Once the ugly step child of the car lot, the four-cylinder category now makes up one of the fastest-growing segments of the auto market, according to SmartMoney magazine. As drivers search for money saving alternatives, they are finding the compromise of getting better miles per gallon vs. power and performance easier to make.
One example of the changing market is the Cheverolet Malibu. With a choice of four or six-cylinder engines, 80 percent of buyers this month chose the gas saving version, compared to less than 20 percent two years ago. To keep up with the growing trend, manufacturers are equipping these cars with more refined engines and added luxuries, making them viable competition for their higher-end counterparts.
