Didn't the old VW Rabbit diesel get about 45 mpg? I drove one a few times in the late 80's and it was a no-frills little zippy car. Of course, this was compared to my "Big Daddy Mac" Chevy Chevette.... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
A co-worker of mine owned a 1979 model Rabbit diesel. He commuted 52 miles, each way, and used exactly 2 gallons per day. He was by no means a lead foot.
It's most interesting that fuel efficiency of vehicles has been proven all over the world for 60 years (including manufacturers familiar to US such as Ford & GM) and only after government regulations has mileage of the US models changed.
