If you’re thinking about buying a 2008 hybrid car or truck, make sure you’re not fooled into thinking that “hybrid” automatically means more fuel efficiency. It’s not enough that your hybrid car or truck emits fewer emissions, it also has to be fuel efficient or you’re not helping the environment as much as you think. And, since you’ll be paying more for a hybrid and gas is over $3 a gallon, that’s an important consideration.

American automakers often focus too much on performance at the expense of fuel efficiency. As an example, the 2008 Toyota Prius gets up to 48 mpg and emits 4 tons per year of carbon dioxide, while the Chevy Tahoe gets a total of 20 mpg and emits 9.2 tons of carbon dioxide per year. What a difference! Particularly for people who are considering buying a hybrid for environmental reasons.

When considering buying a 2008 hybrid car, remember to take several things into consideration.

One factor is that they tend to be more expensive, but don’t necessarily hold their resale value. It depends on the model. If you’re buying a hybrid, don’t plan on paying the difference in price for fuel savings.

Another is that your favorite mechanic may not be able to work on hybrids, beyond the basics like oil changes, forcing you to have to use a dealership, which also tends to be more expensive.

Also be clear about what you want from a hybrid car. Smaller hybrids get much better mileage than larger vehicles. Bigger hybrids get better acceleration, but at the cost of mileage. Also, consider how you plan to use your hybrid…long drives, trips across town, hauling things…all of these must be considered to determine which hybrid car is best for you and your family.

Definitely be sure to read the reviews of the various 2008 hybrid cars that interest you. Consumer Reports is obviously an excellent resource, as is Car and Driver (caranddriver.com). And, when possible, check out owner reviews as well.

For example, the Car and Driver editors’ rating for the 2008 Honda Civic hybrid was 7/10. However, users rated it 9/10, with the only complaint from owner reviews being road noise. This type of review, combined with those from the pros, can help you decide which 2008 hybrid car is best for you.