Half of Car Buyers Pick Four Cylinders

It seems four-cylinder engines are becoming even more popular these days. The number of new cars sold in the U.S. with four-cylinder power plants rose to 46.5% in the first quarter of this year compared with 41.9% of vehicles in the first quarter of 2009, according to J.D. Power and Associates. 

Higher gas prices likely have something to do with it, but more and more automakers are designing more efficient and powerful four-cylinders than ever before. Cars like the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2010 Suzuki Kizashi and 2011 Buick Regal will only offer four-cylinders, with the Regal getting a turbocharged four-cylinder as a performance option instead of a V-6.

J.D. Power says the number of four-cylinders will increase to 51% in 2012. V-8s will account for 17% of sales, and we’d guess most of those will be found in trucks.

Four-Cylinder Engines Snag Nearly Half of New Car Buyers (USA Today)