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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  Excellent value - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By UMDFAN - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Have had the Santa Fe for 2 months...no problems at all.

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  More than I expected for what I paid - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By panoguy - July 13 - 10:10 pm

  First looked at CRV, RAV4, 09 Forester, Outlander, and Outback (in that order). Finally got over my fear of Hyundai from the old Excel days and tried the Santa Fe. Bingo! The Santa Fe strikes a great balance between size, mpg, comfort and performance (for an SUV). Plus, it has many luxury "extras" standard (except an iPod jack, which I added). Drove nearly 1000 miles in the first week and love it! Interior fit and finish is Lexus-excellent, and outside it looks like most other "luxury mini- SUVs" after the redesign in 07. The Limited trim has a great stereo, leather heated seats, sunroof - all for the price of a mid-level CR-V or RAV4. Reliability is said to be good, but well see...

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  Best Money Ive Spent - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Rachel025 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  The first major point, for me, was the warranty. No one can beat 5 yr bumper to bumper & 10 yr powertrain. The standard features are awesome. It came with everything; air, power locks and windows, automatic, cd, am/fm, tape... even a leather wrapped steering wheel! The interior is very roomy and it seems all the controls are set up perfect for the driver. Nothing overly confusing about the controls or their locations. The styling is chic. I did not want to buy an SUV that looked like a box. It has the perfect amount of cargo space. The area behind the back seat is huge. Not to mention, the back seat folds down completely flat for more space.

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  My 2nd Santa Fe - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By btexpress - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I own a 2002, and a 2003 Santa Fe, and am getting ready to purchase a 2004. I love the car, only flaw I have seen so far is for some reason the Headlights dim and then brighten up and this is done repeatedly every time using the lights, other than that this SUV is great.

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  The opposing view - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Cheryl P. - July 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle after reviewing many and after feeling that "I would never buy one of those foreign pieces of crap!" The reviews from in-persons and through the computer have been incredible and I had to test drive for myself! I was EXTREMELY impressed with the handling, the standard features, the roominess, the looks and the warranty so much that after the test drive, I bought that "piece of crap!". Everyone that Ive taken with me to drive or ride cant rave enough about the handling and how comfortable it is.

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  Best in Price for Standard Options - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By gotmine - July 9 - 10:00 am

  Armed with an invoice and a desire to get the most for your money this is an excellent buy.

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  my santafe - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Ellen Perlson - July 9 - 10:00 am

  So far after 4000 miles in 2 months I love my santa fe. Tons of room for me my show dogs and all their gear. This is a fun car to drive.

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  too many problems - 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By mantza - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Since I purchased this car, I have had problems with the rotors and the lift gate latch. The rotors are constantly needing replacement. At first the lift gate would not open at all, and then it wouldnt lock. I wish that I hadnt been so hasty in my decision.

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  New Owner! - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Amanda - July 4 - 10:26 am

  Ive wanted a Santa Fe since they debuted. Im a previous Hyundai owner & adore the warrenty. I never had a problem that wasnt covered by the bumper-to-bumper warranty & when it expired, the cost was pretty minimal for the add. 15k miles that I drove it. I did my research & waited until my finances allowed for a new car payment. I did all of my price negotiating via email with three different dealers. This is difficult, but Im email savvy & was persistent/firm (but courteous) with the sales people. Using the quotes (everything in writing), I was able to negotiate $3000 below invoice. Do your research, get everything in writing, be firm & know what you want to spend (down & monthly).

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  Work that warranty - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Disgruntled - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but trouble with my new Santa Fe. Oil leak at rear engine seal. Vibrations and wheel shaking above 60 mph. Poor voltage regualtion under load. High pitched whining noise between 40-45 mph. 4 trips to the dealer with less than 5K miles. Going to test the Lemon Law in my state.