Why can't we buy small pickups with diesel engines in the U.S. like back in the early 80s?

Answer 1

Some if not all the other answers to your questions are correct.
1. Diesel fuel has become more expensive and the investment recovery takes about 8 years now vs 3.5 years back in the early 80's.
2. Most of the diesel engines being built in Europe and Japan today are designed for very low sulfur fuel. They will not run on the diesel fuel we have here without self destructing.
3. Customer acceptance. Small cars and trucks are very hard to put enough sound insualtion in without affecting the power to weight ratio adversely.
4. There is hope however. As was mentioned the Jeep Liberty did have a diesel engine. The engine is manufactured by Mercedes Benz. It is supposed to be back in 2008 with a new diesel engine. As will several other manufactures. In 2007 the EPA mandated that all diesel fuel sold in the US will be Low Sulfur and Clean Burning.
This will allow for the import of Clean Burning diesel cars.

FYI: If you go to the MercedesBenz Great Britian website you will find In the "C" Class listing that there are three Diesel engines available for the series, the 2000 cc, the 2200cc and the 3200cc. The C200 CDI with manual transmission gets 50.4 MPG Highway, The C220 CDI w/manual trans gets 51.4 MPG and the C320 CDI with automatic trans gets 46.3. Those mileages are better than any US manufactured car. Is is a wonder that BIG OIL doesn't want all the imports here???? OH By The Way. These models listed were for STATION WAGONS Not the sedans. The sedans are somewhat better.

Answer 2

Unlike Europe, where over 50% of the vehicles on the road are diesel. Here in the U.S., diesels are not recieved well by the public in general, though this perception is starting to change. There may be more diesels in our future though, with gas prices higher and new, cleaner diesel fuel, auto manufactures are warming up to diesels very quickly. Keep in mind you won't see alot until the 2008 model year due to new emmission standards for the 2007 models. I own a 2005 Jeep Liberty Diesel and just love it. They are not making a 2007 for the U.S. Yet, Jeep is making the Export version of the Liberty and the Wrangler with the same engine.

Answer 3

Gas engines have become commodities and pretty clean burning due to better oil refining. Diesel engines cost a lot to make and spew a lot of pollutants into the atmosphere.

Answer 4

The Jeep Liberty comes with a nice little diesel.

Answer 5

Good question. EPA standards have risen and even diesel motors have stricter standards than they use to. With all things as well, the demand drops and the sells are not worth the time and effort to make production. I wished they still did very reliable motors and great fuel mileage.

Answer 6

even as their is call for for it. Its been tried and it failed. there have been rumors for decades now that American a million/2 lots receives diesel engines as an option yet even as that delivers possibly $4k to the price of the truck its no longer somewhat going to be nicely worth it.

Answer 7

because diesel costs almost the same as gas now. and the market for small diesel trucks would not support the sales.

Answer 8

" YOU CAN ".... If u got the money, u can special order a vehicle with whatever u want in it! Seriously, whatever u desire is out there & alot of it has a hefty price tag. That's why u don't see the auto manufacturers here in the U.S. doing it for everyone!!!

Answer 9

CAUSE THAT WOULD DEFEAT THE PURPOSE OF DIESEL ENGINES

Answer 10

Truth, motors are far too expensive, and don't last. Lie, it's an epa conspiracy.