My two cents worth about EPA numbers is that they are on the high side but that is across the board. However, with Hybrids - there are many more variables that effect mpg than with a traditional gas powered vehicle.

We all know about driving habits but one variable that is seldom talked about is the computer system controlling it all. Seeing the various results of other Saturn Hybrid owners leads me to belive that certain Hybrids may be programmed differently than others and that ones driving is just one factor in determining mpg.

About a month ago - I was driving my normal route home and noticited that the ECO light would not kick in at certain times and the Hybrid was not shifting smoothly. The next day, I kept a close eye on it and everything was fine and has been since. Just like with a desktop or laptop computer - rebooting the system when it is acting up sometimes fixes the problem (or in my case turning the Hybrid off).

I am a Systems Administrator and I still scratch my head sometimes as to why two identically setup computers perform differently. Maybe it is the same for Hybrids.