How is the 6AT transmission in the Excelle?
4 Answers
The 6AT transmission in the Excelle is fuel-efficient and lightweight. Here is a related introduction to the Buick Excelle: 1. Automaker: Buick is an automotive brand marketed by General Motors in the United States, Canada, and China. It is sold in North America, China, CIS countries, and the Middle East. 2. Logo meaning: The Buick (BUICK) emblem features a pattern resembling 'three shields,' which serves as its graphic trademark and is the symbol of the Buick division. This emblem is mounted on the car's radiator grille. The three bullets in the logo, each in different colors (from left to right: red, white, and blue) and arranged at varying heights, convey a sense of ambition and continuous progress.
I've been driving the 6AT version of the Excelle for almost three years now, and overall it feels quite reliable but not very agile. When accelerating from a standstill, the transmission response is a bit slow, like waiting for an old train to start, especially in traffic jams where low-speed gear shifts occasionally jerk, making the ride uncomfortable. The advantage is its strong durability, simple structure with fewer issues, and cheap maintenance—just a few hundred bucks a year for a transmission oil change. As for the downside, the fuel consumption isn't particularly economical, easily exceeding 10 liters per 100 km in the city, though it's better on long trips. Compared to today's CVTs, which are much smoother, the 6AT wins in stability, making it suitable for daily commuting without seeking thrills. If you want peace of mind, choosing it is the right call—after all, my friend has been using it for ten years and it's still running fine.
This transmission has proven to be quite reliable in the Excelle. I've seen many vehicles with over 100,000 kilometers that haven't had major issues. The key is its simple 6-speed automatic design, which offers low maintenance costs and easy oil change services. The downside is its conservative shift logic, resulting in sluggish acceleration, especially noticeable when climbing hills. However, compared to trendy dual-clutch transmissions, it has fewer risks of malfunction, making it a worry-free choice for long-term use. Fuel consumption is on the higher side, so regular checks of filters and fluids can help extend its lifespan. Overall, as an older transmission model, it delivers steady and dependable performance for smooth driving.
The 6AT in the Excelle is a traditional automatic transmission type, offering average smoothness but better stability compared to CVT and dual-clutch transmissions. During my test drive, I noticed slower acceleration response and occasional jerks in city driving, which is the trade-off for its aging design. Its strengths lie in strong durability, easy maintenance, and low costs. Compared to vehicles in the same class, it provides direct power delivery suitable for daily use, though fuel consumption is slightly higher—adopting reasonable driving habits is recommended. Overall, it's a balanced choice, especially for those on a limited budget.