Originally appeared on Automoblog.net

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When I was a Sales Consultant at Sioux Falls Ford, the V6 engine ruled the roost. We had tons of V6 vehicles on the lot at any given moment. When it came to new inventory, the Escape, Flex, Fusion, MKZ, Mustang, and Ranger all had V6 engines. On the pre-owned side of the lot, there were just as many V6 options, from cars and crossovers, to minivans and midsize trucks.
When the F-150 featured the 3.5 EcoBoost as its top engine in 2011, even the infamous V8 was dealt a demotion.
Origins
According to The Complete Encyclopedia of Vintage Cars 1886?1940 by Rob de la Rive Box, Marmon Motor Car Company offered the first V6 in 1905. Although well versed in V-engines, Marmon folded in the early 1930s. The Golden Age of the American Racing Car by Griffith Borgeson documents the V6 prototype built by Buick in 1918, although it was only ever driven by Buick’s Chief Engineer at the time. While other nameplates were producing V6 engines, its arguably Lancia and General Motors that did the most work bringing them to market.
Pros & Cons
Like many things in the automotive universe, there isn’t one set answer. The general consensus to “which is better” is ultimately determined by the end goal. For example, a V6 engine is less costly produce, a bonus for global manufacturers seeking true economies of scale. Furthermore, a V6 is generally less intrusive on vehicle arc...