Not everyone wants a large diesel engine

[Dieselmech2]

Originally Posted by bryan1980

I think it's going to be even tougher to sell a diesel in a half-ton truck if the gasoline models keep getting more efficient. You might be able to sell a diesel when the comparable gasoline model gets 15 MPG or less. But a lot of the newer V8 half-tons are getting closer to 20 MPG these days. And, if you have no need to tow, some of the newer V6's (like the Ram Pentastar & GM 4.3 Ecotec) will do even better than that. As long as regular unleaded stays 70 cents cheaper per gallon than diesel, and the manufacturers keep charging $5,000+ just for the privilege to drive a diesel, you're not going to have much interest, save for the hard-core diesel guys. Or, those who put on 70K+ miles per year.

I remember when diesel was the cheapest pump, and nobody wanted to drive those slow and smokey behemoths. I still think its a great engine technology, but the economics in this country still favor gasoline engines for the average consumer.

Your post is dead on Bryan, two friends just picked up ecoboost f-150's and love them. Good milage when driving around, but beyond excellent when towing. One guy I know at the racetrack traded his new half ton diesel for a 3/4 ton so he could get the cummins. He said milage was great in the 1/2 ton but it wouldn't haul squat, and when he did haul the milage and power was terrible. Personally, if my old 7.3 (175hp) pulls a 4 door one ton with 8ft box around just fine, there's no reason that little diesel dodge is running wouldn't be adequate for most people. It's the crappy dodge truck that's wrapped around it that sucks! LOL!