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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  Traded - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Rscu - November 6 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 2002 Santa Fe LX for 9 months. After turning 10,000 miles, the engine started to sound like a diesel engine at idle. The service department and regional representative said it was normal engine noise. It was either the lifters or rods.....It also has an under-powered alternator; the lights fade after a stop, and the transmission indicator blinks with the turn signals. That was normal, also. I was afraid of engine durability. The engine is very unresponsive.

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  2003 Hyundai Santa Fe - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Review from NJ - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Can not beat the price for what you get. The Hyundia Santa Fe doesnt have any cheapter parts than other vehicles priced much higher. They are all using more plastic then metal now days. The Warranty is the best there is with 5 years/60,000 miles bumper to bumper and there 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

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  Cool SUV - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Mom & Pop - November 5 - 4:23 pm

  Have had our Santa Fe for three months. Have taken two trips from Ohio to New Jersey and back. Ride is every bit as comfortable as our Grand Marquis. Cruised Interstate 80 across Pa. at 75 mph and it handled quite well. Mileage was about 26 mpg as advertised.

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  Good Truck - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Adman - November 4 - 5:40 pm

  Purchased used @ 96k. Towing capacity is awful. Can pull a 13ft Boler travel trailer. Had continuous problem with rear brakes overheating. New calipers fixed it. Transmission cooler and power steering lines both rusted through @ 220k. Replaced tires 190k, Tie rods 215k, timing belt 190k, alternator 150k, crank sensor 120k. Malfunctions of rear wiper, drivers seat belt latch, passenger power lock, screws in driver window shook lose and window fell out. Currently it needs new shocks, and the diff. seal leaks. Other than that it still has lots of life, looks great and has 251,000k on it. Id have to say after 250k thats not to bad. However, Id like my old Safari van back. Less $ loss.

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  My Experience with the Sante Fe - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Wthorn - November 2 - 2:33 am

  In my opinion the Sante Fe is a great value. It handles great, and has sufficient power. I even tow a small camper with it, loaded with supplies. It has a well designed interior with fold down seats for more cargo area when needed. Gives you a decent ride, even when fully loaded. Roof racks are a plus and comes with the best warranty available. And it is equipped where others are options. Im satisfied with mine.

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  Never thought Id own an SUV - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By boltguy - November 1 - 10:00 am

  If you dont need 4WD or a huge engine, youre going to love this model. The 4 cyl. with a 5 spd. is plenty, and the ride is really nice. Makes you feel like youre in a 30K machine. I paid (and I think you can too) 16K even including freight, for a package 2 with floor mats and cargo tray. It may not be the best deal, but its damn good. If youre afraid of the Hyundai name, just try one for the fun of it. Youll be afraid no longer, but you might fall in love..

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  Santa Fe - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By The Don - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Overall, very pleased with car. Good heating/AC; like the 6 CD Monsoon system; seems compfortable to ride in and drive. Not too happy with the shift points--engine seems to strain and rev too high on the road. Small nit-picking--would be nice if door lock buttons were lighted; not impressed with the diversity radio antenna.

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  New owner - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By ed_r_11954 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  HAve owned Hyundais since 1990; the Santa FE is by far the best model. Hoping the Santa Fe out performs the other two we have owned (Gonna take some doing as we drove the Sontata all over Europe for three years with no problems). Milage is running in the 21/22 MPG range for city driving.

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  I love it! - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Nutaskeet - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I love how it handles, Love the sound system, and all the room. I love the auto air and the feel of driving it. And all at a lot less than most other comparable SUVs. And it is good to have the Roadside Assistance.

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  Nice car way to many problems - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By bk79 - October 25 - 4:59 pm

  My first car. Wish it had more power and zip. Live the way it handles. Love the way it looks. When it is actually working I love the car but at 100k miles it all went down hill had to replace power steering pump, fuel injectors both front axles and both front abs speed sensors, rest carrier bearing, the transfer case and the transmission. Between the fuel injectors and the transfer case and transmission all going out with in the last year and a half it was a between $6,000 and $7,000 and the ac broke twice. Would not but another one or recommend the first generation Santa Fe to anyone who doesnt have deep pockets to keep it on the road. All that being said I am sad that I have to get rid of