I'm a hybrid owner and lover. I purchased a Honda Civic Hybrid in October of 2004 and I couldn't be happier with the car. The thing is, not everybody is as happy with their purchase decision as I am with mine; I'd hate for that to be you. A car is one of the most expensive purchases you will make in your lifetime so it is important that you be satisfied with your purchase. The folks who are not happy with their hybrids generally fall into two groups.

The first includes those unfortunate enough to have mechanical trouble with their car. Note that all makes of cars including non-hybrids can have problems. Any time you buy any car you must acknowledge this fact; hybrids are no exception. Both Honda and Toyota have well-earned reputations for quality vehicles, meaning there are relatively few consumers in this category.

The second group includes people who expected too much from their hybrid. They are folks who are not happy because their car does not get the mileage they expected from the EPA ratings.

First of all, do you know what your current non-hybrid car or truck's EPA rating is? Do you have an idea how it is doing compared to the EPA estimates? If your current vehicle does not get what the EPA rates it at, it is likely that your hybrid will not either. This is mostly due to the difference between the way the EPA tests vehicles and your actual driving conditions. The EPA tests have not changed since the speed limit was 55 mph many years ago. This, combined with the fact that the EPA does not run air conditioning during theirs tests, tends to make the EPA mileage estimates relatively high for any car.

The way you drive has the biggest impact on the mileage you get compared to the EPA estimates. There are a couple of things that impact your mileage in a bad way and will almost certainly keep you from hitting the EPA numbers.

Driving faster than 55 mph is a sure way to kill fuel economy. It takes almost twice as much power to drive at 70 miles per hour as it does to drive at 50. Stop-and-go traffic may hurt your mileage, as well. If you do a lot of city driving, it is likely that you will not get the kind of mileage that EPA numbers suggest.

Short trips are also troublesome. Cars do not get their best mileage until after they've warm up. If you make mostly short trips, your mileage will suffer. In fact, if you only drive a mile or two to work, you are probably not using enough gas to make a hybrid worth the premium cost - if your only intention is to save money, that is.

Bad weather is another criteria that can kill your mileage. Rain is bad, as is extremely hot or cold temperatures. Running the AC in the heat takes power away from the engine or battery. A car being too cold is no better, as when a car is cold all the grease and oil is stiffer, creating extra friction. Additionally, the engine is not as efficient.

Please analyze your driving style and local conditions so you're realistic about what to expect from your hybrid. Have a look at the database here at GreenHybrid and see just how well some people are doing. Notice that every hybrid has more cars below the EPA estimates than above. The reason for this is mostly due to the EPA's outdated testing methods for all vehicles, not a "hybrid conspiracy." Non-hybrids have the same issues.

Most of us love our hybrids, and chances are you will love yours. Hybrids make it fun to play the mileage game. Their fuel economy displays encourage you to do better; you almost can't help but get better mileage the longer you own the car. Join in on the fun and save some gas money while you are at it! Just don't have unrealistic expectations. Enjoy!