The things you describe affect any car. I am buying the hybrid for many reasons. Honestly, if my decision was purely financial it would make more sense to buy the EX model. I am paying more for the hybrid, getting a smaller trunk, no sunroof, and probably a ride quality that is not as smooth due to the tires, but that is ok with me. Just the auto stop at lights on the hybrid is a feature that should be on all cars I think.

I believe in the technology and want to make my small attempt at helping the environment and oil use among other things. If I can help spread the mentality that more efficient cars are ok to others, that would be nice too.

In regards to driving style, I will continue to drive as I do today which employs some common sense things. I try to anticipate stops and glide to them. I do alot of highway driving and set the cruise control to about 65. While it takes me a few more minutes to get to work, I am a lot less stressed since I don't have to worry about speed traps etc. I don't do jack rabbit starts etc.

I do not plan on going to any extremes to get better mileage like doing forced stops of the engine etc as I have read some posts here talk about. If I can get in the mid forties for mpg, I will be happy. My present vehicle is rated for 23 mpg/hwy and I regularly get that and slightly above. If I can get the EPA ratings for the Civic, I'll be very happy.

Anyways, while the hybrid is more $$, it has more things going for it than just MPG in my opinion.