[JQmile]

Interesting thread....as one of the few who have owned a Chevette diesel, I can say that you're comparing apples to Polar Bears, or something as apt. Remember the Chevette did not have an A/C compressor so it could maintain freeway speeds, mine put down a whopping 37.5hp to the wheels when I tested it. BUT, I did get 59.6mpg (never could break 60!) driving 55mph. You think 148hp is weak, try getting stomped by a Prius stoplight to stoplight.

Anyways, I've found diesel to be 1-4% higher over 87 here if you're willing to shop around. The only issue that I have with the Cruze is that the Passat gets 51mpg, in a bigger and heavier car. Either with big Aero and skinny tires could get 60+ I think. And, the general public doesn't care at all about shifting gears any more, sad to say.