Overview & Reviews

The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe receives minor changes. The Limited trim pads its standard equipment roster with the high-power Infinity Logic 7 CD changer audio system and a sunroof, while SE models now include standard premium seat cloth.

• Well-designed cabin, impressive standard safety features and crash test scores, competitive price, lengthy warranty, optional third-row seat.

• Excessively firm ride on SE and Limited models, lackluster automatic transmission, disappointing driving dynamics.

User Reviews:

Showing 101 through 110 of 157.00

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  2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Car review - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By santa fe - June 20 - 9:36 pm

  I have only had the car for 30 days thus I need more time to see how things work in the long term. I am very impressed with the ride and the handling of the car thus far. I have only driven around town but seem to be getting 22 MPG in town. I am much impressed with the car so far. The radio and Infinity sound system are the best part of the car. I have had many compliments on the car in general from other people.

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  Excellent Value - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By scojay - June 11 - 11:26 am

  After 1000 miles I am still impressed with this SUV. It has a car-like feel with a hint of luxury. Quick when it needs to be, corners well and has sleek curves. I paid $22,900 which represents an excellent value for the features and ride.

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  Great Family Hauler - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Anthony Edu - June 11 - 3:37 am

  Owned the car brand new for about 7 years now and so far it has been good to us. A few recalls were taken care of warranty but one major repair expense outside of warranty was the rack and pinion ($1k/incld labor) since it was leaking heavily from the passenger side. Also, there are traces of oil leaking from the head valve gaskets after 90k. Regular oil maintenance for both engine and transmission have been done religiously according to recommended intervals. Im expecting to pay another $1k @100k for spark plug and valve cover gasket replacement work. It seems that these cars were designed to crap out after warranty and when youre done paying off the loan...SMH

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  First Hyundai Experience - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Tiana - May 29 - 4:20 pm

  My first time riding in the Santa Fe was actually in a rental.. Id never looked at Hyundai before but my experience was so nice I ended up purchasing one. It offers an extremely smooth ride, really comfortable, fun and peppy drive, and the console is very stylish!

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  Best SUV for the $, but opp. for improve - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By First Timer - April 30 - 10:00 pm

  I spent 40+ hours researching many SUVs and drove several as well (used MDX, X5, X3, RX330, new Outlander, new CRV, new Rogue, new Escape). For the money, this is simply the best value and best looking. Drives like a car, very quiet ride (almost as good as my Toyota Sequoia). I can relate to the hesitation between 1st and 2nd gears now that Ive had for a few weeks. Not as bad as previous reviews, but worth noting, particularly if you are being a "conservative" driver to save gas, which by the way, does not come close to the sticker estimate. We have yet to get to 20 MPG, even on the highway. Thats been the biggest disappointment. Overall, very pleased so far.

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  terrific - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By happycustomer - January 28 - 9:20 am

  I only purchased my Santa Fe 2 weeks ago but so far i love it. It is very comfortable. I cant wait to take it on a trip. It is very stylish and all my neighbors are complimenting me. I will write again after I have the car longer. I did a lot of research before I purchased and found that it was the most car for the money in its class. I dont understand why all the manufacturers are selling cars with roof racks but no cross rails.

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  TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By derrick - January 19 - 8:43 am

  The transmission stinks... period. Going from first to second gear is whatever you want to call it, a slip, hesitation, pause, delay but it is not normal and Hyundai knows about and continues to put a vehicle on the market with this transmission. It ruins the entire driving experience because when its cold, the hesitation is horrible from first to second gear and continues, at a milder rate, even when its warms up. Shame on you Hyundai this is a lemon law issue.

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  Pleased with this vehicle - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By postoak - December 12 - 9:33 am

  First, mileage. I get about 24 on my daily commute, 16 strictly city, on cruise-control: 25.5 at 75mph, and 33 (!) at 60mph. Acceleration is more than adequate. If you really punch it you get torque- steer, but it isnt necessary to punch it. Its been trouble-free the first year/21,000 miles. The automatic climate system is MUCH better than the one in my Mercedes and the temperature readout much more accurate than my Mercedes.

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  Best in its class Great Value for money - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Suresh A - November 24 - 11:20 pm

  I was driving a Hyundai Tucson, I drove it for 3 yrs and around 50000 miles I did not face a single problem, I was happy with it. I trade in my Tucson and went for Santa Fe for a bigger vehicle. I was surprised to see the features and MPG for such a big vehicle. I test drove Toyota Highlander, Toyota RAV4 but the drive in Santa Fe is awesome and a great product for great price. I got around 26 MPG on highway with 70 MPH and around 18-19 in the city. My car is limited with GPS and 3rd row seating. Dealer gave me a very good price of 25250 what else you need. Very calm cabin, excellent control on the road with excellent safety features it took my heart. I am so happy with my purchase.

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  The best suv I have owned - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By SANTAFE08 - November 24 - 10:00 pm

  This is the best suv I have ever owned, coming out of a lease of a denali which sucked gas I have never been so happy, it first started when my mother purchased a 2008 sonata limited and I thought Hyundai mom why did you purchase a sonata and she replied it drove better then the competition and I have to say it does down to the options Hyundai offers, well I am spoiled and I have to have every option so I purchased a 2008 Santa Fe limited with navigation and bluetooth and every option you can get including every accessory down to the wheel locks, mud guards tubes and the cross rails front bra and cargo tray etc, I love this vehicle so much I would definately repurchase again way to go!