Disclosed are DNA polymerases having increased reverse transcriptase efficiency, mismatch tolerance, extension rate and/or tolerance of RT and polymerase inhibitors relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the DNA polymerases.