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 21 through 30 of 157.00-
Rare Problem - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Cruzian - June 12 - 10:46 pmComfortable to drive, and build quality seems decent overall. So far 48 days in the shop with a head gasket leak. Actually, the factory FORGOT TO INSTALL THE REAR HEAD GASKET so it was a compression leak, but a tiny leak only when hot. I wish the dealer had pulled the heads first instead of trying everything else first. Well see how well it does with a properly assembled engine.
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Versatile and reliable - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Bryan Rauworth - December 7 - 3:17 am -
SRS Issues Following OCS Recall Fix - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
By donmou - November 2 - 10:38 pmThe vehicle was serviced June 2013 for the following recalls: SRS PODS and Stop Lamp Switch Replacement. After the recalibration of the SRS PODS system, the Airbag (AIR) warning lamp in the dashboard remained on. The front seat belt tensioner was replaced free of charge, but 9 months later the AIR light came on again and the entire seat needs to be replaced at a cost of $2400 plus tax and labor. I never had any problems with the SRS system until after the recallibration of the SRS PODS system. Prior to this, the transmission and Hydraulic Brake Control Unit were replaced in 2009. The noise thought to be the transmission (prob. valves) went away around 50,000 miles.
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Hated It - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
By elawhy - October 13 - 6:20 amTraded a 2005 4WD Santa Fe which I loved. The minute I drove this car off the lot, I could not stand the ride. Overly felt every road bump. The entire driving experience was nerve wracking. Felt a vibration through my hands on the steering wheel, my foot and up my leg from the gas pedal and in my seat. Drive 20 miles to work and arrived so nerved up because of this. Dealership maintains this is normal. Traded it after 4 days for a 2009 Sonata. Too Bad !!!
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BAD fuel economy - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Ron - September 3 - 1:56 pmWe have had this suv for about 9 months. We had been promised that it would get about 24 mpg on the highway, NOT. If we drive it like a little old lady, it only gets 18. If you are looking to save a few bucks on gas, do not buy a Santa Fe!!!! The car itself seems well built and the kids like the reclining back seats. (One of the reasons we bought the car). I am 6 2" and the driver seat could go back a little more. NOT A BAD CAR, JUST BAD MPG!!!!!! Hyundai should be made to pull the ads about mileage.
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Two Years and Still Happy - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Laura - June 5 - 10:00 amWeve had this vehicle for almost two years now (48,000 KM) and still love it. It looks great and weve had zero service issues with it thus far. The only two small issues that we have with it would be the not-too-great gas mileage and a bizarre helicopter type sound in the car if one rear window is open when there are no others open - strange problem, but we quickly learned not to do that! We are still very happy with the vehicle and have since recommended it to others who have also bought a Santa Fe!
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Biggest mistake I ever made - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
By roxie - April 15 - 9:50 pmI purchased the limited AWD, tried out all sorts of SUV. Warranty was part of the decision factor. For a 30,000 auto, you would think they would have put the lights to stay on after you turn off your key. Nope not there ( I was told it did but no it does not) Does not auto lock the doors after you reach the 12 or 15 miles an hour like most cars do. After reading the manual I find out that when you lock in AWD it turns off at 19 miles an hour. I could not believe it so I call Hyundai and they told me yes that it does. So what is the point in having AWD? I have had it 5 days now and ready to trade it in. Rides good except the back seat vibrates more than it should.
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Possible Hyundai Convert - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
By PapayaMoo - October 10 - 1:33 amThe 08 Santa Fe is one fun car to drive. It feels light and responsive and the acceleration is very good. The novelty of the blue dashboard light wears off for me fairly quickly but everything is well lite and functions appropriately.
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First time SUV owner - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
By new oner - September 14 - 2:20 amThis SUV is not perfect, but its 4 to 10 thousand less than the Rav4, Highlander and Pilot. Not as powerful as the Rav4, but on par with all of them. Ive got the SE 3.3 V6 and Ive been averaging about 21 MPG in stop and go commuting. 5 issues that Ive noticed so far. 1) Only lowing the rear windows sometimes causes a percussive booming against the back window. 2) No aux input or easy way to connect MP3 player to stock stereo. 3) Manual lumbar and height adjustment are worthless. 4) Seat Height adjustment lever is right where I place my behind when I get in. This might break over time. 5) Front window sill where the wipers park will fill with snow. Overall, these are small issues.
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Comfortable Vehicle, Underpowered 2.7 V6 - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
By skoob38 - August 17 - 10:00 pmHave had vehicle for almost a year and have 13,500 miles on it. I get compliments on the vehicles look and comfort from almost everyone who rides in it. Very quiet vehicle on the road. Love the blue lights at night. Only issue so far was buzzing noise underneath, which turned out to be a heat shield near the muffler. Happened again a few months later. I just got under the vehicle and bent the shield away from the muffler, which fixed the issue. Not sure how it happened again! Maybe snow underneath pushing on it? Biggest complaint is the power of the 2.7 V6. I should have got the larger engine. Feels pushed every time I drive it. I avg. only 17MPG. Not good. Never get 23 on HWY.
