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 41 through 50 of 157.00

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  Did you drive it? - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By BJB - August 6 - 5:43 pm

  I noticed on some reviews that there was great complaint about both the transmission and mileage on the 3.3L 5A equipped Santa Fes. As a recent purchaser of a Santa Fe I have to say, if you people did not test drive the vehicle shame on you. I for one have no complaints. The transmission does not "slip" it is shifting into overdrive before shifting into the next gear. And so far in mixed driving I am averaging 17.4 MPG. There are no filed issues with the DOT or any other agency on the Transmission in addition to no complaints with Consumers Reports. I have a feeling those of you who are complaining have a case of buyers remorse.

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  Great Experience - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Brian - July 30 - 1:30 pm

  After looking at the Honda Pilot, Pontiac Torrent, Chevrolet Equinox,I found the Santa Fe to have all they offered and more. Plenty of airbags, XM radio, 3.3L V6,large cabin, great fit and finish, but above all a dealer experience like no other. Nice people, no push to but and when they did not have the vehicle with the options I wanted, they went to another dealer and got it. Great car, great dealer, great experience.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Brandy - July 20 - 5:14 am

  I got this car in August of 2015. I traded in my old 2005 Chevy Aveo for something large enough for my growing family and this car was the first one I saw. So far, weve had no problems. The only thing I noticed was the little skip in the car if you start breaking for a red light. Im not entirely sure if its just because of an internal problem or if the breaks need a readjustment but I am in love with this car!!

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  Great SUV for the money - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Mike - July 12 - 7:20 pm

  The transmission shifts fine. Im getting 21 MPH highway during sea level driving, reduced some at elevation.

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  Very Good Vehicle For The Money - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Dick Smith - July 8 - 11:00 am

  We bought this 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe after a lot of looking at various SUVs. Our first choice was the Highlander, but they are very high priced. We ended up with the Santa Fe because it was a lot of vehicle for the money. About $5,000 cheaper than a comparable Highlander. We are very satisfied with it. It is a very nice vehicle in all aspects. We would highly recommend it to anyone.

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  Best SUV for your dollar - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By boxman_okc - July 4 - 7:25 pm

  IMO this is the best SUV you can get for the money, especially if buying used. The cargo capacity is outstanding, including generous under-floor storage, the ride is very quiet, the mileage is surprisingly good (no worse than my previous Honda CR-V - a much smaller and noisier vehicle). With the Santa Fe you get the feeling of a refined, almost luxurious vehicle but with a bargain pricetag.

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  Great car overall - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Kristin - June 15 - 1:16 pm

  Love my new Santa Fe - no transmission issues, great gas mileage (I read reviews here before buying and was concerned but Im getting consistently around 23 for combined driving. The only complaint I have is with the infinity sound system- I also have the high-pitched whine at lower volumes that others have alluded to. It gets very annoying and the dealer has replaced my entire system to no avail. They seem to think the amp is overpowered for the speakers and causing feedback. At high volume, the sound is great. Overall fun car and Im thrilled with the value.

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  Bad Transmission - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By steph - May 12 - 7:23 am

  I agree with all the other posters as there is a definite problem with this transmission design. It does not function properly when cold. It is absolutely stupid that Hyundai would put a vehicle on the market with this transmission design. They knew this problem existed and stuck the fools (like me) who decided to purchase it. Never again. I will never buy another Hyundai. This is not a trustworthy company.

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  Nice, but little issues.... - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By SteveH - April 25 - 7:40 pm

  Chose the Santa Fe over Rav4 for slightly larger size and cost savings. Initially I like the vehicle, but starting to find annoying issues. Items like the lackluster highway gas mileage (21-22 avg), flat audio from radio (or speakers), and unresolvable issue with car pulling to the right drive me nuts. Turn signal clicker too loud. The door ajar beeper is way too loud and annoying, and beeps at every little thing. The tiny foot rest to the left of the break pedal is too low and out of the way to use. Drivers seat is too high for taller drivers. The spring in the front sun visor causes it to pop forward and limit adjustment.

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  Hyundai got it right! - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By pmack - April 3 - 3:50 pm

  I researched this vehicle purchase for two months. It boiled down to the Santa Fe and Dodge Journey because of our current experiences with both Hyundai and Dodge vehicles. Did not like the looks of the smaller SUVs such as the CR-V, RAV-4, & Escape. Drove the Journey and was sorely disappointed. Hyundai had the big rebates at the time, so it was a no- brainer. Good choice! The car is easy to drive, view from the drivers seat is great, averaging 21 mpg for the first 1,000 miles. All those reports about the bad transmission - not evident! This is a well-made, very comfortable, and whisper-quiet vehicle. And you can hardly beat the warranty! Totally satisfied 2nd Hyundai owner!