20 years ago was 20 years ago, technology & infrastructure progresses
picked up my new colorado diesel today and achieved 7.7l / 100 (that's a little over 30 US mpg) on the 150km drive from the dealer. it's only going to get better as the motor gets broken in. i wouldn't make a habit of pulling a 5000lb horse trailer with it -- eventhough it's rated for 7600lbs -- that's what full size trucks are for. but it will handle a moderate load just fine.
i hear GM will be putting an oil burner in the silverado/sierra 1500 in the next couple of years, i think it will sell well, like the ram eco diesel.