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They got the major points right... (http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/tires-auto-parts/car-maintenance/get-the-most-mileage-for-your-fuel-dollars-406/index.htm)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Gasoline_Prices_3_09.jpgConsumer Reports – Dec 2007

How you drive your vehicle can have a big impact on fuel economy. That's the key finding of recent real-world fuel-economy tests performed by Consumer Reports' auto engineers. On the highway, driving smoothly and steadily and not carrying items on top of the vehicle are two of the most significant factors. In slower, city-driving conditions, driving with the engine warmed up and driving nonaggressively made the greatest difference.

We conducted a series of tests on two vehicles: a Toyota Camry sedan with a four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission and a V8-powered Mercury Mountaineer midsize SUV. We tested the effects of driving aggressively; carrying a car-top storage box; driving at faster and slower speeds on the highway; and driving with a cold engine, underinflated tires, a dirty air cleaner, and with the air conditioning running. Our results show you how to get the most for your fuel dollar.

Of course, the biggest factor in fuel economy is the vehicle. Even when we simultaneously committed a number of fuel-economy faux pas in the Camry, it still got better fuel economy than the Mountaineer did at its best. ConsumerReports.org subscribers can see the models we've tested that have provided the best and worst fuel economy in their classes…http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/tires-auto-parts/car-maintenance/get-the-most-mileage-for-your-fuel-dollars-406/index.htm

Seem like they also got some minor things wrong - at least to me.

Tire inflation - they said was only a minor effect, but that was comparing dealer recommended pressure to 10psi lower FE. They should have seen a bigger effect on FE if they also tested 10psi above standard. Also, wonder what speed they were comparing it FE at.

AC use - I am suprised they did not see any effect, even on the "30-40mpg" Camry. AC probably not impacting FE much if you are already driving 75mph though. AC sure does knock down my HCH2 FE - but thats at 55-60mph.

Dirty air filter - seems like they missed the point. They didnt see any FE increase with clean filter, but they stated that the vehicle seemed to have "more power" when accelerating - jeez - wonder if they accelerated faster with the clean filter...?

Great to see them show how slowing down helps. The Camry got 33% better (40 vs 30) slowing 75 to 55mph as did the Mountaineer (24 vs 18)

Because air conditioning can help keep you comfortable and alert and because most modern cars use it to keep windows defrosted, we suggest that the small trade-off in fuel economy for increased safety is worthwhile.

In other words "we haven't driven a car that doesn't have AC for years." Personally, I've observed that people are more alert when they are a bit uncomfortable. My windows defrost/defog just fine unless I have a wet dog in the vehicle with me--and then a paper towel works fine. A/C is just another comfort/convenience item, not really a safety item unless heat stroke/exhaustion is at issue. Dumbest thing I've read in, um, days (not longer because people keep bringing up Art Spinella. ;))

It may vary from person to person. When I used to take long trips, I found that AC definitely kept me more alert and focused on the road. No difference on my daily commute so I rarely use it there, and on recent longer trips I have not been using it except on sweltering summer days, and then I pulse it.