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 11 through 20 of 193.00

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  best buy - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By jim - June 28 - 6:13 pm

  when gas got so hugh i started looking trade a 2003 ford explore sport trac.hyundai was my first and only place i went i test drove it and feel in love with it.i,ve had only one problem and it was my doing loose gas cap.i love it. i,ve seen the new santa fa and can,t wait till jan so i can buy the new one its great.

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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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  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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  Hyundai Santa Fe - an great buy - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By twludlow - September 28 - 7:16 pm

  Except for fuel economy the Hyundai Santa Fe is a best buy. Ive only driven it a bit over 1,000 miles but thats enough to know that this a fine handling SUV that, fully equipped, is as well appointed and comfortable as the BMW I owned previously. The fuel economy isnt as advertised however. The literature promises 16/17 in town and 22/23 on the highway. Sorry to say that is way off reality. Im getting more like 16. The dealer is ready to check it for necessary adjustments, so hopefully that will improve the situation. If so, Ill be a Hyundai fan for life.

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  The Sante Fe - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By bostnbruins - September 14 - 2:51 pm

  The 2.7 liter V-6 is underpowered, and not good for towing at all. This suv revs high when you want to accelerate quickly, like out of a toll both for example. The interior is compact and not roomy for taller people at all. And I am 57". The seats do not go back far enough for the driver and passenger....thats the Biggest complaint. The seats are very uncomfortable as well. Limited rear storage area. I had a 05 Chevy Silverado before the Sante Fe, I switched thinking our kids would have more room...big mistake. I live in snow country, and this is by far the worst vehicle I have ever driven in the snow. Who ever says 4x4 and all-wheel drive are the same are sadly mistaken. By American.

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  love it - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By kerry holmes - May 28 - 12:30 am

  love it ride good. I find my self speeding because it ride so smooth comepare to my suv.this is my wife car. my girl wamts ot to go to college in it not her honda. no way she wil get it.like the intero setup good ac.seats up high so you can see the road.lots of room in back for things. will buy me one on my next car