Just off the phone with my dealer
I am good to go.
I have to admit that the story I get from my dealer is A LOT different than what I am reading here.
This is from the Saturn Retailer I deal with
At our store there are 15 perhaps 17 on the list. I am #2
With the call I put into my associate at the store, I will be notified when I should come in to sign a non-binding agreement to purchase. (He estimates November)
Then in December/January - (Guessing he says -- but a good source...), if you want to purchase you can either: Put down a deposit (amount is not known yet but most likely 5% or so), or execute a contract (buy the car). Still nothing binding -- money's are 100% refundable.
When an actual release date is announced the contracts or the deposit people will sit and draw up an actual contract - secure financing, trade-ins etc... Your retailer will order the car, with what you want, color, etc. Now, if certain colors or items are not available then you will wait until they are (like they will build red the first week – silver the next – etc.), but, you WILL get the car you want unless the option is not available in the model year.
When the car comes - you will be notified and you will pick up the car.
As usual the 30 day guarantee holds -- so if you don't like it -- bring it back for a refund (under a certain mileage and not damaged). The car will be sold at sticker, like any other Saturn