I agree that 18mph does sound much lower than average - for a new car. Wasn't it just 3 years or so ago when the car industry had their hands slapped for advertising much higher gas mileage for many of their models than anyone with average driving habits could hope to attain?

My last three cars got >30mph, and it tends to be higher in the summer as I do more highway driving.

I am happy with my move from the Lancer to the Soul. Still a foreign car, but the Soul gets slightly better mileage, I sit up higher so I don't feel lost in a forest of SUVs around me at the lights, and it doesn't take up much of a parking space. For some odd reason it is considered a "small station wagon", but it works.

This year I hope to get a bit more comfortable with urban riding so that, perhaps, I can start riding for a little more than pleasure. Considering where I shop though I can't see my being able to do that by bike... I live 20 miles from work, and would like to attempt a commute at some point, we will see.