There's a lot of confusion and misinformation posted on the Internet about the recent General Motors recalls and ongoing Federal investigations. As Saturn owners, there are three pieces of this puzzle that are critically important to us.

With a several General Motors recalls underway - especially ones for the Saturn Ion, Outlook, and Sky - I've received emails from quite a few folks who are concerned that their vehicles might be impacted. If you haven't received a letter in the mail from GM and you are worried, General Motors has set up an online database that's searchable by VIN.

SaturnFans.com has obtained a copy of the letter being sent out to Ion owners impacted by the ignition switch recall. The bottom line: replacement parts are not available and if you have to drive your car make sure you remove the key fob and any other keys to eliminate any excess weight on the ignition key.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation to determine whether General Motors should have also recalled the Saturn Ion when it recalled the Chevrolet Cobalt for a power steering defect back in 2010. Michigan Live reports that the government agency has received "846 complaints about power steering problems in Saturn Ions from the 2004-2007 model years."

General Motors announced today it is recalling 1.18 million of its Lambda-based large crossover sport-utility vehicles, including: Saturn Outlooks from the 2008-2010 model years, Buick Enclaves and GMC Acadias from the 2008-2013 model years, and Chevrolet Traverses from the 2009-2013 model years.

General Motors is expanding the recall of certain 2003-2007 model year vehicles to correct a condition with the ignition switch that may allow the key to unintentionally move or switch to the "accessory" or "off" position, turning off the engine and most of the electrical components on the vehicle.

Are you in the market for a new vehicle? If so, General Motors would really like you to take a look at their refreshed lineup of vehicles. As a result GM is inviting Saturn owners to "kick off the new year with a new vehicle that's every bit as impressive as your Saturn." The offer comes in the form of a loyalty rebate that takes an additonal $500 to $2000 off the "purchase or lease an eligible, new 2014 or remaining 2013 Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac" now through February 28th.

I hope "Saturn Claus" is good to everyone this year! The holiday greeting above was sent to me many, many years ago from a Saturn Car Club in Texas. Yes, Santa really was a Saturn fan! Did you know he had a specially modified white SC2 "sled" he used when he was afraid of getting dents and dings in his other big red sled...

From the New York Times: Rental cars are rarely anything special. And that’s just fine. All you really need from a rental is unlimited miles, long-term shelter for a few stray curly fries and a hassle-free ride from A to B and back again before those martinets at the counter charge you for an additional day. If you’re driving a rental, the car itself is most likely not the point — it is merely a solution to a problem. And for many travelers over the last couple of years, the Chevrolet Captiva has been their rental car solution. The Captiva is a rare thing in the American auto market: a vehicle that isn’t available to consumers but is offered only to fleet customers, including the rental car companies. You can rent one, but you cannot buy it.