my first post to this form - my "icebreaker" speech - if you know what I mean, you're likely a current or former TM.
anyway-
live in Memphis area now. Born IL; 11 years in Dallas; last 4 until August in south central PA/western MD area-worked for MAMSI in Frederick MD until UHC bought the company.
Long time Mazda fanatic, mostly with rotary engines; owned about 8 Mazda's over the years; 5 Rx-7s, 2Miatae,1 Protege. Have had 4 Subaru's- first was a 73 DL. Ever since that car have been generally interested in MPG and tried to get as much as possible with every car. Got about 32 in the 73 Subbie. Forgot - also have had 3 diesel powered vehicles: 84 Ford Escort wagon w/a Mazda diesel (could get 40+MPG); a 82 Isuzu P'up; and a 99 VW New Beetle (high miles on tank, 723, averaged 42MPG).
Currently have a 92 Mazda Miata and a 2004 Mazda RX-8. The Miata (and the 90 I used to have) gets about 30-32MPG; the RX-8 is lucky to get 21MPG, averages about 20.5.

As much as I love driving the RX-8, I'm considering giving a hefty loss to the depreciation gods and getting a HCH.
First test drive in one was yesterday (12/12/05)-a 2003 5speed w/38K. Tonight I drove a 2006 Civic Hybrid - CVT of course.
Used to carpool with a co-worker(Dan) in MD that has a auto Civic EX (about 2003 model), so I'm familiar with the Civic; had a 87 Accord 5sp for a while too.
Impressive. I like the updates the 2006 received over the previous gen HCH, although I'm not that familiar. But to name a few - the steering wheel controls for audio/cruise - learned to love those in the 8; the side curtain airbags to complement for the full array of airbags; a bit more power; a bit more safety features; the dash/instruments; a fresh style update; and one Dan could appreciate-full time display of the radio station.
My concerns: safety in an accident (electrical?); cost of replacement battery offsetting fuel savings.
My biggest question right now: I was considering TRYING to buy one B4 the end of 2005 because the $2000 deduction gets reduced in 2006. But I read something about a tax savings causing folks planning to get one soon to delay their purchases until 1/02/06. Why? What is coming up that is better than the $2000 deduction? Thanks!

If I can find a buyer for the RX-8 sometime soon, the HCH purchase will become a likelihood!
Daniel