Speaking for the manual tranny HCH, cruise in most cases is not the best way to go. But until a few days ago, I thought cruise was better, too. It's definitely not, but only because there are other methods that use the fuel more efficiently.

I just recently learned a new driving method which is helping me Maximize MPG in my manual tranny HCH, and I'd like to pass it on here, although many of the hypermilers on this site know about it already. I wish I had figured this out 14 months ago, when I first bought my Hybrid !!!

It works thus far only on city streets, have not been on the highway at faster speeds yet. And I have only tested it on a manual tranny Civic Hybrid, with the A/C off, so I have no claims that it works effectively on other Honda or Toyota or Ford hybrid vehicles.

The method really has two parts:

1. Accelerating SLOWER after stops, and thus taking only slightly longer to reach cruising speed.

2. Once you achieve the speed you want to travel, or even 5 miles per hour faster than the speed you want, release pressure on the gas pedal slightly, but still keep it ALMOST in the same area. What you are trying to get to is actually SLOWING DOWN but at a VERY VERY miniscule rate of deceleration. This allows the car to get into "lean burn" mode and you will see the realtime mpg meter jump up into the 80-100 MPG range almost immediately. Continue with the very very very slight deceleration, just a slight touch on the pedal, and the realtime MPG meter will stay up in that 60-100 MPG area. You will eventually (over a few blocks or a mile or two) slow down 5-10 MPH, but this whole time, you will be achieving at least 60 MPG. Once you feel like you have slowed as much as traffic will safely allow you to, either downshift to 4th gear and accelerate casually back up to the speed you started with, your preferred cruising speed. Or, if traffic allows it, accelerate a little slower while in 5th gear to get back to the desired cruising speed. Once there, repeat the process.

The very very slow deceleration in conjunction with the slower acceleration up to cruising speed will allow you to achieve max MPG and will drive your numbers up.

On my current tank, I was at 48.4 MPG and 360 miles on Trip A. I cleared Trip A and now, after two days of using this method, I am at 62.8 MPG after 57 miles.

I am completely sold on this method, and I hope and expect to maintain tanks in the "at least" 55 MPG range from this point on, if I can stay off the freeways !!!