Overview & Reviews

Since the Santa Fe was redesigned recently, Hyundai's midsize crossover includes only minor changes for the 2009 model year. All Santa Fes now get standard iPod and USB inputs, plus upgraded stereos. Also, SE and Limited versions now get a towing prep package and roof rack cross rails as standard.

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

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

User Reviews:

Showing 51 through 60 of 88.00

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  DO NOT RECOMMEND - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Am - April 12 - 6:12 pm

  I have had this car for 2 years (first car Ive ever owned). About a month after I bought the car a vibration/shaking problem occured at about 15-20 mph. We have been to 7 different automotive places (including where we bought it from!!!) and NO ONE has been able to figure out the problem so Ive been stuck with the problem for about 2 years. Recently, (and Ive read other reviews about this) the fuel gauge is failing to tell me how much gas I actually have. Whenever I just had filled up at the gas station, the gauge stayed where I was before I had filled up. A new vibration/shaking has occured on the drivers side and only does it at certain points (weird, I know). However, I took it to walmart they said the left tire, it had been out of balance and it was fixed that day. The next day the same problem occured and I immediately took it somewhere I had gone before and of course when driving it they couldnt feel anything and the car didnt make any noise or feeling like it had been. They visually inspected it and found nothing wrong (I know that must sound crazy but I promise it REALLY happened). Selling this car ASAP. After reading these reviews, Im glad Im not the only one.

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  2.7 + 5 spd manual, a mistake - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By whoops - December 7 - 12:13 pm

  Purchased the 2.7 with 5 speed manual. This power train combination is very disappointing and should be avoided. Recommended shift points are at 15 mph. 25 mph. 35 mph. and 45mph (each of these coincide with very close to 3,000 rpm). Slower-than- expected acceleration from a stop is unnerving, with over-anxious drivers behind you. After 1200 mile break-in (not traveling above 55 mph)the drivetrain mismatch becomes evident, as you can only reach and maintain 65 mph by sustaining 3,000 rpm or higher in 5th gear! Slight hills challenge you to maintain speed, even with no load. I believe this car fails to meet the minimum performance requirements for safe driving on U.S. interstate highways.

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  09 Santa Fe SE - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Randy Miller - October 23 - 1:16 pm

  One month in - No gripes. Reviews about lag in trans depend on how you drive. Easy driving - no lag, Hard accel - initial lag at downshift with quick recovery. Firm ride but smooth. Good features for $$. Concern about warranty - saw something about only good at dealership where purchased, but havent confirmed. Compared to Toyota, Honda, Kia, Nissan before purchase and felt Hyundai was "best value". Dealer wasnt eager to lower price due to demand caused by $4clunkers, but still managed to get below TMV price. So far - so good. Features are nice & easy to use. Good layout. Seat slightly firm, but OK on first 300 mile road trip. Seems to be good value for the money.

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  Great car - initial review//more later - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By necostanzo - August 25 - 3:56 pm

  Bought this vehicle today after driving a Azera and Sonata. This vehicle was actually quieter on the highway than the Sonata and was almost as luxurious as the Azera. I am very happy with this vehicle. This is my initial review and I will update it as I drive the vehicle more....Only annoying issue so far is the blue lights on the dash, even when turned to full dim, they are still too bright. I dont care for the brightness of the lights.

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  Check out for better fuel economy - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By zonthemon - August 3 - 5:20 pm

  I have the base model with a manual trans. I think you get excellent value for the money. I get many comments on the styling and looks. As for the fuel economy I have found a pretty decent (15%+)increase when I have the Electronic Stability control (ESC) turned OFF.

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  2009 Santa FE for a BIG Man - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Dave S - August 3 - 3:53 pm

  I really like my Santa Fe however, I find the seat to not go back far enough. That said, the only vehicle that is comfortable for me is my Ford SuperDuty Truck. I stand 68". I do think they could have allowed the seat to go back just another 2". The vehicle is very well made and a joy to drive (except for my hurting knees). The mileage could be better. But I have found the odometer to be off by almost 10% LOW. Which means my mileage is probably 21 rather than the 19 shown on the computer. We only have 8K miles on it and there seems to be some clunking under the back end when going over rough road. Probably a loose shock. Havent taken it in yet to have the dealer look at it.

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  Love it, love it, love it! - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By C. Cook - June 30 - 11:46 am

  Great looking SUV and runs, drives and handles even better. Ride is a little firm on rough roads, but excellent on a good highway. The 3.3 V6 performs much better than the 2.7 with the same highway MPG rating. We LOVE the great looking beige premium cloth interior as well as the other upgrades that come with the SE package. The Limited package is nice, but we just dont like leather seats and one summer in Alabama will enlighten you as to why!

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  NOT RECOMMENDED - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By disappointed53 - June 13 - 5:41 am

  Ive had 2 santa fes, a 2007 and a 2009, both 2.7 v6 engines. the 2007 had numerous engine problems including breaking down on me 300 miles from home on a vacation trip; traded it in for an 09 and a year and a half later it developed a tapping sound in the engine and trying to get it serviced is like pulling teeth. this "rep" has to approve all engine replacement jobs but he apparently can check in whenever he feels like it. after numerous tries to get it fixed, including calling corporate office, my frustration made me trade it in for another brand..it is not worth the aggrevation.I will never buy a hyundai again...buyer beware!!!!!!

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  Good reliable vehicle - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Glenn - May 27 - 5:43 am

  2wd SUV good visibility. Comfortable and roomy easy to drive. Only negative is cruise control is poor not accurate doesnt hold speed well.

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  Great car for the price - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Martin - February 25 - 9:23 am

  Researched many different models before settling for Hyundai.I have had the car for two weeks now and have more than 1000 miles on it. It is very comfortable. Unlike my Honda Accord that I heard some rattling noise from the dash from day one, I have not noticed any noise or rattle.Fit and finish is on par with a lot more expensive cars in its class.I have become so impressed with Hyundai quality that I am considering another one for my wife. Great job Hyundai.