I've got a Civic Hybrid with the CVT tranny. I started driving it at 60-65mph. It's got just over 5000 miles on it, and I'm averaging 43.5mpg. Sometimes I drive it 60-65, others I drive it close to 100mph. If I get a big down hill, and can get 80mph out of her and still get 60mpg, I'll do it. I try to keep the current reading in the 40mpg range, but sometimes I'm down in the 20's. I purchased the car in November, and drive it everyday in DC traffic for a 98 mile round trip. As warmer weather arrives, I bet the mileage will go up, but for now, I'm perfectly content with my average. I'm happy to see the Escape. Anything that can drive down the overall consumption of fuel is a great thing. The more gas we can save as consumers, the better the prices for airlines and train services will get as we drive down overall demand for fuel. This saves everyone money.