The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is making waves. The minivan was recently honored by Parents Magazine in its Best Family Cars of 2021 list and by Good Housekeeping magazine in its Best Hybrid Cars list. The Good Housekeeping Institute conducted thousands of miles of testing, plus collaborated with Car and Driver, to determine just eight winners in its Best New Hybrid Cars list for 2021. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, as the first and only plug-in hybrid minivan, was named Best Hybrid Minivan. It delivers more than 80 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe), an all-electric range of more than 30 miles, and a total range of more than 500 miles. This is Pacifica’s fourth consecutive honor from Good Housekeeping. See the entire list of 2021 Good Housekeeping Best New Hybrid Cars here. Parents, a leading magazine for busy, millennial moms, annually recognizes a selection of new-model vehicles with high-tech performance, safety, and convenience features across multiple categories [...]

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was recently named the 2020 Best New Family Car in the minivan category by Good Housekeeping, in partnership with Car and Driver! The popular minivan has earned more than 130 industry honors and accolades since its re-introduction a couple years ago as a replacement to the Chrysler Town & Country. The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was revealed at the 2020 Chicago Auto Show and is expected to arrive at Runde Auto Group in Manchester later this year.   With thoughtful extras like Stow ‘N Go seating, an on-board vacuum, and tons of storage, the Pacifica is as comfortable and functional as a living room on wheels. Now it also is available with all-wheel drive on all gas models, making it the only minivan to offer both AWD [...]

The staff of Runde Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Manchester came to the aid of a feathered visitor today after it flew into the dealership’s showroom windows. This beautiful cardinal was sitting on the cement by the door after its fall.  It was dazed and confused and at the mercy of whoever would happen upon it.  Luckily for this little warbler, he/she eventually fell into the hands of Keeli Runde. “I scooped him up and he sat in my hand just looking dazed like he didn’t know what was going on,” said Keeli, the office coordinator and title clerk at Runde Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. After a few minutes, she took the bird behind the dealership and held it near a tree branch. “He climbed up by himself and then sat there [...]

Runde Auto Group in Manchester, Iowa, is excited to welcome a new salesperson to its staff: Mike Visnapuu! Mike, who lives in Epworth, has worked in engineering and in the car business in the past. “Cars have always been something I have been into – ever since I was old enough to turn a wrench,” Mike said. “My all-time favorite is the ’66 Chevelle SS396. As for new vehicles, I like the Dodge Chargers and Challengers.” In his spare time, Mike Visnapuu likes to ride dirt bikes, be outside as much as possible, and spend time with his family. He and his wife Kristy have a 4-year-old daughter Emmalyn and a 14-month old son Mason. He is from the Cedar Rapids area. Mike is looking forward to [...]

Chrysler buyers and the American Auto Industry got a shot of adrenalin earlier this week.  Because of the U.S Treasury’s recent move to provide Chrysler Financial with up to $1.5 billion in loan dollars, the lender will now offer 0% financing on select Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge models. Qualified new vehicle buyers can apply for 0% interest for up to 60 months on ’08 and ’09 model-year Jeep Grand Cherokee, Commander, Wrangler, Chrysler Town & Country, 300,  Dodge Grand Caravan, Charger, Magnum, Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram HD, and Challenger. Chrysler vice chairman and president Jim Press had this to say about the announcement, “From both a customer and dealer perspective, it is exciting news that the Treasury Department is providing funding to Chrysler Financial. Now our customers, including those with scores in the 620 range, will be able [...]

Manchester customer Deona Kelchen was sitting in our waiting room today, so I sat down and talked to her for a few minutes about her vehicle and her experience with Runde. She was a very pleasant lady, and was interesting to talk to! She lives outside of Manchester in the country. She recently returned from Arkansas, visiting her son. Runde Auto Chat: What kind of vehicle are you having serviced? Is it just a routine service appointment? Deona Kelchen: It’s a Dodge Stratus – It just needed an oil change. Runde Auto Chat: Did you buy the vehicle at Runde Auto Group of Manchester? Deona Kelchen: Yes I did RAC: Is there any feature it has that you really like? DK: It starts when it is supposed to. (Ha!) RAC: [...]

Francie Fortman is one of our main car runners from Manchester. He travels to pick up vehicles traded between Runde’s and other dealers.  He also shuttles vehicles from the Manchester Ford location to East Dubuque and Hazel Green, and stops in to pleasantly harass all of us with his contagious smile before he leaves again.  Runde Auto Chat: What is the farthest trip you have taken for a dealer trade? Francie Fortman: Working for Runde’s, I once went 1,100 miles roundtrip to Fargo, North Dakota to trade a Trailblazer for another Trailblazer. I also had to go to Detroit on a couple occasions. RAC: What is the most interesting thing you’ve seen on your trips? FF: The traffic on 494 in Minneapolis at 5:00 pm. (For some of us, it’s the reason we live here instead of the big city!) RAC: What is the best place you’ve eaten while on the road? FF: I try [...]