Overview & Reviews

One of Hyundai's longest-running nameplates, the Santa Fe is a car-based crossover SUV aimed at buyers seeking the elevated ride height and useful cargo area of a traditional utility vehicle in an easy-to-drive package. Modern versions of the Hyundai Santa Fe are midsize with three rows of seating, quality cabin furnishings and user-friendly tech features. Whether you're shopping for a new or used Santa Fe, value is a big part of its appeal. The standard equipment list is generous, as is Hyundai's warranty coverage.

Earlier versions of the Hyundai Santa Fe range from compact to midsize in dimensions and have seating for five passengers. The 2007 and later models are a big step up in styling, performance and interior space, and they're worth considering if you're shopping for a used midsize crossover. Hyundai has since subdivided the Santa Fe line into two models: the two-row Santa Fe Sport and the three-row Santa Fe. The latter is more luxurious than its predecessors, offering premium styling and plenty of power.

User Reviews:

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  Nothing but problems - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Tessa - June 3 - 1:30 pm

  We have had our 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe for seven years. In that time it has been a very costly car to maintain. Within the first two years we had two major fuel issues, the leather interior started to peel away in areas, a battery that didnt even make the 2 years before dying suddenly and tires that were done long before the warranty. The amount that we would have gotten on the pro-rate for the battery and tires was so minimal that we went outside of Hyundai to replace and got better warranties with longer life. Within the past year we had a low fuel sensor issue that I have come to learn is not uncommon for Hyundai products and a high ticket repair (over $800). Now its the rack and pinion steering (over $1400). Im sure that some owners are fortunate and dont have the lemon issues that we have had. We have a Honda that is 14 years old have never had these issues. Having to deal with so many issues I know that I will never purchase another Hyundai automobile. Considering the price that we paid for it, one would think that the quality would be better.

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  Do Not Buy This Car - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By N - March 14 - 3:06 pm

  I bought this car and two days later it needed an alignment. Two weeks later the drive shaft had a defective washers. About a 6 weeks later the engine mount broke. Not to mention the window molding falling off. And now it makes a noise everytime I pull into my driveway, I was told it was the ABS and that it just makes that noise. Save yourself time and money, shop for a different vehicle.

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  Electrical system - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Kevin Moran - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had serious issues with numerous sensors that make the vehicle impossible to inspect. According to the dealer there also appears to be a short in the air bag and they cant say for sure if it works. The dealer refuses to fix any of the electrical problems because it has 70,000 miles. As far as I am concerned the car is worthless.

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  A piece of garbage ! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Phil533 - January 10 - 3:10 am

  Save your money. Ive had this car for less than 4 years and Ive had the following problems : 1) Cruise control unit replaced. 2) Sunroof leaked 3 times. 3) Power steering pump replaced 4) Fuel sending unit replaced. 5) radio replaced. 6) Rear sway bar bushings replaced. 7) ABS pump replaced 8) Leaking transaxle This piece of junk has lousy resale value, has been in the shop more than its been on the road and the cost of preventative maintance is unbelievable. $500 for spark plugs ???? I have spent a fortune taking care of this car and it is the most unreliable vehicle I have ever owned.

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  piece of junk - 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By geologist26 - January 7 - 10:09 am

  the sante fe is one big piece of junk. I purchased it new GLS V6 AWD and have had several minor issues with it. The biggest being the AWD DOES NOT WORK! it has a ton of cheap parts inside and out and is just a bunch of junk overall. Me and my parents have owned mercedes, chevys, cadillacs, and fords and this vehicle is one of the worst! HYUNDAI DOES NOT TAKE PRIDE IN THEIR VEHICLES, no matter how good they might look.

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  Hyundai - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By mkrentzin - November 4 - 12:46 pm

  Engine light kept coming on. Returned to dealer 6 times. Dealer kept saying they found the problem. Within two weeks engine light came on again. Once would not start at all. Then the oil light started to come on and finally it started to heat up. All this with 22000 miles. Finally the dealer admitted they could not repair the car and they had problems with the four - cylindar engine.

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  I WILL NEVER BUY HYUNDAI AGAIN!!!!! - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By NEVER AGAIN!!!!!! - November 1 - 7:50 pm

  Having previously owned a 2003 Santa Fe, when the new 2007 came out I had to have one. It was the biggest mistake I have ever made. Hyundai Motor America has been completely uncooperative in regards to warranty issues. Hyundai may offer a great warranty but dont be fooled. I was sold a lemon! The car has been in the shop EIGHT times since we bought it nine months ago. The car had a faulty engine coil, misfiring in the 5th cylinder (4 times), entire fuel system malfunction, improperly installed computer software and finally two bad oxygen sensors. We are so fed up that we are now selling the 2003 because we just need to cut all ties with Hyundai. Buyer beware!

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  Hyundai Warranty and Brake Quality - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By John Got Beat - October 8 - 8:56 am

  I have a 2002 Santa Fe GlS with less than 30,000 miles and had to get 3 brake jobs and 4 new rotors for the SUV. Hyundai says it is the way I drive but my Toyota Highlander is driven more, gets better gas milage and pick up and has no issue with its brakes. Each change is $700 to $1200 dollars. Add that to the price of the car every 9,000 miles and see if you are happy. My engine is now sounding as if the lifters are going which they can not hear untill the warranty is over. My radio display is gone, Just missed warranty! Nothing was covered by the "warranty" which they tell you to read the fine print! GOODBY HYUNDAI AND WELCOME BACK TOYOTA!!!!!! AT LEAST THEY HAVE PROVEN QUALITY.

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  Unrealiable - 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Terhi Millard - June 1 - 2:16 am

  I bought this vehicle, in Apr 04, when it first came off lease; it had a total of 50K. In Dec I had the altinator replaced by my mechanic. I then had a problem with the vehicle stalling. It turned out that the coolant temperature sensor needed to be replaced, which ended up costing me $107 however, they did replace and reprogram two o2 sensors, since this problem was under recall. In Mar of 05, I again had a problem with the vehicle stalling. I had it towed to my mechanic for a price of $90. It turns out that the right wheel bearing needed replacing. The driver side wheel bearing has now been replaced 3 times. THere is also a burning rubber smell inside. Frustrated

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  Worst Suv Ever - 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By B-E-N-I-T-O - February 9 - 3:46 pm

  Well stating I have only had my Santa- fe for a few months now I must say I will never by another Hyundai ever again. The santa-fe is built cheap compared to other foreign models. The parts are extremely expensive. Parts are not high quality, transmission have many problems. Heated seat got so hot it burnt a hole in my drivers seat, center-console it very cheap plastic. Has left me stranded 3 times now and with a nice Wrecker bill also.