Daniel Barron from Autonet: Nickelback, Transformers and McDonald's are proof that just because something isn't critically acclaimed, it can still do well financially. On the other hand, Arrested Development, The Shawshank Redemption, and Sony's Playstation 3 are examples of things that have received plenty of great press but were canceled, bombed at the box office, and can't turn a profit, respectively. The Saturn Astra is another example of a good product that got canceled because it didn't sell. After only two short years, The Great North American Astra Experiment is no more.

Karl Perkons from the Canadian Auto Press: I think I have to declare the Astra 3-door the best-looking car General Motors is responsible for. Sure the Cadillac CTS looks good, but it's a premium car, and looking good is part of the deal, not the main attraction. The Astra 3-door can sell itself on looks alone.

As Saturn and Penske executives work to finalize the purchase of the General Motors brand before the end of September, sources tell SaturnFans.com that retailers are gearing up to offer special discounts to all qualifying customers throughout the month of July in an effort to clear out 2009 inventory.

There are still technically a couple of hours still remaining in July 3rd, but with the sound of fireworks booming somewhere nearby, I thought it would be appropriate to wish everyone at SaturnFans.com a Happy Independence Day a little early.

Saturn stores delivered 7,520 vehicles in June, down 60.2% from the same time last year when sales consultants sold 18,912 cars and crossovers. Year-to-date sales are down 58.1% to 42,776 units. The Outlook was the only model in Saturn's lineup to record a sales increase last month.

The Saturn Astra played a starring role on the big screen this weekend in Transformers 2. According to Edmunds.com, "a modified Saturn Astra hatch provides the getaway for Fox and LaBeouf when an alien is on their tail." We've previously seen clips of a silver Astra on the set of the movie at Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, and in this movie trailer. Now, there's a fourth clip on YouTube that features the Astra. Have you seen the movie? Post your review, along with how you think the Astra played its part.

With Cash-for-Clunkers legislation headed for signing by President Obama, the team of experts at Autobytel has compiled an online buying guide that identifies the top brands and best model bets for a new, more efficient automobile that qualifies for the proposed Cash-for-Clunkers voucher. With gas prices surging upwards, the guide also serves as a timely road map of those vehicles best equipped to save money at the pump.

Saturn is offering current owners 1500 more reasons to stay in the family. "These days, it seems good news is hard to come by, particularly in the car industry," said an email received by SaturnFans.com earlier today. Current Saturn owners can receive $1,500 in Owner Appreciation Cash toward a 2009 Aura, Outlook, or Vue. Owner Appreciation Cash is also good for $750 toward a 2008 Astra, $1,000 toward a 2009 Sky, and can be combined with other cash offers.

Magna and its partner Russian bank Sberbank Rossii will own the majority of Opel once the deal is complete in the next few months. Despite having a concrete deal in place, Magna executives have already released information on a business strategy they hope to pursue. It is unique to the auto industry and could give Penske the opportunity to continue producing an Astra-like vehicle for Saturn.

Chris Woodyard from USA Today: General Motors' potential bankruptcy filing is sure to prompt questions for the millions of consumers who own GM vehicles or for folks who are thinking about buying a new GM car or truck.