
Buick models equipped with three-cylinder engines include the Excelle, Verano, Excelle GT, and GL6. A three-cylinder engine is composed of three cylinders, with three identical single cylinders arranged within the same engine block sharing a single crankshaft to output power. Its primary function is to convert chemical energy into mechanical energy. Taking the Buick Excelle as an example: it is powered by a 1.3L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 107ps, a maximum torque of 133nm, and a maximum power of 79kw. It is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, featuring a front McPherson independent suspension and a rear compound torsion beam non-independent suspension.

I've been in the automotive industry for many years and know Buick's three-cylinder engine models inside out. To save fuel and reduce emissions, Buick has launched several three-cylinder models. Let's start with the Excelle, which is equipped with a 1.0-liter or 1.3-liter EcoTec three-cylinder turbocharged engine. The power is decent but there's a slight vibration, making it suitable for daily commuting. The Verano also used a similar configuration, including a 1.0T three-cylinder version, which accelerates smoothly but can get a bit noisy during prolonged high-speed driving. Then there's the GL6 MPV, a family car based on a 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine, offering spacious interiors and fuel efficiency, making it a top choice for parents. Some older versions of the Excelle also came with three-cylinder engines, serving as an entry-level economical option. I've driven the Excelle in real life—it's incredibly fuel-efficient, with one tank capable of covering over 600 kilometers, but regular maintenance is needed to prevent vibrations. In short, these three-cylinder models help you save money and are eco-friendly, but if you're buying used, make sure to check the engine condition carefully, as Buick has reintroduced some four-cylinder models in recent years.

As a long-term Buick owner, I drove the Excelle GT with a three-cylinder engine for over two years. It's equipped with a 1.3L three-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, delivering smooth daily commutes with an average fuel consumption just over 6L. The Verano also offers a three-cylinder variant, known for its quick start-up response, making it ideal for city driving. The GL6 MPV is highly practical, offering spacious interiors with three-cylinder power, making family trips economical. During maintenance, I learned the engine design is compact, but occasional cold-start vibrations are a drawback, requiring premium engine oil to mitigate. Buick's three-cylinder models like the Excelle GT, Verano, GL6, and some versions of the Excelle are fuel-efficient gems. If fuel efficiency is your priority, I recommend test driving them. While the driving refinement isn't as smooth as four-cylinder engines, it's perfectly adequate for daily use.

Let me discuss Buick's three-cylinder cars from a technical perspective. Both the Excelle and Verano are equipped with the EcoTec series engines, which are compact and highly efficient, delivering around 130 horsepower. The GL6 MPV is also a strong performer with a three-cylinder engine, making it suitable for family use. The three-cylinder design reduces friction and saves fuel, but vibration control is a challenge, requiring additional balance shafts. The model list is simple: Excelle 1.0T, Verano 1.0T, and GL6 1.3T, among others. After test-driving these vehicles, I feel the power is sufficient for daily use but not as stable as a four-cylinder engine.


