2005 Hyundai Santa Fe Review
Fuel Economy
17 - 19 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
The Santa Fe offers a consumer-friendly blend of space, comfort, features, performance and value that make it a compact SUV worth considering.
Pros
Reasonable price, strong warranty, roomy interior, long list of standard features, solid construction, good crash test scores.
Cons
Thirsty at the pump for a small car-based SUV, soft suspension limits handling ability.
What's New for 2005
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.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Love it so far
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I bought this used with over 70,000 miles. Love the car so far, except for fuel economy - coming out of a standard 4-cyl Accord this is a shocker to me. The Santa Fe is awesome in all aspects except for the fuel. I cannot wait to try it in the snow and I am looking forward to buying an updated model after this one. Would definitely buy another one.
Favorite Features
Outside paint, stereo, interior.
Suggested Improvements
They need to work on the gas mileage. Also the AWD feature should be able to be turned on and off and not always on.
Thumbs up!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I bought this SUV after driving a Jeep for years. I thought nothing would compare to my old Jeep, but the Santa Fe definitely holds its own. I'm rather short, but the Santa Fe has great visibility all around. The only thing I would change is the tan interior; I have dogs and the seats need shampooed quite frequently. Its easy and fun to drive and hasn't given me a problem yet.
Favorite Features
Exterior design, visibility, stereo system, comfort, handling
Suggested Improvements
Tan interior
Time to move on, with no problems
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I bought this vehicle with 17k mi on it. It now has 137k mi. I have only had one major issue. The throttle position sensor went out. After I found a mechanic who could identify the problem, it only too an hour to fix and the cost was minimal. The factory tires lasted 100k mi. Another problem that was really a non issue, is that when I let the gas get too low the check engine light lit up after i filled it up and stayed on till i used half that tank of gas. I averaged about 20 mpg on all highway miles. It still runs great, just time to move on.
Favorite Features
Size, handling through bad weather (never felt scary in some hard winters), reliability.
Suggested Improvements
Speed limit is 70 here in Iowa and at 75 the engine is spinning at about 3k rpm, maybe revisit the gearing. Better hardware on the back seat pull handles, mine kept coming un done when trying to fold seats. More of an inconvenience than anything.
So far Great
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Fwd 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I bought this car after nothing but problems with a Jeep Grand Cherokee Larado. I did research on the sante fe and bought it for the warranty. Great room in back for beach chairs, moving furniture, etc. Good cup holders. Good seats. Only thing I don't like is the engine doesn't seem to have alot of "umpf" but then again I don't need to go more than 70 mph. Have 60k miles now. hope this lasts a very long time for me!
Favorite Features
radio/6 disc cd changer; sunroof
Suggested Improvements
better horsepower
Three and a half years & still impressed
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe LX Fwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I bought my Santa Fe in July 05. This month (12/08), I had to take it to the dealership for the first problem I have had - it needed a new thermostat, which was covered under the warranty. My time is precious and I appreciate the reliability of this vehicle. Will buy another Hyundai if this one ever wears out!
Favorite Features
I like the kooky curved dash - you can place something there and it stays. Very much like the gear shift and the auto stick.
Suggested Improvements
Rear seat fold down could be flatter and better. Wish the cargo cover was easier to deal with.
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