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 1 through 10 of 88.00

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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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  Ran out of gas !! - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Joseph Xavier Martin - January 1 - 4:44 pm

  Huyndai Santa Fe 2009 model has a faulty fuel indicator.Internet stories say 2007-2013 models share the problem also. How can you drive a car when you dont know if and when you will run out of gas? The USA Hundai and World Hyundai refuse to acknowledge the problem exists even though the internet is full of cases where the fuel gauge doesnt work. The fix is a $500 cost to the owner. Not fair. If a manufacturer wont guarantee that their product is reliable, customers would look elsewhere. We sure will when we buy our next car. Hyundai lists a corporate philosophy on their website. I didnt see anything there about throwing customers under the bus! Bad form !!

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  NOT SO GREAT AFTER ALL !!! - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By MAZZ - July 10 - 9:43 am

  Dont be fooled by the 10 warranty!!!! It b-- s---...... Dealers say " I cant duplicate the problem... Are you kidding me, I am in the car with the tech and he cant feel the vibration, noise, and twisting of the steering...I was floored. The ride is rough...And steering is light....I have 68k miles, and I am disappointed.... I need new tires after 40k miles (have firestones) now (not cheap tires). I have had nothing but issues - front suspension...

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  Paint Peels - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By stewpop - April 23 - 11:21 pm

  We bought this 2009 Santa Fe based on consumer Reports ratings and the fact that we got over 200,000 miles on the last Hyundai Sonata. We have over 90,000 miles on this one and it has been a good value except for 2 major points. One, the accelerator stuck in the idle position, which is the default instead of unintended acceleration. The other is the paint peeled off the hood and the roof right above the windshield. Even though it was only 2.5 years old, since it had 50,000 miles on it warranty did not cover it. $1600 paint job. The money we saved by buying Hyundai we really did not save. You get what you pay for...