I saw a very whiny story on NBC news the other night - complaining>> about cars not getting nearly the mileage their owners were led to>> believe by the EPA stickers. This always happens when gas prices go up>> and the media is complicit in the "blame the EPA for my lousy mileage">> mentality. There was NO MENTION of driving habits, maintenance or>> inflating tires properly.>>

They even had the nerve to criticize the EPA for neglecting to let the>> car idle in traffic for a while during the test. DUH... should you>> complain that your mileage won't be quite up to the estimate if you are>> NOT MOVING while your engine is running?>>

Assuming the tests are fair across manufacturers, I believe it's pretty>> easy to achieve the EPA numbers (at a minimum) in everyday driving if>> you drive conservatively and take care of your car. My 4-cyl 87 Camry>> was rated at 25/31 and I consistently made 27 or 28 mpg around town for>> the 15-1/2 years I owned it. It easily did 40 mpg or better on the>> highway at 65. My current 03 Matrix is also rated at 25/31 and I am>> consistently hitting 30 mpg in mostly suburban driving. It's not quite>> as good as the Camry on the highway (35 or so) but I also drive it>> faster.>>

Come on people, if you are myopic enough to buy gas guzzling cars, let>> the tires go flat and drive with a lead foot, then at least stop>> complaining... and please.... LEARN HOW TO DRIVE>>

Thanks for reading my little rant...>>