Actually, if you completely read that thread on this board where the Jayblues user asks the "can you get EPA numbers by driving like a normal person?" you can plainly see that the answer turns out to be no.

The proof is everywhere, including on this board, that "tricks" are required to beat EPA mileage in ALMOST ALL cases. Look at all the cars on the mileage database that are below EPA - do you think those people "drive like normal people?" I'd bet they do. In fact, the guy at the lowest MPG on the Prius II board has "just drive" as his strategy, and he is WAY below EPA ratings after 15 tanks.

As you noted, there are some exceptions - the GM V6 engines on highway driving, which somehow manage to meet or beat EPA pretty effectively being a good example. But overall, a small sampling of cars that meet EPA does not surpass the VAST NUMBER of cars which DO NOT achieve EPA ratings.

My own 2004 HCH MT is a good example: The lifetime mileage is 35.5 for about 6400 miles. EPA ratings are 46/51, right? If you can drive like a normal person and get EPA in this car, why would you think the previous owner (I bought it used) only got 34.4 for the first 4800 miles? You think he was driving it like a hot rod? I doubt he was.

I'm only getting 40.7 MPG after three plus tanks, and mine is mostly city driving. And my tires are 38 PSI, and I coast every chance I get and use other tricks. So I am definitely NOT "driving like a normal person," and I am falling at least 6 MPG below EPA.

I can estimate that if I "drove like a normal person" and did not use driving tricks, this car might fall as much as 25% below EPA. But I'm not basing my statement on MY experience alone - look at the database, and you see many people below EPA. Read other boards - many cars, not just Hybrids, are consistently below EPA.

The EPA tests are flawed for sure - if they weren't, shouldn't we be able to "just drive" and get EPA? No evidence exists (that I have seen) that this is true, except in rare cases.

So I conclude you CANNOT, in the vast majority of cases, get EPA numbers without using driving tricks, i.e., "not driving like a normal person."

If I'm wrong, point me to data to correct me, please !!!