I concur. Real-world conditions dictate MPG more than people realize. Case in point:

Denver to Rapid City, 400 miles, 65 MPH, temp in 70's, nary a wind (maybe even a slight tailwind), golf clubs, friend and 2 luggage bags = 56 MPG!

Same trip, similar load, but with 20 MPH headwind, 75 MPH speeds, lots of passing, temps in the 40's = 46 MPG.

Terrain is pretty much rolling hills/fairly flat highways.

Cruise used for entire trip(s).

Still, my Prius is an awesome car!

I now tell people when they ask about what I'm "actually" getting (they have heard no one gets 60 MPG, duh, I say): "About 50 in the summer overall and it drops to 45 or so in the winter".

Most everyone is impressed and comment that 'dropping to 45' is funny when they have never seen even 35 MPG!

'04 Seaside Pearl #7. Fumoto oil drain, mudflaps, rear bumper scuff protector & rear warn system, compass mirror, EV mode button, 8" subwoofer in right rear cubby & 6" subs under seats, power lumbar in the front seats, Coastaletech hitch w/ Aspen bike/snowboard rack. iPod2car, 2 amps, Alpine component speakers, and DVD video, solid 47 MPG @ 70000 miles.