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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  Outstanding vehicle! - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By wbnapp - October 19 - 2:00 am

  An excellent all around SUV. Good mileage, power, features. Seats are a little firm, but very roomy.

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  Great family SUV. - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Karaya - October 14 - 10:00 am

  My wife wouldnt be caught dead driving a minivan, yet she doesn’t need neither a real off-roader nor a gas-guzzling monster SUV for everyday driving around with a baby. And here comes Santa Fe. It has comfortable driving and roomy enough to take a family of 3 or 4 with their belongings for a long vacation trips, and it excellently handles snow / ice / rain in any combinations and quantities. We drove this car trough last winter in New Hampshire (with storms et al), and it passed the test with A+ grade.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By appst89 - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Bought mine in August 2001. I now have almost 58,000 miles on it and still have the original tires. I will be replacing them soon, but should easily get 62,000 miles out of them. I drive over 100 miles per day for my commute and average about 24 mpg. I have had absolutely no problems from this vehicle. It has never been in the shop except for routine maintenance. My wife will be buying a car this fall and I doubt we look any further than the Hyundai dealership for her next vehicle.

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  900 Mile First Impressions - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By ceprise - October 11 - 4:20 pm

  Well. I am certainly impressed! Superb fit, finish and dealer prep. I bought with input using my friends satisfied experience with his 2005 Santa Fe. After riding in my 2008, he complimented the leather interior, greater interior space, the cool blue instruments and knock-out sound system. My last ride was a beloved 1996 Mazda MPV AWD with 178,000 miles. But blue smoke and electrical gremlins in wet weather required a change. I extensively researched the specs on Edmunds.com of similar vehicles. I wanted a boost in gas mileage over the 15 MPG of my Mazda, with better interior dimensions and comforts. The 2008 Santa Fe was the same dimensions, but better 1st and 2nd row seating and +5 MPG.

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  BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By D - October 10 - 9:40 pm

  Great car so far. Read reviews here and was worried about the trans... no problems. 3rd row is perfect for our kids, but would not put an adult back there. feels bigger than it is. very smooth. love the blue lights everywhere. lots of features you wouldnt expect at this price.

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  Possible Hyundai Convert - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By PapayaMoo - October 10 - 1:33 am

  The 08 Santa Fe is one fun car to drive. It feels light and responsive and the acceleration is very good. The novelty of the blue dashboard light wears off for me fairly quickly but everything is well lite and functions appropriately.

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  Thumbs up! - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By viennadarling - October 3 - 3:36 am

  I bought this SUV after driving a Jeep for years. I thought nothing would compare to my old Jeep, but the Santa Fe definitely holds its own. Im rather short, but the Santa Fe has great visibility all around. The only thing I would change is the tan interior; I have dogs and the seats need shampooed quite frequently. Its easy and fun to drive and hasnt given me a problem yet.

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  Bad Transmission - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Jim - October 1 - 10:46 pm

  Purchased 2010 Hyundai Sante Fe V6. While the car rides smoothly and gets good mileage for midsized SUV the car has serious transmission issues. When you first start off it sporadically will make a loud bang as it shifts between 1- 2 gear. It also has a rocking motion caused by the transmission when slowly accelerating. It also shakes badly when shifting from park to either reverse or drive. Contacted Hyundai Consumer affairs about this issue and they say that they do no have any trend as to any transmission issues. Do a Google search on 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe transmission problems and you will see many unhappy owners. Car is at the dealer as I write this. Doesnt look good. Dont buy

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  In the service shop all the time - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Kwollard - October 1 - 10:33 am

  My car has rattled in the back end and I was told at 20,000 miles I need two new struts. This did not solve the problem and I still have the rattle. I also have had my check engine light on several times and the last time it was blinking. I have had the fuel pump replaced in it also. I had to have knew tires at 22,000 miles because it was out of lined. I bought the car with 8000 miles on it and I feel that this was a damaged program car! I love the car, the room it has in it, and my sun roof, but have been unhappy with it breaking down all the time!

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  GOOD BUY, NO REGRETS! - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By USlovesIt - September 30 - 11:50 pm

  I went through 1/2 a year, over 100 dealers, over 20 brands of car makers. Finally found Hyundai is the one. I am a Toyota fan and still am, but cannot believe that I will buy a Hyundai. Great buy for this Santa Fe. Everything is good, went through over 500 car reviews and checks, good price and unbeatable warranties. NO REGRETS! Hyundai that owns Kia is going up ladder to beat out the Japanese makers and other global players, see the new Sonata 2006. Cant say more for the global world car makers, especially the Chinese cars are coming to Americas market after the win in Asia.