Diesel Reviews

Our diesel reviews tackle the topics of fuel-efficiency, driveability, and in-cabin technology in a format that’s fast, fun and to the point. We go out of our way to review clean diesel-powered cars and SUVs and have been known to fly hours just to get some seat time in a rare Euro-spec model …

U.S. Spec Clean Diesel Reviews

Audi A3 TDI Review

The clean diesel A3 TDI joins the conventional gasoline-powered A3 in Audi’s 2010 line up, providing a marvelous fuel-efficient alternative for folks that enjoy spirited driving. Although the 2010 A3 TDI is not available in Quattro (all-wheel-drive) trim, we found the front-wheel-drive (FWD) to be sure-footed through a variety of driving conditions.

Audi Q7 TDI Mileage Test

The Audi Q7 TDI delivers a unique combination of fuel efficiency, range, driveability, luxury, and towing capacity, along with some of the best in-cabin technology on the market today.

BMW 335d Review

The 2009 BMW 335d sets a new standard for performance-oriented sedans, by delivering a remarkable combination of fuel economy, acceleration, handling, and electronics.

Chevrolet Cruze Diesel Review

It’s been decades since an American auto manufacturer offered a diesel-powered sedan and the new Cruze Diesel is the first out of the gate. The Cruze is the most fuel-efficient car from an American manufacturer for the open road. Chevy has planned for a limited run of 12,000 diesels in this first model year, so you might need to act fast.

Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Review

The 2011 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD is built to haul, in every sense of the word, with an optional 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V8 engine that delivers endless torque and solid fuel economy. B20 biodiesel compatibility allows the Silverado HD to run domestically produced fuel.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel Review

Available in just the 2007 and 2008 model years, the Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD uses a Mercedes-Benz six-cylinder diesel engine to great advantage.

Mercedes Benz E350 BlueTEC Review

The 2011 Mercedes Benz E350 BlueTEC is unique among five-passenger luxury sedans, delivering an unmatched combination of fuel efficiency, European design, luxury, and endless torque. While smaller hybrids may best it for mileage in the city, the E350 BlueTEC was born to cruise the open road at speed in comfort, safety, and style.

Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTec Review

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC is one of the most fuel-efficient seven-passenger luxury SUVs on the road today. From the calm and comfort within the GL350’s well-crafted cabin, one can only wonder why so many manufacturers have been slow to embrace clean diesel as the ideal solution for premium vehicles.

2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI Review

The return of the VW Golf TDI to America marks a milestone in the clean diesel revolution, as it hearkens back to times gone by. While the original diesel-powered Rabbit, ancestor of the Golf TDI, was a revered fuel-sipper during the energy crisis decades ago, the little old diesel Rabbit wasn’t praised for its abundance of power. The thoroughly modern 2010 Golf TDI, on the other hand, is both frugal at the pump and a pleasure to drive.

Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI Review

The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Sportwagen raises the bar among the most fuel-efficient cars, by virtue of its wonderful clean diesel engine, delivering a winning combination of performance, utility, and fuel economy, in a fun-to-drive package.

2011 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Review

SUVs are particularly well-suited to clean diesel engines, with their gobs of torque and legendary fuel efficiency. Unfortunately, American auto manufacturers have been hesitant to commit to diesel SUVs, other than a handful of short-lived exceptions. The luxurious diesel-powered 2011 VW Touareg TDI hammers home the facts, with a cruising range born for the open road.

Euro-Spec Clean Diesel Reviews

Audi A6 TDI

Every once in a while, a car rolls into the driveway that proves just how good things can be … the Audi A6 Quattro TDI is one of those cars. Unfortunately, the A6 TDI isn’t for sale in America, just yet …

BMW 123d

The 123d M Sport just might be the perfect antidote to hybrid-mania … if BMW could only be convinced to bring the little beauty here …

BMW 535d

A quick spin around the block in the Euro-spec 2007 535d M Sport.

Honda Accord i-CDTi (Quick Look)

Honda CR-V i-CDTi (Quick Drive)

MINI D

The diesel-powered MINI Cooper D is a mileage-minded enthusiast’s dream car. With slot car handling and truly remarkable fuel mileage figures, it’s hard not to drool over the little gem. While MINI Cooper gas mileage is good, the MINI D’s numbers are insanely great.

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