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U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Fact #39: September 3, 1997
Top Reasons Why Consumers Would Not Buy a Diesel-Powered Vehicle

In July 1997, Opinion Research Corporation International asked over 1000 consumers the following question:

Would you consider buying a diesel engine version that got 40% better fuel economy and cost $1,500 additional for your next new vehicle purchase?

Only 22% of respondents answered yes. Respondents that answered no were asked why they would not consider a diesel-powered vehicle — the top reasons why they would not consider a diesel-powered vehicle are listed below (categories are represented by the percent of respondents answering no).

Graph showing why consumers would not buy a diesel-powered vehicle

Source: Opinion Research Corporation International, Study #70627, Performed for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, July 3, 1997.

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