I'm a TDI driver so maybe I'm partial, but I don't think diesel stinks.  I
think it smells better than gasoline.  I also think that a gas car out of
tune stinks.

I think traditional diesels, the F250-types, are horrid and are a huge part
of why the US consumer has yet to draw a distinction between those and the
newer clean ones.  But I think that is changing, as a lot of positive press
is floating about the new clean diesels from many automakers.

What does not help is that those new diesels all come from foreign
automakers, GM is currently banking on plug-in hybrids (hello coal power!),
and Ford is ignoring the US passenger diesel market as well despite many
good offerings in Europe.

So, that leaves the forces of free market and political lobby will decide
the fate of diesels in the US.

So there.  There's my 15-cents worth of what I think.  :-)
--
Chris S.
Disclaimer: "Death and serious injury may occur"