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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  Great SUV..Until over 90K miles - 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Melony - May 19 - 1:20 pm

  I really enjoyed this vehicle, and hoped it would last a lot longer; I certainly wasnt ready to see it go. I had one of the 89 Hyundais, standard transmission, and the trans went out at 60K, so I knew it was short lived...I only had it in the shop a few times, and at 97k miles, the check engine light came on again, and I had a gut feeling it was bad. I didnt take it to repair, I drove straight to the nearest dealer and traded in (not another Hyundai). The dealer called the next day wanting to know what the trick was to starting it. Evidently they couldnt start it (I hadnt had that problem) when they went to wholesale it. Long story short, BAD NEWS, the engine evidently bit the dust

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  What a Joy - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Lalita - May 16 - 11:40 am

  We bought this car a week ago,I must say that I have never loved any car this much. We have been a Hyundai family since we started to buy vehicles and it is very hard for us to go for other brands though this time I looked at other vehicles as well, I am glad that we stuck with Hyundai. It is been great

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  Bad Transmission - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By steph - May 12 - 7:23 am

  I agree with all the other posters as there is a definite problem with this transmission design. It does not function properly when cold. It is absolutely stupid that Hyundai would put a vehicle on the market with this transmission design. They knew this problem existed and stuck the fools (like me) who decided to purchase it. Never again. I will never buy another Hyundai. This is not a trustworthy company.

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  Good SUV for the money - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By TerpFan - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Just the right size. Good looking vehicle.

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  Took a chance - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Mark - May 11 - 9:03 am

  After my lease on my 2004 Toyota Highlander expired, I thought about a new 2007 Highlander. I also took a hard look at Hyundais Santa Fe and Subarus Forester. In the end, I took a chance on Hyundai--- a chance because, after all, this is the parent company with the DNA of the Excel I remember so well from the late 80s. Well, the Santa Fe has proven to be a winner. It meets or exceeds Highlanders standards in every aspect except fuel economy. Fit and finish is superb. The cabin is quiet and comofortable, steering responsive and confident. I recommend the Santa Fe for anyone looking for a CUV. It compares to, or exceeds, the best the rest of the field has to offer.

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  hyundai santa fe 07 disappointed - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By deborah99 - May 11 - 7:37 am

  Very disappointed with the car. Too many problems way too many. fuel sender unit at 60 K CC converter at 89 fuel pump 120 NEver again

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By bert - May 6 - 5:53 am

  Everyone in the deerwoods lauged at me when I left camp to buy my wife this veh. But now 3 of them have one also, yes its an 02 and finally were waiting for the 2011s Im 100% sure I will buy another, the only problem we had with ours was a tail light going out, it was fixed 4 yrs ago and now it has 80,000 miles and she wants another so spring we will, I will not even look at another brand, a bad taillight in 9 yrs. Why would I, by far the very best I have ever owned, Im 50 and I look for comfort when I travel with my wife, just got back from a trip to padre island and round trip was 1802 miles long and I was fine the whole trip, I hope this will help

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  wonderful except gasoline mileage - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By s12 - May 5 - 12:53 pm

  great vehicle - 2nd Hyundai we have bought. wonderful dealership experiences with service.

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  long distance towing - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By gonewest - May 4 - 3:03 pm

  Im 2500 miles into a cross-country trip towing 2000+ (trailer & contents combined). Im averaging 15 mpg, which is well within my acceptable range, given the circumstances. Even while towing across some of the worst roads I have ever been on, the handling has been great, and it has enough power to keep in the traffic flow in places like Dallas & Phoenix at quitting time. Got caught in Hurricane Dennis, and the ABS/TRS was a blessing. Also caught 60 mph winds in Arizona yesterday and DIDNT feel like I was out of control. That was a major surprise for me. Im a 4 time Hyundai buyer. My first was an 86 Excel that had over 400,000 mi when I traded it in. Other 2 got wrecked :(

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  I miss my santa fe - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By johnpa2006 - May 3 - 9:30 pm

  Built solid, I loved my Santa Fe. engine purred like a kitten from mile zero all the way up to 142000 miles when I traded it in. Bought in 2004, traded in 2008 I still regret trading it in to this day. So many practical use reasons to own a Santa Fe.