It seems like upcoming diesel engined vehicles are as follows. But why now? I've seen Mercedes and VW diesels running around but other companies are entering the diesel market as well. In my area, diesel fuel costs around 50cents more than the premium gasoline. Is it worth it to own a diesel considering the fact that diesel engined vehicles will cost at least a couple thousand dollars more? How do maintenance costs differ between gasoline and diesel cars?

Acura TSX (2009)
Audi Q7 TDI (available early 2009)
BMW 335d (fall 2008)
BMW X5 xDrive35d (fall 2008)
Kia Borrego (2010)
Mercedes-Benz GLK prototype (2008)
Volkswagen Jetta TDI (August 2008).
Possible future models include the Cadillac CTS and Volkswagen Passat.

the point is that you are only getting the 'top end' marques offering diesels in the states, l've no idea why. as you say diesel fuel is dearer than gas over there so l really don't see the point. in europe nearly every make and model has a diesel engine option. in my experience diesels are no cheaper to run that petrol/gas unless you do a very high mileage, but even that issue would'nt be true in the u.s because your gas is so cheap compaired to europe

I think people are gonna start buying diesels when the gas goes up to $4 to $5 dollars per gallon.

That means diesel will go up as well. I dont think its worth it to buy a diesel. they are slow and stink