Overview & Reviews

The base trim level has been dropped. The 2.7-liter V6 is now standard (the LX still gets the 3.5-liter V6), as is an automatic transmission. Also newly standard this year are four-wheel antilock brakes and traction control. Exterior changes include a new grille surround, side cladding, taillamps, tailgate handle, rear bumper design and alloy wheels. Inside, there is new seat fabric, an upgraded two-tone color scheme and a revised instrument cluster. A power driver seat is now standard on the LX, and a compass is included with the optional sunroof.

• Reasonable price, strong warranty, roomy interior, long list of standard features, solid construction, good crash test scores.

• Thirsty at the pump for a small car-based SUV, soft suspension limits handling ability.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 193.00

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  WOW! - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Completely Satisfied - December 20 - 8:53 pm

  This is the sixth vehicle that I own...and the best deal I have ever gotten! Great ride, lots of pros, and hardly any cons. I dont mind that there is not a lot of rebate, because the quality is there!

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  Favorite vehicle to date - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By bristol6 - December 19 - 8:43 pm

  2005 Santa Fe LX AWD. The first car i ever owned was a Hyundai. Since then i owned a BMW, a Dodge, a Mazda, and a Chevy, and I have returned again to Hyundai. My Santa Fe is reliable, capable, comfortable, and relatively easy to maintain. They are fairly common vehicles so parts arent hard to find. Plenty of space inside, and enough room in the cargo space to stow whatever you want. Folding the back seats down is easy and quick. I put some Toyo All-Terrain tires on mine, and i am comfortable driving it across fields, through mud, snow, ice, and sand. If youre looking for a reliable fun midsize SUV that you can take anywhere, this is your ticket.

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  Very Satisfied - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Rick - October 23 - 10:40 pm

  Drove from Denver to Dallas and averaged 23 MPG. Not bad for a AWD. I am 63", 300lbs and never felt uncomfortable behind the wheel. My friends found the back seat comfortable when reclined.

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  Hate the jerky ride - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By annette conwau - October 9 - 11:16 pm

  The accelarator is a nightmare...there is a lag time between touching the pedal and the movement of the car. It is VERY difficult to hold at a constant speed if you are driving under 30 miles per hour. The ride is so distracting that it is hard to enjoy any other aspect of the car. The passenger side air bag is almost impossible to activate when someone sits in the seat. In a crash, it would be useless.

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  best yet - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By dave smith - September 16 - 6:46 am

  it`s all we ever wanted in a car and more the more we drive it the better we like it. we get about 25 mpg hwy! I also have a pickup is the reason for the low milage. all i can say is its a good auto!!!

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  New Owner! - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Amanda - July 4 - 10:26 am

  Ive wanted a Santa Fe since they debuted. Im a previous Hyundai owner & adore the warrenty. I never had a problem that wasnt covered by the bumper-to-bumper warranty & when it expired, the cost was pretty minimal for the add. 15k miles that I drove it. I did my research & waited until my finances allowed for a new car payment. I did all of my price negotiating via email with three different dealers. This is difficult, but Im email savvy & was persistent/firm (but courteous) with the sales people. Using the quotes (everything in writing), I was able to negotiate $3000 below invoice. Do your research, get everything in writing, be firm & know what you want to spend (down & monthly).

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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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  An opinion - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Tee - February 21 - 1:20 pm

  Less than 12,000 miles and the valves are rattling unless I run premium gasoline. Gas mileage is about what they say as long as I run premium. Otherwise, gas mileage is about 25% less than they claim. Interior rattles coming from who knows where, but very irritating. Brakes are squeaking as if I need brake pads already -- surely not, but gotta have it checked out.

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  Experience the 20005 Santa Fe - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By fred gottlieb - February 17 - 3:10 am

  I like my 2005 santa fe it is all I expected and more.it has excellent steering,suspension and smooth ride for normal driving.

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  What a surprise! - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Carol - February 2 - 3:26 am

  I live in NY. Fearing my husbands safety after 9-11, we bought this vehicle (a 2002)so he could commute the 120 miles each day to NYC. Driving the Brooklyn Queens Expressway and the Long Island Expressway everyday is test enough for any cars reliablity. With 100,007 miles (and going) we have never had one problem with this vehicle, not even a flat tire. We just change the oil every 3000 miles. It has all the extra features to keep you comfortable on a long commute. It is a great weekend get away car. You can fit most anything in the back. Its easy to park tight spaces and works well on our shopping trips in lower Manhattan. I recommend this car to everyone. I am planning to buy a new one.