Volkswagen now makes a diesel-powered Jetta that rivals the Prius' mileage, getting 40mpg in the city, and 50 on the highway. I'm not sure how hybrids, which are more expensive, are supposed to compete with that.

I would so have one these too, because of my 65-mile a day commute, except that consumer reports shows these things break too often. Dang it! I wish Honda or somebody would make a Fit (or Toyota Yaris or little Mazda or the Nissan little one) that's diesel. That didn't break down.

I don't know about consumer reports, but Diesels are standard (I think about 70% of passenger cars) in Europe, by ALL manufacturers including Ford and Opel (a GM daughter). They are as reliable (or more so) as the gas versions. The Jetta is a great car and drives like an upscale car and is roomy, the Corolla is smaller, cheaper (and feels cheap). I finally (less than a year ago) decided for a Prius because I could easily get a used one for a better price than a Jetta TDI, and the Diesel emissions were also higher in the past (this has changed since with new filters for the new models). My next car will be definitely a Passat or Jetta TDI, or the upcoming Jetta diesel hybrid which will make 60 mpg.

Well, diesel still pollutes more than gasoline, (though the difference is almost neglible now.) And Diesel fuel is much more expensive than gas. it is over $4 a gallon around here. Plus they are louder.

Still, Diesel engines tend to last twice as long as gasoline engines, get better mileage and have loads more torque at the same HP than gasoline engines.

pluses and minuses.

Having driven a Jetta TDi for the past 6 years, here are my thoughts:

Diesel is much more expensive than unleaded right now. The price fluctuates, however, and I'd estimate diesel has actually been less expensive than regular unleaded in my area 25-30% of the time since 2002;

Biodiesel is usually less expensive than traditional diesel fuel. When/if someone gets around to developing a system that utilizes all the waste cooking oil that could be recycled to provide energy for diesel autos, it will be a truly remarkable day;

Diesel maintenance/repairs are, in fact, more expensive. My oil changes run about $100, although they're only recommended once every 10K miles;

At the time I purchased my TDi, it was the only Jetta sold in the US that was manufactured in Germany. The rest were manufactured in Mexico. At that time, Consumer Reports indicated the TDi was much, much more reliable than the other Jettas, although they questioned the wisdom of paying an extra $2,000-$3,000 for a 25-30% more fuel efficient car. The VW salesman tried to talk me out of the TDi for the same reason;

My TDi is certified an LEV (Low Emission Vehicle) by the state of Georgia and the US. Although it doesn't drive much louder than other cars/trucks it makes a funny (puttering) noise when idling. Also, the heat & defrost functions don't work until the engine has warmed up (about 2-3 minutes of driving;

I've been planning on putting at least 500K miles on my engine.

kirk:

Volkswagen now makes a diesel-powered Jetta that rivals the Prius' mileage, getting 40mpg in the city, and 50 on the highway. I'm not sure how hybrids, which are more expensive, are supposed to compete with that.

Diesel-powered Jettas are not for sale at the VW dealership.

Bob Wilson