I've actually had a lot of fun this week with my FEH. I've made a game of trying to drive on electric as much as possible during my usual work route, and found that I can stay there for about half the trip. I've also, in having the car less than a week, found that stopping speed makes a difference in how much energy goes back into the battery. A moderate stopping speed seems the best.
It is still unsettling when the engine cuts out on me. I was pulling out of a parking lot when the engine went from start up mode into 'stealth mode' (EV only.) What a feeling - you are getting ready to go into traffic with no engine running!
I've also sparked quite an interest in my colleagues at work. One of them is thinking about a new car next year. I told him about my hybrid, and he was impressed. Then he asked if it had a special plug, or just a standard household one. I finally figured out it's the same old question "do you plug it in?" When I told him it recharged the battery by hitting the brakes he was amazed. Now he's totally convinced to get this car. I'm interested in seeing if he actually waits a year.

If it weren't SO funny, it'd be sad.
That IS the question. It's stunning how the general public STILL has no idea what hybrids are all about. Is it lack of concern (my vote), or lack of advertising (OK, well there's some of the issue too).
At least it gives us an opportunity to really WOW 'em with some of the technology. Keep spreadin' the word!

Steve

STOP terrorism - Drive a HYBRID

Vehicles:
350 miles a week ------------ 2006 HCH II, Magnetic Pearl, w/NAVI (born on May 25, 2006)
350 miles a month ---------- 2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6
350 miles a year (for now) - 1986 Mercedes 560SL

I hear you. The Prius (the first hybrid that really made a difference) has been out for a few years now. But, the car dealers really haven't been advertising them. It's only the people that have searched out vehicles that can give them long-term cost savings that have found this class.

The only thing I can say is that the recent hikes in gas mileage actually work in favor of hybrids. Plus, the explosion planned in the next two years of cars in this area is a promising sign.

30+mpg vs. 20+ mpg with a minimal decrease in cargo-room -- why should someone consider a nonhybrid?

Yeah, clearly, the lack of advertising is killing Prius and HCH2 sales.

The Kermit FEH ad is cute, but Ford really should do a series of ads like "giving your co-worker a ride and he notices...." But car ads--like car companies--are just interested in selling you on sex appeal. They don't know how to promote a new technology.

Would-be hypermiler

Some of us Honda Civic owners like to think our car made a difference too.

Actually the Insight came out in 2000, Prius I in 2001, HCH I in 2002 (2003 model year though). So it's not just a few years - it's more than half a decade. And people still don't know you don't plug them in...

*** Retired after 65,000 outstanding miles ***

Ranaes,

I've had my TCH since 6/9 and I'm still enjoying driving it; trying to eke out as much mileage as possible, get it to go into EV mode, finding that sweet spot that gets the best mpg.