I've had a hard time understanding why Americans are so down on diesel power: isn't there just something inherently cool about an efficient, clattering little torque-monster? Yet in the US, a mere 3% of passenger cars and small trucks on the road are diesels, compared to nearly half in Europe. It's true that the domestic reputation of diesel-powered cars took a beating in the 70's and 80's, and the bad reputation of yesteryear's oil-burners has lingered here like a cloud of that sticky black smoke. Back in the day, these cars were considered unbearably loud, pollution-spewing, and unreliable; and GM didn't help matters by offering a failure-prone diesel 350, a basically unfortified version of its gasoline small-block. Fast-forward to 2008, when today's much cleaner diesel powerplant is looking more and more appealing as an easy way for automakers to meet new mileage requirements, and for consumers to save a buck at the pumps. Though diesel tends to be pricier in the US than gasoline, you use a lot less of it: the average diesel is about 30% more efficient than an equivalent gas motor. But GM, consistent with its recent tantrums about the new fuel-economy standards, is hinting that Americans' prejudices against diesels are strong as ever. I'm not sure this is true, but being the owner of a vintage diesel myself, I'm definitely biased. What do you think? Is the American public ready for diesel? Would YOU buy a diesel car?
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