Hybrids are very application specific cars... good for stop and go driving, much else and a small diesel is better by a long shot.
Like any other vehicle, the actual MPG is determined by driver skill and driving profile.
When the magazines take their hybrids on high speed runs through mountain passes and deserts, of course theyll not get anywhere near the posted mileage. take them through DC traffic on a thursday afternoon and youve got another story.
Youll likely be able to reasonably extrapolate from the accord analog.
IMO, the camry from 02 is pretty good looking, and a 5 speed 4cyl setup is about as smart and economic in the true lifecycle sense, as you can get. Even though toota and honda resale values are absurdly stupid, youll still come out behind.
unless youre really itching to get the new style camry, stay with what youve got, IMO... eve if you want to change, dont discount the new 4cyl/MT setup (so long as they actually offer a MT in the new one?!?).
JMH