Randy Wise Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Durand

Red, white, and blue Dodge Challengers parked in front of a sunset at an abandoned gas station in the West.Get more from your next vehicle when you choose to ride with decades of American muscle car tradition powering you forward. That legacy continues with the 2021 Dodge Challenger, a timeless classic newly redesigned for the modern age. As soon as you get a chance to drive this impressive vehicle, you’ll understand why Dodge vehicles have such a fierce reputation. Read on to learn all about this year’s Challenger and then take it for a ride yourself.

Iconic Good Looks

Building on years of heritage, the new Challenger stays true to the roots that previous models established while updating the look for modern times. Your front end is instantly recognizable with the Challenger character, complete with the iconic grille and hood scoop that calls back to old-school muscle cars. Unique badging for the different trim levels of this vehicle shows off your unique style. Read the rest of this entry »

Person warming their hands by the embers of flames of a campfire at dusk.Known by locals as “Railroad City,” Durand, MI is located about 40 miles northeast of Lansing and has a population of a little under 3,500. While the city itself is small and does not attract many visitors, it is not far from several excellent nature reserves and camping spots where you can enjoy an adventurous weekend away from the routine with your friends and family. Pack your things and check out these wonderful destinations.

1. Waterloo State Recreation Area

Spanning an area of more than 21,000 acres, the Waterloo State Recreation Area is the third largest park in the entire state of Michigan, featuring a combination of wetlands, lakes, and thick forests. This is a popular spot for visitors from Jackson, Lansing, Detroit, and other cities in the southern part of the state, being a great spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, as well as boating and fishing at its various lakes.

Getting to the Waterloo State Recreation Area from downtown Durand takes a little over an hour by car, driving 50 miles south along route M-52 S. For those planning to spend the night within the grounds of the park, there are over 400 different campsites spread across two different campgrounds, as well as 13 cabins for rent. The campsites are well-equipped and not far from picnic spots, boat launches, fishing areas, and hiking trails. Read the rest of this entry »

White Jeep Grand Cherokee from bird's eye-view parked on a dock.Jeep introduced a new Grand Cherokee for the 2021 model year. The new L is longer than the regular Grand Cherokee and comes with three rows of seats. With the extra row, it can accommodate up to seven passengers. The L also has a more modern cabin and more tech features than the original version. Take a look at what’s under the hood of the Grand Cherokee L and check out its best features.

The Engine

The new Grand Cherokee L has the same two engine options as the regular Grand Cherokee. The base powertrain is a 3.6-liter V-6 that puts out 290 horsepower and gets 257 pound-feet of torque, while the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 delivers 357 horsepower and will generate 390 pound-feet of torque. Jeep’s Torqueflitte eight-speed automatic transmission comes with both engines. Rear-wheel drive comes standard with the V-6 and the V-8 gets Jeep’s four-wheel-drive system. Read the rest of this entry »

Red 2021 Jeep Renegade making a turn on city roads.The Jeep Renegade has the dimensions of a compact crossover, but its sporty look and excellent off-road capabilities make it stand out from other small SUVs. For the 2021 model year, the Renegade gains some new standard safety systems such as a blind-spot monitor and lane-keep assist, and Jeep added a new 80th Anniversary Edition to the lineup along with an Islander Edition. Hit the road this summer in the Renegade.

The Model Lineup

The entry-level Renegade is the Sport. It comes with 16-inch steel wheels and power-adjustable and heated side exterior mirrors. Stepping up to the Latitude gets you 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, automatic headlights, and body-colored exterior trim elements. It also has cornering fog lights and tinted rear windows. The Limited gains 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic windshield wipers, and keyless entry. For more off-road features, check out the Trailhawk. This Renegade comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, off-road tires, a full-size spare, tow hooks, skid plates, and more ground clearance.

The 80th Anniversary Edition has 19-inch wheels and special exterior badging, and the Islander has 19-inch silver wheels, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and hood decals. Read the rest of this entry »