Overview & Reviews

The base trim level has been dropped. The 2.7-liter V6 is now standard (the LX still gets the 3.5-liter V6), as is an automatic transmission. Also newly standard this year are four-wheel antilock brakes and traction control. Exterior changes include a new grille surround, side cladding, taillamps, tailgate handle, rear bumper design and alloy wheels. Inside, there is new seat fabric, an upgraded two-tone color scheme and a revised instrument cluster. A power driver seat is now standard on the LX, and a compass is included with the optional sunroof.

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

• Thirsty at the pump for a small car-based SUV, soft suspension limits handling ability.

User Reviews:

Showing 41 through 50 of 193.00

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  long distance towing - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By gonewest - May 4 - 3:03 pm

  Im 2500 miles into a cross-country trip towing 2000+ (trailer & contents combined). Im averaging 15 mpg, which is well within my acceptable range, given the circumstances. Even while towing across some of the worst roads I have ever been on, the handling has been great, and it has enough power to keep in the traffic flow in places like Dallas & Phoenix at quitting time. Got caught in Hurricane Dennis, and the ABS/TRS was a blessing. Also caught 60 mph winds in Arizona yesterday and DIDNT feel like I was out of control. That was a major surprise for me. Im a 4 time Hyundai buyer. My first was an 86 Excel that had over 400,000 mi when I traded it in. Other 2 got wrecked :(

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  Pauls review - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Paul Mrozek - May 2 - 1:43 am

  The styling is stand out, very unique!I love the all wheel drive. Power is adequate, but, It could use a little more. I know a larger V-6 is available, but, Im not willing to get less mileage.

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  Great, no hassle, reliable quality car! - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By boisegal - April 22 - 4:50 am

  Ive owned my car since purchase, over five years now and never one problem! Its very reliable, works great for hauling around family, stuff, and friends. Still looks good, and cleans up nicely. I was in an accident three years ago, had front-end rebuilt. And still, never one problem before or after. These are great quality vehicles.

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  I LOVE my Santa Fe! - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By davis - April 18 - 7:46 am

  We bought our car about 5 months ago and have done quite a bit of light off-roading in it and it handles great, and though weve probably asked for it a few times, it hasnt left us stranded. Performs like a champ in poor conditions and I think it is an extremely comfortable ride. Not so fond of the engine rumble between 60-70 mph, but Im assuming that has something to do with either the AWD or the miles on the vehicle. Only problem weve had with it thus far is the accelerator sensor which we replaced for a relatively reasonable cost (and frankly, the same thing went out on our Kia which is two years newer the same week). Its a sexy cute little suv and reliable too :)

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  Another Look - 6 Mos later - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Bob - April 6 - 4:23 am

  This is a followup to the original review done shortly after purchase. I continue to like the peppy engine and comfort, but a major weakness has been the construction, I have never owned a vehicle that dents so easy, sheet metal as soft as soup cans. The vehicle is garaged, does not go to work with me, and is parked away from other cars. I have paid out over $200 in dent removal, with my next move to see the Hyundai rep. It has been very disappointing - and only has 3000 miles!

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  Best SUV for the money - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By MICHAELT - March 21 - 6:00 am

  LOVE THIS VEHICLE!!! What a value, smooth handling like a car with plenty of room. 2nd Hyundai in a row, had a Sonata. May never go back to another brand, definitely not an American mad car.

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  problems with throttle sensor - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By liza - March 5 - 11:10 pm

  I have had the car for approx 3 years now. At about the 42,000 mile mark the car developed a problem. While driving the car the rpm suddenly started revving up and dropping back down. The car lunges forward on its own, then jerks backward. It lunges back and forth as you drive. Wasnt able to make it home. Had the car towed. Dealer said it was the throttle sensor. Fixed it. The car worked for 3 months then developed the same problem. Had it towed again. Same problem. This happened again 3 months later. Im actually starting to fear driving this car. If Im on the highway when this happens I could get killed. Im considering getting rid of the car and getting something else.

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  Hyundai Santa Fe 3.5 L GLS AWD - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Dave - February 21 - 9:16 am

  This has been a good vehicle since buying used. Great interior layout and features for the price. Gas consumption and braking could be better. No problems so far. Would recommend this vehicle to anyone wanting a good comfortable SUV.

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  Nice surprise - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By jacukel - February 10 - 10:16 am

  Never owned a Korean vehicle before— had the same skepticism others have. Was given one at a car rental place in Phoenix this spring. I was incredibly surprised by how solid the vehicle was, the performance and the nice little extras throughout the car. Shopped Jeep, Ford and Chevy before going with the Santa Fe— the dealer also bent over backward to make me a deal. I love the stereo, the seats (even without power adjustment), car really zips around— and like I said, nice little extras (cargo net, full-size spare, cargo cover, child seat anchors, 3 DC outlets, traction control). Negatives? Funky exterior styling, a lot of lean in hard turns. Beyond that, not much.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By adavis - January 31 - 9:16 am

  I love my Santa Fe. I have been looking at them for a while and thought I would like one and went to the dealership and they had a preowned one fully loaded. It has everything I have never had. It has alot of room. I like sitting up off the ground rather then on the ground in a regular car. I will probably not go back to a regular care after having a SUV. The price was great for all the features. I probably would have spent well of $23 for all the features this has. I have been very satisfied.