Overview & Reviews

The 3.5-liter V6 is now standard on all LX models and optional for the GLS.

• Reasonable price, strong warranty, roomy interior, long list of standard features, solid construction, good crash test scores.

• Underpowered with base engine, soft suspension limits handling ability.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 440.00

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  Best SUV for the Money - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By DonP - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I researched all the available SUVs that I could get for less than $30k. The Santa Fe is a solid car with many features that I like. So far no major problems at 17,000 miles. I did have to have it into the dealer FOUR times for emission problems. RV mirror came loose, and rear window defroster does not work. LIKE: Good power, solid handling, many features such as heated seats, sun roof. DISLIKE: Door arm rest are hard as a rock and very uncomfortable. Why? Horizontal buttons on the console are too easy to push accidentally - very irritating. Rear seats do not fold down flat, reducing utility.

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  Transmission Design Error - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By TraniLeak - August 24 - 10:00 am

  When my husband decided to purchase this vehicle I was a little scepticle. We have had nothing but transmission leaking from this new car. As soon as I saw it I took it to the dealer and they stated there was no leak. So the very next day, the leak appeared and it got worse and worse. So now we are back at the dealership for the third time. I found out from reliable sources that there is a design flaw but I know no one is going to fess up to a flaw. I am very disappointed. Signed, Still Leaking with pictures and all.

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  problems - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By rockyfour - April 28 - 2:00 am

  i bought the suv in nov and when i bought it the rear winshield wouldnt stop working it was moving but wiper was off, ive been to the dealer numerous times but they cant fix it, so now i bought a 27,000 vehical,that i cant even use a winshield wiper, and to top it off both of the front winshield wipers and broke , the passenger side when it was snowing and the driver side when it was raining. (not fun driving home in the rian with no winshield wipers)

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  Problems with Blower Control Knob - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Chris K - January 21 - 7:30 pm

  I actually like my 2004 Santa Fe which I purchased new back in May of 2004. I have a problem that I cannot resolve. Each year I have a problem with my blower control knob. The blower starts to run only on one level and eventually stops altogether. It has cost me several hundred dollars each time I have had this fixed only to be back in the same situation the next year. Right now I have been only able to use my heat or A/C on high because it wont work on any other level. Thanks, TOO HOT OR TOO COLD

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  Nine years and 150,000 miles later..... - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By cshaw22 - April 2 - 6:16 pm

  I bought my Santa Fe new in 2004. After 150,000 miles, it has spent more time broken than any car I have ever owned. Since new we have replaced the crank sensor 6 times, the throw-out bearing grenaded taking the clutch with it, the radiator disintegrated, the cat converter burned out, the power steering pump shaft broke, etc,etc. The tranny has been solid as many times I was able to restart by downshifting and popping the clutch which made the tranny scream but got me to the house. I bought an extended warranty which paid for itself many times over. It rides and drives great but breaks down too often. No longer my daily driver, but still my beater as it hauls a lot of stuff, when it runs.

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  5 speed Transmission - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By HC - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Im less than impressed with the shifting, especially from 1st gear to second. It is not precise and hesitates before shifting. Dealer said this is normal for this car.

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  Santa fe - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Jumping bean - December 26 - 10:00 am

  My santa fe has major transmission problems! I have already had the transmission replaced and will probably have to have it done again. Whenever it shifts, it bucks and isnt happy. When going from reverse to drive it has a very lengthy delay. My vehicle also makes a thump noise in the rear when backing up sound like a brake letting loose. While I like the look of the vehicle, I am not happy. The factory as well as the dealer says this if normal, I say this is crap.

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  Poor gas Mileage - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Olivarr - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Car does not perform as expected.

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  Transmission Problems - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By mmh3 - November 25 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our 2004 SF 3.5L GLS 4wd in April,2004 in Nevada from Planet Hyundai. With 1200 miles on it, we had to have the transmission replaced. Stevens Creek Auto Imports (An authorized dealer in San Jose, Ca.) had our vehicle for testing and seal replacement prior to putting in the new transmission. There is now a difference in the way the car drives. It used to have a big surge upon the initial acceleration (like a burst of power), but no longer. The freeway acceleration seems to have also diminished. The verdict is still out on the vehicle because we just got it back from the dealership.

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  faulty engine - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By faulty one - June 20 - 11:40 am

  I like the car and it is good for road trips. lots of room and standard features. Thats a plus. I had the engine replaced at 13,000 miles and thats after not doing anything about it because the dealer kept telling me there was nothing wrong, but the car was shaking a lot. Now I have 22,000 miles and its doing the same thing.