Ford Focus Diesel

[ToMang07]

Ok, so the title is misleading, but here is my thought:

Why isn't Ford, or any other American Automakers producing any Economy Diesel Cars?

Volkswagon has been doing it for decages, and you would think with the newest rush of VW Diesels, some US automakers would jump on the bandwagon. You can't convince me it wouldn't be worth it.

I would about KILL for one of the new Focus', or even a Taurus/500 Diesel. I would drop my scoobydoo in a hearbeat for one. (I got it for free) I am not a VW fan, and prefer to buy American, and with the way of gasoline these days, (AKA GASSAHOL) I would like to go 100% diesel.

Just a thought...

And if if's and buts were candy and nuts....

[ToMang07]

Really? Not one comment? Am I the only one who thinks this is a friggin awesome idea???

[CowboyCody]

I agree with you but all 3 tried it in the 80's and they were hard to sell, i got a 1984 ford escort with a 1.9l mazda diesel in it, 50+ mpg but they didnt sell many, its hard for me to understand. i think most people dont like the smell and the noise i dont know why i wish they would offer something though. i remember when there was talk of a v6 powerstroke for the f150's and light SUV's and i got all excited but then nothing happened, must have done some market reaserch and found that there was very little interest. with the new emmissions standards it is tough to make a light tough engine that gets decent mileage anyway, when a focus already pushes 40mpg its hard to do much better. dont get me wrong i would love to listen to the turbo whistle in my daily driver too but im pretty sure im not normal. i have looked many times at the vw's and its hard to get over the up front $ for a few mpg especially when diesel fuel is more expensive. if ford put a little diesel in a focus i would definatly be one standing in line to get one

[2006PSDSD]

Ford actually builds a 65 mpg diesel Fiesta, but it's only sold over seas because they won't pass the retarded emissions requirments here . And I've heard that they were worried about there not being a viable market for them

[2006PSDSD]

The 65 mpg Ford the U.S. Can't Have - BusinessWeek

[ToMang07]

Originally Posted by 2006PSDSD

Ford actually builds a 65 mpg diesel Fiesta, but it's only sold over seas because they won't pass the retarded emissions requirments here . And I've heard that they were worried about there not being a viable market for them

So how come VW does so well over here???

[PGreenSVT]

Because the big 3 believe we Americans won't buy diesel cars. The hasty debacle of GM trying to turn the 350 motor into a diesel after the gas crisis of the 70's left a bad taste in the mouth's of most people who remember.

Personally I think it is a load of $hit. They need to go on a marketing campaign to educate the American public to the advantages of diesel. Most people have no clue that when you factor in the pollution thrown out and additional energy used by all the different elements that it takes to make a Prius that our big nasty diesel trucks are actually greener over the life of the vehicle. I am personally convinced that new diesel technology is much smarter and much better for all concerned than electric cars and hybrid electric like the Prius. There is a diesel version of the Festiva that Ford just brought over the pond that gets 65 mpg. Where is that? instead they tout what a deal the 40 mpg gas model is. But Ford is convinced the diesel version won't sell here.

[PGreenSVT]

Wow this really popped while I was writing my response.

Looks like we're on the same page here Nick.

[CowboyCody]

65mpg!!! i would buy one!!! how much does it cost to put one on a ship??? i do want a car slightly bigger than a fiesta though. this just goes to show you that this whole "green" energy deal is a joke! just look at the mpg ratings change on the vw after the new "clean" diesel.you trying to tell me burning more fuel to do the same job is cleaner??? and look at the cash for clunkers deal, of course ruining something that runs fine is "green" what a bunch of morons!

[dazdillenger]

diesels suffer from the stigma associated with them (loud, smoky, dirty, messy to fuel). That, and a diesel powertrain ads several 1000's to the price of a car.