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Under the Hood, Size Does Matter

Even in SUVs, Americans opt for smaller engines to conserve on gas

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted May 31, 2008 2:39 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Instead of saving on gas by getting smaller cars, many Americans are buying cars with smaller engines. Four-cylinder autos have been zooming off lots nationwide, leaving six-cylinder rides in the dust: Three quarters of mid-size cars sold in May sported the smaller engine, a swerve away from a trend in ever-bigger motors, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Four-cylinder engines are even revving in SUVs, making them cheaper and more fuel efficient. Experts add that consumers are more open to four-cylinders because they have shed their “putt-putt” image. Either way, one analyst said the shift “is a big relief for auto manufacturers,” who have been developing the technology for years.

Ford has benefited from heightened consumer demand for cars with smaller engines.
Ford has benefited from heightened consumer demand for cars with smaller engines.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, file)
Higher gas prices have pushed some drivers to look for cars with smaller engines.
Higher gas prices have pushed some drivers to look for cars with smaller engines.   (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Three quarters of the mid-size cars sold in May sported four-cylinder engines.
Three quarters of the mid-size cars sold in May sported four-cylinder engines.   (Jonathan Fickies/Getty Images)
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Four-cylinders are great for grads
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'This is the bottom of the market for SUVs'
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Toyota • Honda • Ford • gas prices • Chevy Malibu • drivers • cars

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