among other upgrades. New for 2006 is an available Enhanced Performance Package on Ion 3 models that includes a 2.4-liter in-line four engine with variable valve timing that delivers 170 horsepower; it also comes with modifications to the suspension to provide a firmer, sport-oriented ride. Either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox is available. Among its myriad options are anti-lock brakes and traction control, a power sunroof, the OnStar communications/safety system, and XM satellite radio.

Introduced last year, along with its other General Motors minivan family members, the Buick Terraza, Chevrolet Uplander, and Pontiac Montana SV-6, the Saturn Relay offers an SUV-flavored look and a slightly higher ride height as an alternative to traditional minivan styling. The seven-passenger Relay carries its own interior and exterior styling touches and equipment levels. It's surpassed by most other makers' minivans on several fronts, however. The vehicle comes powered by a lackluster 200-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 that's mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Both front- and all-wheel-drive versions are offered. Anti-lock disc brakes come standard, while an enhanced traction control system is optional, along with GM's StabiliTrak, stability control system. Family friendly features include air conditioning, a CD/MP3 stereo with rear controls and headphone jacks, a DVD entertainment system, cruise control, keyless entry, and the OnStar communications/safety system. Available options include a hard-drive-based digital media system, a second-row toy box, XM satellite radio, and a remote starter function. For 2006, the Relay adds available first- and second-row seat-mounted side airbags that provide additional head and thorax protection. The optional OnStar communications/safety system adds Spanish and French to its voice-recognition capabilities later in the model year. Also later in '05, a more powerful 3.9-liter V-6 engine - with variable valve timing and 235 hp - will be offered on the Relay 3 FWD version.

Set to make its debut in early 2006, the Saturn Sky is a stylish and low-slung, two-seat roadster that's based on the Pontiac Solstice. The Sky's ragtop folds neatly under a clamshell cover behind the passenger compartment, providing a seamless top-down appearance. A 2.4-liter, dual-overhead cam, four-cylinder engine produces a robust 170 horses, and is mated to a close-ratio Aisin five-speed manual transmission. An automatic gearbox is optional. The Sky's cornering abilities benefit from its inherently wide stance, with a near 50-50 percent weight distribution, front-to-rear, along with standard 18-inch wheels and tires, and a fully independent suspension at all four corners. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard, with anti-lock brakes optional. A full range of options includes keyless entry, leather seats, a premium audio system, the OnStar communications/safety system, and XM satellite radio.

Saturn's boxy looking, mid-size crossover sport-utility vehicle gets a freshening for 2006, and continues to share platforms with the Chevrolet Equinox and the new Pontiac Torrent, though it offers its own styling cues and powertrains. Up front, new front and rear fascias include an integrated step pad, along with revised headlamps, hood and grille. V-6 models will offer optional projector-beam fog lamps. Inside, there's new seats, wood finish and chrome accents, a new center stack and a redesigned center console. A choice of engines includes a standard 143-horsepower, 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine, or a 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 that provides added low-end launch. The four-cylinder powerplant comes mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic gearbox; the Honda-sourced V-6 comes only with a five-speed automatic. A sporty Red Line model comes with a stiffer suspension, grippy 18-inch tires, and added body moldings. For 2006, the Red Line gets a unique front-end look, inspired by the Saturn Sky, along with interior enhancements that include leather seats with suede fabric inserts, ebony carpet and safety belts, a six-way power driver seat adjuster, and a unique instrument cluster faceplate and metallic foot pedals. Roof rails are newly available for 2006 on all Vue V-6 models (except Red Line).