Overview & Reviews

One of Hyundai's longest-running nameplates, the Santa Fe is a car-based crossover SUV aimed at buyers seeking the elevated ride height and useful cargo area of a traditional utility vehicle in an easy-to-drive package. Modern versions of the Hyundai Santa Fe are midsize with three rows of seating, quality cabin furnishings and user-friendly tech features. Whether you're shopping for a new or used Santa Fe, value is a big part of its appeal. The standard equipment list is generous, as is Hyundai's warranty coverage.

Earlier versions of the Hyundai Santa Fe range from compact to midsize in dimensions and have seating for five passengers. The 2007 and later models are a big step up in styling, performance and interior space, and they're worth considering if you're shopping for a used midsize crossover. Hyundai has since subdivided the Santa Fe line into two models: the two-row Santa Fe Sport and the three-row Santa Fe. The latter is more luxurious than its predecessors, offering premium styling and plenty of power.

User Reviews:

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  A Great Deal - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Gabby123 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle by researching it on the internet. I didnt know a Hyundai from a Yugo. After comparing every small to midsized SUV on the market I surmised that this one presented the best value. It has performed flawlessly. People come up to me all the time in parking lots and whatnot and ask me what kind of vehicle it is. It looks like a Lexus SUV, but 15 grand less.

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  1+ Year Report - 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By RBENTRIDER - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Santa Fe about 15 months ago for my wife. We considered just about everything including the Lexus RX300 and decided this was the best value. So far we havent been disappointed. In 18,000 miles there has been only one mechanical failure and that was a crankshaft sensor. Two weeks later Hyundai issued a recall on crankshft sensors so it must be a common problem.

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  2002 Santa Fe - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By stingray - May 22 - 10:00 am

  We have only had it a week but no problems. It is solid, sound, quite and very comfortable. It could have more power but we have another vehicle for that. My wife uses it to got to school and we live on a mountain with a very curvy road. The shifttronic transmissoin is terrific. We have the wood grain option, it really looks and feesl great. It is just the roight size for my wife, but we will be driving it more than our other car or truck.

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  Best Little SUV in Florida - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By doninfla - May 22 - 10:00 am

  After looking at all the SUVs in this class the Santa Fe was by far the best looking and after test driving mine I took it home that night. Everyone that I have shown it to are impressed not only with the looks and ride but with how slidly it is built. I love to show everyone just well the doors and hatch shut with a sound and feel of a Lexus or other top of the line SUVs.

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  Thank you Hyundai! - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By candice - May 17 - 10:10 pm

  I have owned three Hyundai’s and I recently purchased an 07 Santa Fe Limited. On February 4, 2007 I wrote a negative review on this website and I am writing this as an update and amendment. Hyundai truly cares about their customers! After some determination I found a way to contact the right people within Hyundai corporate. They have rectified the situation to my satisfaction. They have also gone above and beyond the call of duty to make me fill like part of the Hyundai family. I went from being a very unhappy costumer to a loyal customer for life. Hyundai’s are very reliable and they rarely have problems but it is good to know that if something does arise, with a little determinat

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  2004 Base Santa Fe - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By SanDiegoRN - May 15 - 7:06 pm

  I bought the base, manual, without a lot of bells and whistles because I wanted a manual, not an automatic. My gas mileage is probably better because of this varying from 24-28 mpg depending on how much city driving I do. On trips hwy mileage can even approach 30 mpg. I had a problem with the check engine light for the first couple of years d/t accelerator sensor position problems, but o/w very reliable. Just had to have the crankshaft sensor (and accelerator sensor) replaced as it caused the vehicle to quit completely, but overall I am very, very happy with it. Scratches do tend to occur in parking lots. Very comfortable and I want to keep this till it stops running completely.

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  Owner with great satisfaction - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By rehargy - May 13 - 10:00 am

  A great vehicle to drive, comfortable seating both front and rear seats.Good handling and reliability to the nth degree.Great visibility in side mirrors and rear view mirror.

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  Still in love 2 years later - 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By linlin016 - May 9 - 8:59 pm

  I bought my 2013 Santa Fe Sport in August of 2012. I was the second person in Kentucky to own this model. Anyway, Ive hard my Santa Fe for nearly two years now and I still love it! I have taken my car to Florida on three trips (1400 miles round trip), I do a lot of driving in town, and take weekend trips in it. I havent had a single problem with my car and now have over 25,000 miles on the odometer. The interior still looks like new, the paint still looks new, and the cabin is extremely quiet, even at high rates of speed. If I had it to do over, I would definitely buy this Santa Fe Sport again.

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  Great Value - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By DM126 - May 4 - 1:16 pm

  My wife and I spent 2-3 months researching the purchase of a new vehicle to replace our worn-out Mazda MPV minivan. Final decision came down to the Santa Fe and Toyota Rav4.The Santa Fe won primarily on the greater "bang for our buck". The Santa Fe has more than adequate power. The ride is smooth and quiet. The interior is well thought out and comfortable. The exterior styling is attractive, but not "over-done". This vehicle is a pleasure to drive. I will have to see how reliability will be over time, but Hyundais great warranty helps with piece of mind in that area.

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  Dream Car - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Jess Portwood - April 30 - 2:56 am

  I have had many new cars over the years and this one is right at the top of the list. It is so much fun to drive, that I almost hate to arrive at my destination. The handling, quietness, & power are above expectations. Gas mileage is better than I expected averaging over 23. I do baby it though and a lot of it has been highway miles.