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 1 through 10 of 157.00

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  OK car, bad choice for me - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Ricardo Ho - January 25 - 4:46 pm

  I bought an AWD Limited Santa Fe a year ago.It is an okay car. Some squeak and rattles, but I never had any mechanical failure. The sound is relatively good. Initially, it drives ok. I later found the the front seats were too high and very uncomfortable. It takes me a month to find that out and I develop a serious lower back pain that affects my sleep. The leather used in Santa Fe does not last. I decide to change car to ease my lower back pain. Most dealer were only willing to trade it for 1/3 of the price I paid. I end up give Hyundai another try since they gave highest trade in value. I still lost half of my investment.

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  Rear seat rattle - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Nighthawk50 - October 21 - 12:53 pm

  My Sante Fe is now 14 month old. Four time, I have asked the dealer to fix a rattle in the right rear seat back. They have never accomplished a fix. They even replaced the latching mechanism. The fourth request to fix, after driving 70 miles round trip and waiting 2 hours again, including an oil change, I was told that the seatback rattle is NORMAL in an SUV. I contacted Hyundai customer service and was told, in broken English, the same cock-and-bill story that it is normal for an adjustable seat back to rattle. I told them thats bull, that family and friends have other make SUVs that dont have seatback rattles and Ill never buy or recommend a Hyundai to anyone if thats their response.

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  Out of round tires - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Nighthawk50 - September 12 - 3:36 am

  Upon delivery in Sept 2008, my 2008 Sante Fe had a very obvious shimmy on the highway. After failed attempts to remedy the defect by the dealer, I was sent to a Nissan sister dealer, where they determined that the Bridgestone tires were out of round. The selling dealer then exchanged all tires with tires from another new Sante Fe and the problem was solved after much time wasted by me. In my judgment, the car should not have been delivered to me with a shimmy which was noticeable. Dont they test drive cars before delivery to the customer? I cannot address an unresolved rattle here due to restricted space for this comment. Will submit another review for that.

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  Definitely NOT worth $30,000 - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Stacy V - February 4 - 9:16 pm

  I chose my brand new Santa Fe over a used Lexis with 15K miles. WORST mistake ever. Just a months after owning it I had to have the carpet replaced twice and bumper repainted because paint was peeling off. Now after 20K miles the dash is peeling and the leather seats have rubbed down to nothing leaving a rip in the driver seat. Im 54", weigh 120lbs but they say its not covered under warranty because Im not entering my car the right way. The latches on the third row seat broke and had to be replaced. Im scared what the value is going to be if I decide not to keep it.

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  Not recommended - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By JMJ - December 21 - 6:06 pm

  Very disappointed in this car. I loved driving it in the beginning, but Ive had to bring it in for service at least 5+ times since buying it for "check engine" light coming on. Car has also died on me twice. These issues should not be happening when a car is brand new. Dealership always tells me they cant find anything wrong with it. Even told them that I dont feel safe driving the car, and all they could respond with was "Well, you have roadside assistance available." (Not exactly the most comforting thing to hear). The dealership is now wanting to buy the car back due to their shortage of 2008 pre-owned Santa Fe vehicles. I am MORE than willing to sell it back to them!!

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  Bad Rack and Pinion - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Anthony Lupo - February 4 - 5:33 pm

  Had to replace rack and pinion three times. Also, inside door liners, had to replace rubber twice. For all those who own this vehicle, make sure you have the rack and pinion checked. If the steering wheel doesnt stay straight once its aligned, it could be your rack and pinion.