Diesel Cars

Diesel vehicles typically save $2,000 to $6,000 in total ownership costs over three to five years when compared to similar gasoline models.

Through the first six months of the year, Americans purchased 61,214 diesel-powered vehicles, not including heavy-duty diesel pickup trucks, according to a study by HybridCars.com and Baum and Associates. That figure represents a 27.5-percent improvement over the previous year.

As the number of automakers selling diesel vehicles rise, the amount of motorists buying the oil-burning machines will increase, too, claims Jeff Breneman, executive director of the U.S. Coalition for Advanced Diesel Cars. That statement seems to be simple common sense, right? Well, not so much in recent times here in the U.S.

2011 Honda CR-Z vs. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Street Cup Edition – Click above for high-res image gallery

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition – Click above for high-res image gallery

Automakers are constantly questioned about their choices. From green-lighting production of an awful vehicle to offering gadgets and gizmos that consumers don't want, it seems automakers regularly make some less-than-ideal decisions. Sometimes, though, it's what automakers don't offer that creates a stir, the diesel engine being a prime example. U.S. buyers have been left out in the cold while Europeans enjoy their wonderfully efficient, diesel-powered vehicles.

2009 BMW 335d – Click above for high-res gallery

2009 BMW 335d – Click above for high-res gallery

click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI