Your Favorite Articles in The Diesel Driver in 2011

As the year draws to a close, here’s a look at the ten most popular articles in The Diesel Driver in 2011.  The rankings are based on reader popularity, shares via Facebook and other social media, and e-mail forwards.

The stories range from the first in-depth review of the new 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI to ongoing reports on our BMW 335d long-term test car, to a preview of the Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTec.

Enjoy the retrospective.

1.)        2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI – Review and First Drive/Road Test
Our review of two days with the all-new 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI at its June launch in Chattanooga

2.)        2011 Volkswagen Jetta – First Review
Join us at the launch of the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta and Jetta TDI in San Francisco and spend two days driving in Northern California with us.

3.)        BMW 335d Three-Month Test Report and Review
Our first three months with our BMW 335d long-term test car, starting with delivery at the BMW Welt and an in-depth look at its great fuel economy, superb handling, and road manners.

4.)        2011 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Review and Road Test
We spend a week with the new Touareg, learn to pronounce the name (it’s “twah-reg”), and begin to understand why so many Touareg buyers opt for the diesel version.

5.)        2012 Diesel Car Lineup in the U.S. – What’s New
A look at what’s new in 2012, including the Mercedes-Benz S350 BlueTec and the Volkswagen Passat TDI.

6.)        BMW 335d 12-Month Report and Review
Like a good novel, readers flocked to see how the BMW 335d fared after 12 months and 10,000 km.

7.)        2011 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI – Review and Test Drive
A week with Volkswagen’s Jetta SportWagen TDI – 80% of JSW buyers go diesel!

8.)        2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTec Diesel Review and First Look
A week with the Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTec prior to its launch – and a drive from New York City to Boston and back using only half a tank – helped firm up our decision to add the E-Klasse to our long-term test fleet

9.)        2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTec First Look and Review
Our review of the new ML Class diesel at its launch in Montana’s rugged outback

10.)      2011 BMW X3 Review and Road Test – The Road to Berchtesgaden
We drive the new BMW X3 xDrive20d to Berchtesgaden to take in the views.