Dodge Durango Limited Brass Monkey AWD Sets Standard

By Darlene Donloe

THE CAR: DODGE DURANGO LIMITED BRASS MONKEY AWD

The Dodge Durango is an SUV’s SUV!  Yeah, that about sums it up!

The people who drive this car want you to know that their know knows this car is special!

This behemoth automotive specimen has a lot going for it. It’s big on looks and big on ability and status. The interior is classy and spacious.  It fits a small army, but that doesn’t take anything away from its charm and easy handling. It’s effective and well-made. You can’t be shy and drive this car because everyone is going to be looking at the car as you glide down the road.

This is a statement car. You don’t even have to say anything. The car does all the talking. It speaks volumes.

The SUV/crossover I drove had a velvet red pearl coat exterior with a black interior.  It looked HOT!  The ride in this family crossover is effortless and secure and the steering is excellent. Driving the Dodge Durango is a treat. To find out more about the car – keep reading.

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE: 3.6-LItr V6 24-valve VVT Engine upgrade with ESS, Transmission: 8-speed automatic 845RE Transmission, advanced multistage front airbags, 20-inch aluminum wheels, platinum-finished grille, door handles, badges, mirror caps, and lower sills; driver inflatable knee-bolster airbag, supplemental side-curtain airbags in all rows, supplemental front seat-mounted side airbags, HD radio, LATCH Ready child seat anchor system, rotary shifter, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, selectable steering modes, electric power steering, Parkview rear back-up camera, trailer sway damping, security alarm, remote start system, SiriusXM travel link 5-yr travel link subscription, SiriusXM Traffic/5-Yr traffic subscription, GPS navigation, power sunroof, power liftgate, Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen, satellite radio is optional, 506-watt amplifier, Blue-Ray compatible dual screen video, rear seat video system, power 8-ay driver seat w/memory and 8-way passenger seat, rear load leveling suspension, blind spot and cross path detection, Leather-trimmed bucket seats, 12-volt auxillary power outlet in console.

MSRP: $49,560

FUEL ECONOMY: 18/25

THE DRIVE: The Business!

Darlene Donloe is a seasoned entertainment and travel journalist whose work has appeared in People, Ebony, Essence, LA Stage Times, LA Watts Times, Black Meetings and Tourism, Los Angeles Sentinel, EMMY, The Hollywood Reporter, Rhythm & Business, Billboard, Grammy, CYH, BlackVoices.com and more. Contact her via: ddonloe@gmail.com

The 2016 Nissan Maxima Platinum Has Plenty To Like

By Darlene Donloe

What’s not to like about the Nissan Maxima? The truth is I like this car because there is plenty to like.  Recently redesigned, this isn’t your typical family sedan. For instance: it’s a great looking car, it handles well, it’s lower, it’s smoother, it’s enjoyable and an easy drive, it’s smart, popular and has a level ride.

            The interior is classy. Updated touchscreen technology. The tech controls are easy to figure out and easy to use. Comfortable seating. Lots of headroom and legroom in the front, however, the backseat doesn’t have a lot of legroom. Bummer!  The trunk isn't very spacious, but the car makes up for that in other ways.

This isn’t a luxury vehicle, but it looks like one as it rolls down the street. It’s a sharp looking car that has some great bells and whistles. At $40K, this full-size sedan isn’t a cheap proposition. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s still affordable.  It’s only money! If you’re going to spend money, it may as well be for something that will securely get you from point A to point B.  You can also get from here to there. And, lets face it, you know you want to get there.

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE: Horsepower: 300 HP, Engine: 3.5 L V6, 24-valve, 261 lb-ft Torque, Curb weight: 3,593 lbs, Dimensions: 193” L x 73” W x 57” H, Tronic transmission, drive mode selector (normal and sport), 18” machined aluminum alloy wheels, driver and front passenger, side-impact, and curtain air bags, lower anchors and tethers for Children, driver attention alert, auto-dimming driver-side outside mirror, heated outside mirrors, dual panel panoramic moon roof power tilt/telescopic moon roof, automatic entry/exit system, intelligent cruise control, driver’s seat power lumbar support, two front USB connection ports, Nissan intelligent key push button ignition, streaming audio via Bluetooth.

MSRP: $40,905

FUEL ECONOMY: 22/30

THE DRIVE: Effective!

Darlene Donloe is a seasoned entertainment and travel journalist whose work has appeared in People, Ebony, Essence, LA Stage Times, This Stage, LA Watts Times, Black Meetings and Tourism, Los Angeles Sentinel, EMMY, The Hollywood Reporter, Rhythm & Business, Billboard, Grammy, CYH, BlackVoices.com and more. Contact her via: dcdwriter@aol.com