Cars have impacted gaming for generations. From simple rides to memorable vehicles that change the game itself, vehicles stick with us through every playthrough. Today, we’ll look at iconic cars featured in popular games, like the VW Beetle, Ford Crown Victoria, Chevrolet Camaro Mark I, and Toyota Hilux.

The Volkswagen Beetle

Affectionately dubbed the “Bug,” the Volkswagen Beetle holds the record for being the most featured car in video games, appearing 337 times. This cherished model has journeyed across numerous genres, from racing games to action-adventure titles. In the Need for Speed series, the Beetle is often customizable, allowing players to tailor it to their preferences. The Grand Theft Auto series frequently showcases the Beetle, whether parked on city streets or utilized in missions. Known for its realistic driving mechanics, Gran Turismo includes the Beetle as part of its extensive car catalog. In “The Last of Us,” a post-apocalyptic adventure, the Beetle appears multiple times, infusing the game’s setting with a touch of real-world familiarity. Its widespread presence in video games underscores the Beetle’s cultural impact, seamlessly transitioning from its iconic design to starring roles in movies and TV shows and becoming a staple in beloved games.

The Ford Crown Victoria

The Ford Crown Victoria is synonymous with law enforcement, making it a frequent sight in many action-adventure games. With its robust build and unmistakable design, this car has become emblematic of police presence in virtual worlds. It is featured in games like the Grand Theft Auto series, where it serves extensively as the primary police car often chasing down players engaged in mischief. In the Call of Duty series, the car frequently appears in urban combat scenarios, adding to the game’s realism. In the Need for Speed series, the Crown Victoria acts as the main police car in high-speed chases, enhancing the thrill of the game. The Ford Crown Victoria’s role as a police car in video games emphasizes its real-world applications. Its reliability and iconic status make it a favorite for game developers seeking authenticity.

The Chevrolet Camaro Mark I

The Chevrolet Camaro Mark I is a classic muscle car that epitomizes American power, celebrated for its robust engine and sleek design. It has made a significant impact in various racing and action-adventure games, often representing speed and power. In the Need for Speed series, the Camaro Mark I is a popular choice for players aiming to dominate the streets with raw power. In the Grand Theft Auto series, it’s often found in the garages of high-profile NPCs, symbolizing status and performance. Gran Turismo, famous for its detailed car models, includes the Camaro Mark I in its extensive lineup, allowing players to experience its power firsthand. The presence of the Chevrolet Camaro Mark I in video games underscores its enduring appeal, embodying the spirit of American automotive excellence whether tearing up the track or cruising through city streets.

The Toyota Hilux

Known for its durability and versatility, the Toyota Hilux, often called the indestructible workhorse, is a favorite across many game genres. Whether tackling rugged terrain or evading enemy fire, the Hilux is built to face any challenge. In the Far Cry series, it’s a dependable vehicle for navigating remote and dangerous areas. In Call of Duty, it frequently appears in war-torn environments, enhancing the immersive experience. In Grand Theft Auto, the Hilux is versatile, appearing in both urban and rural settings. Its reputation for toughness makes the Toyota Hilux a popular choice in video games, perfectly matching the demands of virtual adventures.

The Evolution of Cars in Video Games

From the release of the first racing game, Gran Trak 10 by Atari in 1974, to today’s complex open-world adventures, cars have evolved alongside video games. Game developers have continuously pushed boundaries, incorporating more realistic physics, detailed graphics, and intricate customization options. Ford holds the title as the most featured car brand in video games, appearing in a staggering 8,707 games. This includes various models like the Ford Crown Victoria, which have become synonymous with specific roles in the gaming universe.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Collaborations between car manufacturers and game developers have become increasingly common. For instance:

• Porsche partnered with Blizzard Entertainment to introduce its cars to Overwatch 2, featuring a new Porsche skin for the character D.Va.
• Ferrari made its debut in Fortnite with the Ferrari 296 GTB, offering players unique in-game experiences and challenges.
• Cyberpunk 2077 features a modified 1977 Porsche 911 Turbo (930), blending the line between reality and the game’s dystopian world.

Bring Games into Reality

The interplay between cars and video games has created a unique blend of entertainment and automotive culture. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or a gamer, the iconic vehicles featured in your favorite games offer both nostalgia and excitement. No matter your favorite game, you too can bring the excitement from the screen to your real-life day-to-day at Monken Chevrolet GMC. Visit our dealership today and test drive many of the great cars that can be found in your console or PC today! Feel power, speed, and comfort leap from your controller to treat all your senses today with the classic and updated Chevy Camaro from Monken Chevrolet GMC before they become limited edition. Looking for something a little more classic? View our pre-owned vehicles and bring your favorite digital ride to life.

Tags: Breese, buy, Carlyle, cars, Centralia, Chevy Camaro, Hoyleton, Illinois, lease, Marion County, Mt.Vernon, national video game day, new, pre-owned, pre-owned certified, Salem, Sandoval, sell, SUVs, trade, trucks, Vandalia
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The SUV war rages on and today we compare the 2025 Subaru Forester to the 2025 Chevy Equinox. Each has features that appeal to different drivers and are ultimately great choices. Let’s compare them in terms of fuel efficiency, safety, interior space, power, and price to help you decide.

Fuel Efficiency

The Subaru Forester is renowned for its good fuel economy, typically offering strong MPG ratings, especially in the city, with the 2024 model achieving around 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway from its 2.5-liter flat-four engine. While exact figures for 2025 aren’t available yet, these numbers provide a solid benchmark. On the other hand, the Chevy Equinox features a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that balances performance and efficiency, with the 2024 model delivering approximately 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. Its continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) serves the front-wheel drive models, while the all-wheel drive versions benefit from an eight-speed automatic, both contributing to enhanced mileage.

Safety Features

The Subaru Forester and Chevy Equinox both prioritize safety in their designs. The Forester boasts features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Subaru’s EyeSight system, aiding accident prevention. Similarly, the Equinox emphasizes safety with automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, optional features such as a 360-degree camera system further enhance the Equinox’s safety capabilities.

Interior Space

The Subaru Forester offers up to 74 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats down, featuring a boxy shape that provides excellent headroom and a panoramic sunroof, along with large windows for good visibility. In contrast, the Chevy Equinox boasts a modern interior that comfortably accommodates passengers and cargo. It showcases stylish materials and a blend of digital and physical controls, with two-tone colors available in higher trims.

Powertrain

The Forester runs on a reliable 2.5-liter flat-four engine, offering steady The Subaru Forester is powered by a dependable 2.5-liter flat-four engine, providing consistent performance for daily driving and light off-road adventures. In contrast, the Chevy Equinox features a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with 175 horsepower. Although it may not be the most powerful option, it offers a satisfying driving experience both in the city and on highways.

Price

The Subaru Forester is priced between $31,090 and $41,390, with the Sport trim available at $35,890, making it a solid choice for a well-rounded SUV. Meanwhile, the Chevy Equinox starts at $31,080 and reaches up to $35,480, offering a range of good features across its three trims: LT, RS, and Activ.

See the 2025 Chevy Equinox‘s Qualities Up Close!

Both the 2025 Subaru Forester and the 2025 Chevy Equinox have unique advantages. The Forester is great for those who want space and safety, while the Equinox stands out with its modern design and tech features. Your choice will depend on your needs and preferences. Whether you prefer the Forester’s rugged style or the Equinox’s sleek look, both are excellent options for eco-conscious drivers, new car buyers, and enthusiasts.

Ready to experience the differences for yourself? Schedule to test drive the 2025 Chevy Equinox at Monken Chevrolet Buick GMC today! Our friendly staff is on hand to answer any questions you have and guide you through the features of all our new vehicles. Don’t forget to contact our financing department to explore your options and save big when you check out our special deals available this month. Drive away with the perfect SUV tailored to your lifestyle with the help of Monken Chevrolet Buick GMC!

Tags: 2025 Chevy Equinox, Breese, buy, Carlyle, cars, Centralia, Chevy Equinox, Hoyleton, Illinois, lease, Marion County, Mt.Vernon, new, pre-owned, pre-owned certified, Salem, Sandoval, sell, SUVs, trade, trucks, Vandalia
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Are you shopping for a new vehicle, but have never been on a test drive? Test driving is exciting, but it is easy to forget good questions when deciding if it is the vehicle for you. Here are ten questions to ask yourself and the salesperson during a test drive.

10 questions to ask yourself or to check out during a test drive:

1. Always start by observing your space as the driver. Do you have enough legroom? Is the seat easy to adjust? Does the steering wheel adjust?
2. Check out the cooling system to make sure it is easy to use. If you want separate controls, heated seats, or cooling seats check for those too. 
3. As you begin to drive, see how well you can see your surroundings with your mirrors. Do not forget to check the back seat if you typically drive your kids or animals in the vehicle.
4. Think about the sounds of the vehicle. Is it too loud? Do any sounds annoy you? Any sounds of concern?
5. If you like the radio on then try it out. See if you think you will be able to figure out the infotainment system or if it is too much. 
6. Pull into a parking lot while you are testing it to see how parking goes. Is it easy to park? If not, do you think it’s something you could get used to?
7. Leave the driver’s seat on your preferred settings and move to the seat behind it. See how the space is in each seat as if you were a passenger. 
8. Think about what you typically haul around. Will it fit in the trunk? Ex. stroller, car seat, wagon, sports gear, etc. 
9. Ask yourself how this vehicle compares to your current vehicle. What do you like or dislike compared to your current vehicle?
10. If you love the vehicle, be sure to ask the salesperson questions like the vehicle’s warranty, specials, the longevity of the vehicle, opinions on the different versions, etc. 

Tags: buying a car, test drive
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Winter is here, but is your car ready? Prepping your car for winter is a great way to help your car live its full life span. Here are 7 simple tips to prepare your car for winter. 

• Wash it
  • We all know this is something we should do more often, but doesn’t always get done. It’s important to get it done before the winter because build up on your car from salt and snow will happen in several states. Washing your car before winter can really help your car’s exterior. 
• Check your tires and breaks
  • Make sure your tires have tread and your breaks function properly so if the roads are icy your car can function as it should. Some would even recommend having winter tires put on your car, but this isn’t always necessary in all parts of the USA.
• Get your oil changed
  • Your car needs lots of juice to function well in cold weather, so an oil change is a must. Make sure your oil is up to date and check your manual to see if your car needs a lighter oil to run better in the winter. 
• Check the battery and tire pressure
  • When you’re getting your oil changed be sure to ask them to test the battery and check your tires. Being stranded in the cold because of an old battery or flat tire  is a nightmare, so get it checked before the cold hits. 
• Fill fluids
  • This is another simple thing to have done when you have your oil changed. Just ask them to top them off, especially your wiper fluid. 
• Replace the wiper blades
  • Most people don’t realize you should change your wipers based on the weather, so check out https://www.monkengm.com/blogs/4241/best-wiper-blades-for-your-vehicle for details. This can help if you’re driving in winter weather!
• Prepare an emergency kit
  • This might sound silly, but you can’t prepare for every situation to keep your car from having issues, so it’s smart to have a car emergency kit. Put all you could need in a bag and toss it in the trunk with a blanket. 

Tags: winter
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All major automakers offer a car with third row seating, but it can take time to compare them all, so we’re going to do it for you. The list below are functional third row vehicles. There are some vehicles on the market that include a third row, but are not very functional. This list includes vehicles where most teenagers would fit comfortably in the third row. Check out our breakdown of the top 6 third row SUVs we sell based on space, seating, cost, gas, and user reviews. 

Nissan Pathfinder

The Nissan Pathfinder seats 8 passengers, unless you choose captains seats in the middle. It’s the perfect design between a SUV and minivan. This SUV gets 23mpg combined and runs between $35,000-$48,000 depending on the model. The Pathfinder has good cabin space, but cargo space is smaller compared to other third row SUVs. As far as comfortability, users say it’s a very quiet, smooth ride, but the seats can be a little uncomfortable. 

Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is very comparable to the Nissan Pathfinder seating 8 passengers unless you choose captain seats. The back row in the Highlander is a little tighter than other SUVs. It ranges between $36,000-$50,000 depending on the model and gets 24mpg combined. It is available as a Hybrid with 35mpg combined. Cabin and cargo space are very similar to the Pathfinder as well. This SUV has a really high safety and reliability rating.

Chevy Traverse 

The Chevy Traverse is an 8 passenger, but like the others it can come with captain seats. This SUV has the most cabin and cargo space. The Traverse has the lowest gas mileage at 21mpg combined and sells for $34,000-$52,000 depending on the version. It doesn’t have lots of fancy extras like some of the other SUVs.

Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a 7 passenger SUV, but can actually be a 6 passenger with captain seats. The middle row adjusts to give more room to the third row, so most people can sit in the third row comfortably. As far as cargo space it is pretty spacious. The Grand Cherokee L costs around $44,000-$69,000. It has the same combined 21mpg as the Traverse, but when it comes to quality, you do get a little more in the Jeep aside from space. 

Jeep Grand Wagoneer 

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer can be either a 7 or 8 passenger vehicle, depending on captain seats or bench seat. This car has a very nice interior, lots of high-tech features, and space in front of and behind every seat. Since the Wagoneer is so large it gets a combined 16mpg. Pricing varies a lot with the Wagoneer, but the base is around $80,000. 

Nissan Armada

The Nissan Armada can be a 7 or 8 passenger. There is a lot of storage room and leg room in every row. The Armada ranges from $51,000-$68,000 between the 4 models, and also gets 16mpg. Although it has lots of leg space, it doesn’t have as much trunk space according to reviews.

This blog is based on the top 6 SUVs from the brands sold at Monken Automotive.

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The Truck Life of Drew Baldridge

Drew Baldridge is a country music star from Patoka, Illinois. Drew recently got a 2021 Ram 1500 from Monken Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM and we wanted to hear what he loves about the truck and more about his “truck life.” He has quite the history of vehicles, both new and old, but memories from each of them that will last a lifetime. Check out what we asked Drew and learn a little more about him!

You just got a new truck, what are your favorite features about your RAM 1500?

I love having the big screen, heated seats, and it rides so nice. I love having everything on the screen, it’s like two feet long. It also just rides so much smoother than any other truck I’ve been in. I can also automatically start it and it turns on my heated steering wheel and seats. We haven’t hauled anything with it yet, but I can throw all of my merch into the truck bed and it fits!

Katie (Drew’s wife) loves the heated steering wheel and how happy it makes Drew!

Have you had any friends comment on your truck?

Oh yeah! Every one of them. Every song writing friend, everybody. They all talk about how much RAM has stepped their game up. Someone told me they’ve always driven a big Escalade, but they could see themselves driving a truck if they had one like it. Everyone comments on how clean and nice it is.

Have you ever driven a truck prior to your RAM?

I got my first truck when I was 16, it was an F150. Then after that I bought a RAM 1500 and loved it, but was so broke when I moved to Nashville I had to sell it. Then I bought a completely hail damaged black Chevy Cobalt. It looked like a black golf ball, but now it feels so good to be back in a truck.

One of the first times I was writing at a new place, I arrived early and the door was locked so I was sitting on the hood of my black Chevy Cobalt. It looked terrible, but I was just trying to make ends meet. Then this really nice Chevy truck pulled up beside me and out stepped Thomas Rhett. He came walking up and I was telling him how much I loved his truck. He looked at me and said “What happened to your car?” I told him I actually bought it like this. So… the new RAM is a big step up!

How did you get your first truck?

So my mom made me a deal when I was 14 that said she would match whatever money I made to buy a truck. I worked hauling hay for my grandpa and started my own mowing business. By the time I was 16 I had a lot of money saved up and my parents were generous enough to match it, so I bought a 2001 Ford F150.

What Is something fun you used to do with your truck?

I remember back home when we used to get big snows. I had an F150 that was pretty jacked up and had pretty big tries on it. Then my brother had a truck that was a little bigger. So every time it would snow we would take our trucks to see if we could get stuck and then use our chain to pull the other out. Then we would find a field that was frozen over and do donuts on it.

Did your family have a vehicle that you loved or dreamed to have one day?

My dad had an old blue stick shift Dodge Dakota. It was one of the trucks I learned to drive stick on and it had a bench seat so we had to call the window seat. Then whoever sat in the middle would work the gears while my dad worked the clutch. There’s just a lot of memories in the old blue Dodge Dakota. Now my dad and my brother both drive RAMs.

Do you have any great memories from family road trips?

We used to take so many family road trips. My mom and dad used to have a minivan, so we piled in and slept in the back of it. We drove every year for beach trips to Florida and Alabama. Then we got one of those DVD players that would Velcro to mom and dad’s head rest, which was a huge deal.

Do you have any upcoming road trips you’re planning?

I’d like to take a whole family road trip out west. They all haven’t been so I think it would be so cool to take them. Show them the Rocky Mountains, elk, different animals we don’t have, and so they can see the beauty out there. We are going to elk hunt as well.

Trucks have been a big piece of Drew’s life between the memories and the traveling. We had a great time getting to know Drew more and learn about his truck life. Make sure to follow his country music journey on social media and listen to his songs on any platform!

Tags: trips, trucks
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Gas is an essential item every non-electric vehicle owner must buy, but it takes out a large chunk of your budget. It’s easy to get rewards for gas, so why not take advantage of them!

Join a Fuel Rewards Program

Most gas stations offer a reward program so you can earn rewards points when you purchase gas. Each program is different when it comes to the amount you must spend for rewards and how much you can save, so be sure to find the one you love. 

Find a credit card with rewards

Various gas stations offer their own credit cards or some credit card companies offer cards with gas rewards. Make sure you read the fine lines of the credit card program and pay it off each month so you’re not paying interest. Some credit cards even offer cash back rewards or in station credit, which means you should choose a station that is nearest to your home or you’re most likely to stop at. 

Use apps to find the cheapest gas

Gas Guru, Waze, and Gas Buddy are a few great apps that can help you find the cheapest gas wherever you may be. If you’re planning a road trip you can check the prices before your trip and pre-plan where to stop. 

Gas Buddy also offers their own reward program for free and there’s a few paid options too. They also help with roadside assistance through paid programs. This is a great app that’s worth paying for if you travel often!

Check and maintain your vehicle

Lots of people don’t know this, but there’s various things on your vehicle that can help you save gas in the long run. The lighter the vehicle the better, so remove racks and accessories added to the car when it’s not needed. Make sure your oil is changed routinely and keep your tires inflated to the correct amount of air. These may be little things, but every dollar counts!

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If you are a Centralia High School alumni or had a child attend Centralia High School, then you are familiar with the Centralia May Fete tradition that has existed for over 100 years.  The Monken Family has been proud to be a part of this tradition and all family members have participated in the dances and/or court during their high school years.

Jan Monken’s mother, Dorothy Rixmann Miller, was the 25th May Fete Queen.  At that time May Fete was held outdoors and Dorothy made her own dress and train.  Her daughters, Jan, Melissa, and Wendy, were all attendants their junior year.

Kim Monken McMillian’s daughter, Megan Marcum, was a flower girl for Stacey Smudrick, a freshman attendant and May Fete Queen.  Her sister, Andrea Walton, was a freshman attendant the same year that Megan was queen. Both girls were involved with dances when they weren’t on the court.  Lance and Megan’s kids, Hadley and Eli Marcum, served as scepter bearer and crown bearer. 

Shawn Monken Hartmann, was a flower girl for Carol Jo Vaccaro and an attendant her senior year.  Her children, Bredesen Hartmann and Katie Hartmann, along with their cousin, Will Miller, served as the trainbearers and flower girl for Megan Marcum.  Bredesen Hartmann participated in the couples dance every year and became a May Fete escort during his junior year.  Katie choreographed and participated in multiple dances all four years.

Wes Monken, was the trainbearer for Jan Johnson when he was seven.  He wore the first white tuxedo ever used in May Fete and participated in the dance. Wes’s older daughter, Jalyn Monken, participated in dances all four years. This year Wes’s daughter, Addison Monken, will wind the senior maypole for her last year at Centralia High School. She has participated in dances every year.  Addison is the last Monken grandchild to participate in May Fete.  We look forward to all the great-grandchildren participating! 

Tags: History, tradition
Posted in Community, family, May Fete, Monken Family | 2 Comments »

Tags: buy a new car, buying a car, buying a used car
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Apps for your phone, there’s so many of them. Did you know there’s even apps to help with your car and travel?  We have researched and found some of the top apps that will soon be your vehicle’s sidekick. Our cars are becoming more tech savvy, but we’re still thankful for these apps that do things our car can’t! 

Waze

 Waze is a map app, much like Google or Apple maps, but maybe even better. It’s a daily commuter app, full of time saving tips and tricks! The app warns drivers of traffic jams, road closures, speed traps, construction delays, and even potholes. Another interesting aspect is when more drivers utilize the app, more road data is available because of the frequency of data recorded by drivers. These aspects make planning your commute easy and doesn’t require an account of any kind. 

GasBuddy

 GasBuddy is an app which helps you find the cheapest gas, wherever you are at the time. Like Waze, it relies on crowdsourced data, by drivers reporting gas prices through the app. Then you can use the data shared to find the best and cheapest gas for you. There’s fun perks too like prize drawings for fuel reports. The app by itself is free, but you can get a premium membership which has perks for discounted gas and roadside service. 

Roadtrippers

 Roadtrippers is a road trip planning app, which might be our favorite app we’ve found yet. All you do is enter your start and finish goal, then it will give you some of the coolest “off the beaten path” places throughout your trip. This app helps you escape the tourist bubble, while still finding some of the coolest stops along the way. With this app, you don’t even have to plan a trip, just let the app plan it for you!

Drivvo

Drivvo is one of the best apps to track car expenses and keep on top of your car maintenance. The core of the app requires you to enter the vehicle’s mileage after a fuel up, and it builds a record of your car’s cost to operate over time. This can help with budgeting for car expenses, and helps you know how much money you’ve spent on your car. The app also keeps a log of past vehicle service work and reminds you of upcoming vehicle maintenance that’s needed. 

Turo

 A lot of people don’t know about this app, but Turo is basically an Airbnb for cars. You can choose from a very unique selection of cars, like a truck to help you move, or your dream car for a fun getaway. This would be a great app to use on a vacation, or when you need to rent a car, but there’s no local rentals available. This is both a safe and trusted app, whether you want to find a car or maybe make a little money listing yours. 

Check out all these apps on your next roadtrip or commute to work! We can’t wait to hear what you think about them. 

Tags: drivvo, gasbuddy, roadtrippers, technology, travel tips, turo, waze
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