Furthermore! Why is it a "common complaint" that hybrids
don't return good highway mileage?
It's an oft-repeated misconception - a hybrid myth.
The 3 most efficient highway cars sold in the U.S. are hybrids! (Diesels round out slots 4 & 5 in a multi-vehicle tie.)
source:
Most and Least Fuel Efficient Cars
(* European members feel free to chime in here on the fact that, with 48 mpg (US) being the highest highway MPG in North America, we are shafted in terms of vehicle choices compared to you guys.)