To me, it makes so much sense to consider small diesels in the US. I mean, the Fiesta diesel produces so little carbon emissions that it's exempt from road taxes in the UK? How much cleaner would it have to be to meet US emissions standards?

As you said, previous diesel offerings left a bad taste in our mouths here in the States back in the 80s, so perhaps there is some lingering avoidance, but with gas prices remaining high (and only going to get higher), more and more people are considering MPG and vehicle range as part of the purchase process.

As I see it, the Prius is selling like hotcakes neither for it's reduced emissions nor its increased economy, rather as a fashion item. (If the hybrid technology were as appealing as some might suggest, then contemporaries like the Honda Insight or Civic Hybrid would be selling well too. They aren't.) So it's biggest selling points are increased MPGs and the ability to drive solo in the carpool lane.

The most frustrating thing about the whole situation is the silence of the otherwise social manufacturers. Ford has a smashing hit in the new Fiesta coming this summer, yet I feel they could add fuel to that fire by sprinkling their Fiesta Movement with mention that a 65mpg DIESEL Fiesta will also be available. GM could experiment with a small diesel Aveo that got similar mileage. And Chrysler could do similarly. Inexpensive cars that get ridiculous MPGs. Why not?

Imagine how a popular, 65mpg car could affect their CAFE plans! I hope more people give this idea some thought.

To me, it makes so much sense to consider small diesels in the US. I mean, the Fiesta diesel produces so little carbon emissions that it's exempt from road taxes in the UK? How much cleaner would it have to be to meet US emissions standards?

As you said, previous diesel offerings left a bad taste in our mouths here in the States back in the 80s, so perhaps there is some lingering avoidance, but with gas prices remaining high (and only going to get higher), more and more people are considering MPG and vehicle range as part of the purchase process.

As I see it, the Prius is selling like hotcakes neither for it's reduced emissions nor its increased economy, rather as a fashion item. (If the hybrid technology were as appealing as some might suggest, then contemporaries like the Honda Insight or Civic Hybrid would be selling well too. They aren't.) So it's biggest selling points are increased MPGs and the ability to drive solo in the carpool lane.

The most frustrating thing about the whole situation is the silence of the otherwise social manufacturers. Ford has a smashing hit in the new Fiesta coming this summer, yet I feel they could add fuel to that fire by sprinkling their Fiesta Movement with mention that a 65mpg DIESEL Fiesta will also be available. GM could experiment with a small diesel Aveo that got similar mileage. And Chrysler could do similarly. Inexpensive cars that get ridiculous MPGs. Why not?

Imagine how a popular, 65mpg car could affect their CAFE plans! I hope more people give this idea some thought.

I think US carmakers (read that as GM) got cold feet after screwing up their diesel offerings so badly in the '80's….No one wants to remember those CadillacBuickOldsmobile V8 diesels, which I believe were simply re-purposed gas motors….

Even GM's 6.1 diesel truck motor is an Isuzu design, and a good one for its purpose. I have long thought that the US consumer was not willing to pay the premium for diesel power, but maybe the time is ripe now, and it's being passed over for those old marketing memories.

Cars and the environment are a difficult subject to discuss without descending into the typical P&R-style rants and flames; your argument is nicely balanced; would love to see more readers comments on both sides of the issue!

thanks again,
Tritone