My wife is driving her second hybrid (2011 Ford Escape) and loves it. Mileage is in the high 30 mpg range driving in traffic and about 32 mpg on the road. However, there are lots of non hybrid cars that get 30mpg+ mileage for less money. Neither of us would consider buying a car that gets less than 30 mpg.
I like the escape hybrid except for the fact you cannot tow anything with it. At least Ford tells you not to tow anything with it.
My 1999 olds cutlass (traded last summer) got 32-34 mpg on the highway.