Posted by Ryan - WI on December 26, 2007 at 05:47:27 from (66.114.188.16):
I have a horse in this race so my input is admittedly biased.
In 2003 my wife and I bought the diesel version of VW's new Beetle. It has a 1.9 liter turbocharged diesel tied to a 5 speed transmission. The car is identical to any other US Beetle with the exception of the drivetrain. The safety tests are the same. We regularly see 45+ mpg and shortly after we got it (with 16000 miles) we averaged 51 on a vacation to Door County WI. As far as I understand it the diesels put out less harmful exhausts although they are smellier. The environmental gas emissions which are harmful are clear and odorless so it seems like the diesel exhasut is worse but it isn't.
Volkswagen has offered a diesel line of their cars and vans for forever with the exception of recently with the change to US ULSD fuels and requirements. The diesel is being revived in future years however.
My biggest take on why there are not more fuel efficient vehicles in the US is the main thing which makes our economy run. If there is no demand, there will be no supply. People pay a lot of lip service to wanting better mileage but that often takes a back seat to other things like going fast and looking cool. As fuel prices increase and people get ticked off there is a greater demand for diesel vehicles. Our 2001 with 130,000 still has a blue book value of between $6000 - $7000 while a similar gas is valued around $4000. That is why you saw Chrysler offer diesel engines.
I think diesel will be making more of a comeback but I would not count on it happening tomorrow. Most people regardless of what they say don't really want a diesel, they just say they do.
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