Overview & Reviews
The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe receives minor changes. The Limited trim pads its standard equipment roster with the high-power Infinity Logic 7 CD changer audio system and a sunroof, while SE models now include standard premium seat cloth.
- Well-designed cabin, impressive standard safety features and crash test scores, competitive price, lengthy warranty, optional third-row seat.
- Excessively firm ride on SE and Limited models, lackluster automatic transmission, disappointing driving dynamics.
User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 157.00-
noise issue - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
By carol - October 30 - 2:48 pmI just bought used 2009 Santa Fe pads and rotors replaced by dealer 1 wheel bearing 2 new tires after about a week it is making a clunking noise when braking and still getting the annoying howling noise from back dealer is going to replace the other wheel bearing but the clunking noise is a concern of course they said they didnt hear it any suggestions? I had my car for just over 2 years and the timing chain went still had bad wheel barings ended up junking the car (killed me) I loved my car feel the dealer sold me a car with issues. I still owed on it too... Bought a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. (Not my SUV) but a newer year.
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Navigation problematic - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
By KF - September 29 - 2:06 amThe Santa Fe handles very well in the snow and is much better than my other 4 wheel drive. After 8000 miles however the navigation/radio unit went out. Sent it to Hyundai dealer for warranty work and the part is back ordered indefinitely. Reportedly there are 50+ on back order ahead of me so apparently this is not an isolated incident. So I selected this vehicle because of the nav and other upgrades and they are unreliable. Fuel mileage is about 21.9 mpg.
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Solid choice for the money - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Dan - September 17 - 9:50 pmHyundai is obviously not Toyota or Honda..that being said the Santa Fe is our third Hyundai SUV and we have never had major issues with any of them. The ride in this SUV is by far the quietest and most comfortable of other SUVs in ITS PRICE RANGE. We also have a 2008 CRV and the Santa Fe is a much better pic for highway travel. Gas mileage on the other hand has not improved from our older Santa Fe. I consistently get 21mpg mixed driving. You will not get 24mpg on a tank,ever. On a road trip I managed 23mpg going 70mph. Our AWD CRV averages 25mpg...then again its lighter and a 4cyl. Fit and finish is great; front seat is not good for tall drivers..but acceptable. Trade-in is terrible
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Best crossover suv - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
By sandyc1 - September 2 - 4:33 pmI love the way my new suv drives , its so smooth and my family and I love the space it provides us on long rides . The safety features are incredible and rides great in the snow and on our off road street to our home . I could not be any more pleased .
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Would not recommend - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
By smurphy - August 8 - 4:06 amI never drove a car that was such a lousy performer. The gas mileage and the power train leaves alot to be desired. While the interior is nice and the appearance is nice, I was completely disappointed in the transmission, engine and gas mileage.
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Transmission stinks - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
By trussell - August 3 - 7:23 pmAs it ruined my experience. There is no doubt it slips and hesitates between first and second gear. Hyundai will not do anything about it. This is definitely a problem that will come to haunt as more consumers experience it. Horrible gas mileage at 15 combined.
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Happy with my Hyundai - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Steve C - July 21 - 11:40 amI got a great deal on a year old Santa Fe with 14K miles, and very glad I bought it. The ride is very quiet and comfortable, and theres ample room for 4-5 people. It handles well and the 3.3 liter V-6 gives it plenty of power. I get ~24 mpg highway, and overall average 22 mpg, with about 70% highway driving. My 02 Subaru Outback averaged about 23 mpg, and considering the Santa Fe is larger, roomier and much more powerful, Im happy with the mileage. The interior of the Hyundai feels fairly upscale, and it is SO much quieter than my Subie ever was. Considering the size, it has a remarkably tight turning circle. The Santa Fe is a great choice if youre looking for a mid-size crossover SUV!
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More than I expected for what I paid - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
By panoguy - July 13 - 10:10 pmFirst looked at CRV, RAV4, 09 Forester, Outlander, and Outback (in that order). Finally got over my fear of Hyundai from the old Excel days and tried the Santa Fe. Bingo! The Santa Fe strikes a great balance between size, mpg, comfort and performance (for an SUV). Plus, it has many luxury "extras" standard (except an iPod jack, which I added). Drove nearly 1000 miles in the first week and love it! Interior fit and finish is Lexus-excellent, and outside it looks like most other "luxury mini- SUVs" after the redesign in 07. The Limited trim has a great stereo, leather heated seats, sunroof - all for the price of a mid-level CR-V or RAV4. Reliability is said to be good, but well see...
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Pleasant Surprise from Hyundai - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Tamma - June 20 - 4:16 pmResearched for over 2 months for a good SUV and zeroed onto Acura MDX and Hyundai Santa Fe. Of course, both cars are not in the same league to compare, but when value for money and budget push to make a choice, Santa Fe is a nice pick. Drove about 2K miles in last 40 days and its been a great ride so far. Its very smooth, nice pick-up and a great handling. Rides like a car. Mileage improved to 21 MPG HWY from 17 MPG HWY over the period. I prefer fill up with Premium fuel as I get better pick-up and less engine noise than the regular fuel.I think $100/year extra on fuel for better engine life, pick up and good feel is worth paying for(purely personal opinion) Two Thumbs up, Hyundai :)
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Smooth ride - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Peggy - June 6 - 12:29 pmDont get the light interior
