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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  15 year owner - 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Sambo - July 2 - 2:31 am

  Excellent car, I did my regular maintenance no major issues. beats any 4x4 jeep truck or SUV my extended family or friends have ever owned...I have had to rescue them many times or go pick them up..... to this day 15 years later runs great with 178,000 miles on it, best car thus far in my lifetime, I will always have Hyundai vehicles on my list to consider now... I might cry when I sell this, if I ever do! I have purchased the newly redesigned Tucson because the measurements are now very close to the 2001 Santa Fe but enjoy driving the Santa Fe better so far!

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  Great SUV - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Camwo - June 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Santa Fe and the next day drove from Utah to Florida totally loaded and it did great. I kept it under 60 mph and varied the speed during the first 500 hundred miles but got some of the best mpg. I did have one problem in Florida with the engine light. The dealer down there thought it was because the gas cap wasnt tightened at least three clicks and it took the mechanics to reset the light to get it turned off. Then light has not come on again since then. Really a fun car to drive.

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  Great suv for the money - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By kriglv - June 30 - 10:00 am

  I will match this car with any other in its class on all factors: ride, paint, interior feel, quality, handling, reliability, looks, etc. I find it a great car considering the price I paid (very inexpensive) considering all the xtras and the 5 year warrenty.I figure if Hyundai will stand behind its product for 5 years bumber to bumper where not many if any other auto manufacturers will; they must be doing something right.....

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  Look out toyota - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By lee reiman - June 27 - 3:56 am

  This car is the best kept secret in the automotive industry.Absolute impeccable quality inside and out.Its very obvious that Hyundai has done its home work and is producing a mid size suv that will compete with high end name plates in its class.I have just recently purchased my first Korean car and can not say enough abouthow happy I am with the purchase.I am very proud of this vehicle.

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  "I THINK THIS IS NOT A HYUNDAI !" - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By CARL KIM - June 25 - 10:00 am

  ACTUALLY, I WAS LOOKING FOR BMW X3 AND AFTER I TEST DROVE X3 2.5. I REALIZED THAT IT IS NICE CAR BUT, ITS TOO EXPENSIVE TO PAY ALMOST $40,000 FOR MINI SUV AND BMW USE CHEAP MATERIAL AND NOT MUCH STANDARD OPTION COMPARE TO ITS HIGH PRICE. ONE DAY WHEN I WAS DRIVE IN GARDEN GROVE AREA. I SAW HYUNDAI DEALER AND I GOT CURIOUS ABOUT HYUNDAI. SO, I WALKED IN HYUNDAI AND ASK DEALER "I WANT TO TEST DRIVE SANTA FE 3.5." AFTER I DROVE SANTA FE I WAS TOTALLY SHOCKED. ITS MID RANGE ACCELERATION IS EVEN BETTER THAN MY FRIENDS BMW X5 3.0. SO, I FELT LIKE I DRIVE CHEAP PORSCHE CAYENE. SO, I PURCHASED CAR AFTER I FINISHED TEST DRIVE. EVEN, I CAN AFFORD BMW X3

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  drcar - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By ftspec - June 25 - 10:00 am

  have had this vehicle for over a year. great car. does what i want it to do and more. excellent buy

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  Lied to Deceived - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By BOB - June 23 - 5:03 pm

  The dealer never informed me of the outrageous and extremely costly maintenance schedule. Didnt know I was buying a Jaguar!! Better think twice about buying!! Timing belt must be replaced at 60,000 at a cost of at least $600. If you dont replace, and something goes, you buy a new engine. If Hyundai is so confident of powertrain warranty. They should step up to plate and warranty timing belt to 100,000. Gas mileage a joke!

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  2009 Santa Fe Limited - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By D. Ray - June 23 - 12:40 am

  Alot of car for the money. I have only owned this vehicle for one week, but I believe that Hyundi is equal to Toyota and Honda in quality. Hyundai beat out Toyota, Honda, and Ford in price. I had a Honda Salesman tell me that they could not compete with Hyundai prices. I got a 2009 Santa Fe Limited, with $800 dollars worth of accessories for 25,800.

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  A Great Drive in the Snow! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By KKD - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I saw a Santa Fe in a parking lot and loved the way it looked. After researching safety issues, warranty, price, etc., I took a test drive and decided to buy. I have been completely pleased with the whole experience. Dealer was great. Vehicle is the perfect size, big enough to feel secure, but still easy to handle and park. Lots of interior room, cool cockpit type feel. Its absolutely great to drive in the snow, plows through anything, doesnt slip or slide at all. Fun to drive, and all the standard options are great.

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  Havent bought it yet....... - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Potential Buyer - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive read these reviews, and most are rather good, but I read some horrible ones at msn.com. Has anybody had any problems? Especially with the transmission or engine? Im kind of scared to buy one now.