Hyundai Santa Fe Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.48/5 Average
2,171 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 261 through 270 of 2,171.00
  • Its been a ride! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
    By -

    I have enjoyed every one of the 127000 miles I have driven in my Santa Fe. It is spacious and comfortable. The car has worn extremely well. The only problems I have encountered are: watch the alignment - especially the rear wheels. Heavy loads may cause them to go out and you can ruin your tires. The cruise control works great, but when you go up a hill at high speeds, it may kick out. This is where the shiftronic transmission comes in handy! Only one major repair - (power steering hose blew). Still getting close to 27mpg on the highway and 19 in the city. We plan on keeping this car until it dies .

  • Early impression is very good - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
    By -

    I did quite a bit of online research and a few test drives before purchasing. Ive only had the Santa Fe for a week, but I am happy so far. It fits my needs. Auto transmission is quick to 2nd gear and smooth. Combined city and hwy driving is netting 21.5 MPG. Plenty of seat/shoulder room which was an issue in some other mid/compact SUVs. Interior looks sharp with the black leather and I love the blue accent lighting. The hidden storage area in the rear will be very useful for sports gear and more. The tweeters on the Infinity speakers have a high-pitched whine at low volumes. Wife and dealership cant hear it. I sat in another Limited w/Infinity speakers and whine is there too.

  • Well done! - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
    By -

    My review is based on my past experience with cars. I currently drive a Lexus LX470, Accord, Lexus LS, and a Audi 90 Q (the audi I actually gave up a long time ago and it sits in my garage). As for qulaity, from the short time I had it is SUPERB ! I thought only the Japanese could deliver this level of quality. My first Korean import and I am happy though I do worry about the significant portion from Canada (bad experiences in the past with Canadian parts). The fit and finish is right up there with the rest of my cars. I would not mind paying for extra safety features such as side impact air bags and a safety cage. A XM radio with USB MP3 feature would be great. Less Curves.

  • Love my Hyundai Santa Fe BASIC 2WD Automatic - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
    By -

    I have 191,000 miles on my 2002 Santa Fe. This is by far the best, most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Only complaint is that this vehicle has an issue with every belt. The timing belt had been replaced 2x and I often had to have other belts replaced or tightened. Failure to do so immediately resulted in a loud squeeling every time I started my car. The good thing is, nothing EXPENSIVE ever went. This car is fun to drive, GREAT Gas Mileage, and cheap to maintain. I am on the road a lot, and I love being in this car. It is so comfortable that my MANY long trips per month (ranging from 2 hours one way to 12 hours one way) are always a breeze. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS VEHICLE

  • Rear seat rattle - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
    By -

    My Sante Fe is now 14 month old. Four time, I have asked the dealer to fix a rattle in the right rear seat back. They have never accomplished a fix. They even replaced the latching mechanism. The fourth request to fix, after driving 70 miles round trip and waiting 2 hours again, including an oil change, I was told that the seatback rattle is NORMAL in an SUV. I contacted Hyundai customer service and was told, in broken English, the same cock-and-bill story that it is normal for an adjustable seat back to rattle. I told them thats bull, that family and friends have other make SUVs that dont have seatback rattles and Ill never buy or recommend a Hyundai to anyone if thats their response.

  • Very reliable and affordable - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
    By -

    We bought this car new while my husband was in grad school. Weve now had the car for over 6 years--were just under 65,000 miles on the odometer--and have NEVER had a single issue with this car. We get all the scheduled maintenance, plus the recommended maintenance, and the result is a perfectly operating SUV that gets pretty good gas mileage (especially for a 6 cylinder SUV) thats beyond reliable. As a note, my sister has a 2001 Hyundai Elantra that she loves, too. Just like us, she loves her car and has never had any issues. Hyundai has come a long way; their cars are super reliable now!

  • hyundai santa fe - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
    By -

    This vehicle does not handle well on wet pavement especially in moderaate rain showers. The drivers compartment does not have adequate stretch room for the left leg and foot. The gas mileage is awful.Easy to par

  • Lots of miles = lots of repairs - 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
    By -

    My Hyundai was great .. for the first 60K miles or so. After that, replaced the fuel injector (twice), spark plugs (twice), and wheel bearings (in 3 wheels - twice in the left front wheel.) I now have 88K miles and it is in the shop for the 3rd time in 3 months. Theyre just not made for high mileage. Whats worse is that the dealership does not stock a lot of parts, so many times they keep the truck for several days. Also, watch out for the warranty. The front wheel bearings are covered, but the back ones arent. In the DC area, its a $400 repair. Also, had 6sensors go out. None were covered by the warranty (after the bumper-to-bumper ends).

  • Decent car but... - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
    By -

    I am the original owner, purchasing the vehicle (rated 18mpg City/22 Hwy) with 56 miles on the odometer. Ive never gotten more than 15mpg with it and usually around 12mpg is more accurate. Ive taken it into the dealer where I bought it several times only to be told theres nothing wrong with it. Several bulbs burned out the first year. All in all its been a decent car albeit it way underpowered. It took winter/snowy driving in Quebec, CA without a hitch but even with new tires, in the rain it feels uneasy. I cant say Id buy another Santa Fe but Hyundai does a good job for the money.

  • More than happy Santa Fe GLS Owner!!! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
    By -

    Reviewed and researched for two months all SUVs in this bracket but nothing came close. Escape/Tribute did not have good reliability reviews, Highlanders too expensive, CR-V is small. Couldnt find anything wrong with the Santa Fe except for the engine needing more horses. Took 4wd GLS for a test drive. Was very good but I went for 2wd for more power for the engine, but got it along with the abs/traction control. I think I made a very good and wise choice. Right now, I just have one complaint - Im not getting the mileage ratings - although the dealer said that well reach the mileage ratings after break-in/3k miles.

Hyundai Santa Fe Reviews By Year:
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