2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Consumer Reviews Page 5

900 Mile First Impressions

Written by: ceprise on 12/06/2008

Vehicle

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Well. I am certainly impressed! Superb fit, finish and dealer prep. I bought with input using my friend's satisfied experience with his 2005 Santa Fe. After riding in my 2008, he complimented the leather interior, greater interior space, the cool blue instruments and knock-out sound system. My last ride was a beloved 1996 Mazda MPV AWD with 178,000 miles. But blue smoke and electrical gremlins in wet weather required a change. I extensively researched the specs on Edmunds.com of similar vehicles. I wanted a boost in gas mileage over the 15 MPG of my Mazda, with better interior dimensions and comforts. The 2008 Santa Fe was the same dimensions, but better 1st and 2nd row seating and +5 MPG.

Favorite Features

Superb build quality. 5 passenger seating with TWO storage bins for what my wife calls my junk (jump cables, triangles, small tools, flux capacitor). Not broken-in, but averaging 19-20 in mixed NNJ commuting. XM radio and 7.1 sound system. NO DVD or Nav system. Cool blue lights and heated seats.

Suggested Improvements

The 2008 Santa Fe is a compromise. 3.3L engine gets a real 19-20MPG instead of a larger CUV with 3.7-3.9L that gets 14-15 MPV. But 500lbs lower wt so that 240HP chirps the wheels. Better 1st and 2nd row seating than RX350. OH! More Cup holder+under console storage for handbag+under pass.seat bin.

17 out 17 people found this review helpful

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A lot of SUV for the money

Written by: TBPA on 12/06/2008

Vehicle

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 5A)

Review

We drove several comparable vehicles in this category (Subaru Forester, Nissan Murano, Subaru Tribeca, Mazda CX-7, Chrysler Pacifica) and for the money the Santa Fe has them all beat, hands down. The features and options list would have cost thousands more in the other models. Driving off of the lot during the test drive, I felt as if this vehicle was in a completely different league compared to the others we had driven. FAVORITE FEATURES (too many to fit below) The interior materials, fit and finish are absolutely top notch. The Navigation option, while sometimes not the greatest at getting you where you need to go the fastest, definitely works well and intuitively.

Favorite Features

(cont) The 11 speaker Infinity sound system is phenomenal at mid to high volumes, though a little thin when lower. Auto HVAC system rocks, w/ third row vents. Reclining rear seats. Plenty of horsepower. Exterior looks can hold own when parked next to Acura, Lexus. Third row OK for short stints.

Suggested Improvements

Driver lower seat cushion too short, increase gas mileage currently 14-16 city/19-21 hwy, make front passenger seat power, ADD AUX jack for IPOD! Everything else is fantastic, great job Hyundai!!!

10 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Very Pleased

Written by: esd on 12/05/2008

Vehicle

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 5A)

Review

First SUV I've owned and have been pleased with it so far (now have 5,000 miles on it). The 3.3 provides plenty of power and the trans is very smooth shifting, unlike the Escape I test drove. The Santa Fe is a better value and nicely equipped.Anyone looking for a SUV should take a good at a Santa Fe before buying anything else. It is designed very well and very roomy.

Favorite Features

Comfort,options and also features a four wheel lock button, an option not found on most AWD vehicles. All the holders for different items.

Suggested Improvements

Better fuel economy, average 18-19 local and 22 on longer runs. Cup holders and arm rest a little farther forward would be nice. Electric defrost windshield would be awesome. (Does have windshield wiper de-icer and heated mirrors)

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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First Impressions

Written by: Richard on 11/28/2008

Vehicle

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 5A)

Review

We purchased a new 2008 Santa Fe LTD AWD. The average MPG after 250 miles is 19.5 with a mix of city and freeway driving. I expect better MPG after the break in. The remote fuel door open switch did not work the first time we went to put gas in the tank. The dealer should have checked this before they delivered the car. We had to use the emergency fuel door pull cord behind the rear seat panel to open the fuel door. We noticed the seats are really uncomfortable after the first 100 miles. I hope they "soften up" over time. Except for the fuel door, everything else works on the vehicle. The CD, Radio and rear DVD sound great. The Santa Fe drives and handles well.

Favorite Features

AWD 6-Disk CD Player Rear Seat DVD 3rd Row Seating - OK for Kids Performance

Suggested Improvements

Improve the comfort of the seats

1 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Much better than expected

Written by: panophotog on 11/26/2008

Vehicle

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Never thought I'd buy a Hyundai (after many Toyotas, Hondas and recently Subarus), but the 2008 Santa Fe Ltd. had all the features, mpg, comfort and room I was looking for. I'm getting 22 mpg average, and everything is rock solid after 3k miles. This car is *quiet* inside, and everything feels well thought out and well put together. The Ltd. has a great stereo, quality leather, all the options, and looks and feels like a Lexus EX. The CR-V and RAV4 are nice, but smaller and less comfortable - and they cut corners and it feels like it. The Santa Fe is less $, but nowhere does it feel cheap, and I continue to find things that make me say "hey, that's nice they thought of that."

Favorite Features

Quiet interior, smooth highway ride, Infinity stereo, beige leather w/ black carpet interior color scheme (wears well and looks luxe). Auto-everything, heated seats, and *huge* trunk and roomy rear seats.

Suggested Improvements

More sensitive auto-headlamps (it needs to be almost pitch dark to activate them), power-fold mirrors, power rear hatch (but I'm getting greedy now). Always better mpg!

13 out 13 people found this review helpful

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Pleased with this vehicle

Written by: postoak on 11/25/2008

Vehicle

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)

Review

First, mileage. I get about 24 on my daily commute, 16 strictly city, on cruise-control: 25.5 at 75mph, and 33 (!) at 60mph. Acceleration is more than adequate. If you really punch it you get torque- steer, but it isn't necessary to punch it. It's been trouble-free the first year/21,000 miles. The automatic climate system is MUCH better than the one in my Mercedes and the temperature readout much more accurate than my Mercedes.

Favorite Features

Cool blue interior lighting. Storage areas under the cargo bed.

Suggested Improvements

None.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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I'm in Love

Written by: Hyundai Lover on 11/18/2008

Vehicle

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 5A)

Review

When my wife and I wanted a compact SUV the usual suspects were top on our list. Toyota, Honda, and Nissan were our first choice. But with one look at the New 08 Santa Fe and I was in love. The comfort level was out of this world. The seats are supportive yet cozy. The SE model came with the upgraded fabric which is soft and well appointed. Controls are laid out well and are easy to reach, especially with the steering wheel mounted controls. The cool blue gauges are easy on the eyes and nice too look at. Handling is also sharp and responsive. Looking at the reflectors for the reading lamps you will see that even the smallest details on this ute are polished and refined.

Favorite Features

Glowing cup holders, two Sunglass holders, XM Radio, and Tiptronic Shifting.

Suggested Improvements

Fuel economy could be better. I'm seeing 17.5 in mixed driving.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Possible Hyundai Convert

Written by: PapayaMoo on 11/11/2008

Vehicle

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 5A)

Review

The '08 Santa Fe is one fun car to drive. It feels light and responsive and the acceleration is very good. The novelty of the blue dashboard light wears off for me fairly quickly but everything is well lite and functions appropriately.

Favorite Features

Quiet ride, great acceleration and impressive fit and finish.

Suggested Improvements

The dashboard should be lite during the day to make it easier to see. The power driver's seat is kinda high. Shock is stiff on bad roads but great for cornering.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Loving it!

Written by: Brian on 11/05/2008

Vehicle

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I bought an 06 and put 48000 miles on it. I had 0 problems with it and told anybody who would listen how much I loved it. I didn't even replace a taillight! I just got an 08 and it's even better. Steering is lighter and braking is better. Acceleration is better. Interior is much nicer! Easier to operate controls and nicer console. I loved my truck so much I went to work for Hyundai selling them. My enthusiasm for Hyundai wins customers over!

Favorite Features

XM built in and new controls.

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage.

5 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Excellent

Written by: Rolando on 10/31/2008

Vehicle

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

We purchased this SUV a couple of months ago.I trade in a Dodge Caravan 2005. This Santa Fe 2008 so far is an excellent vehicle inside comfort for family. Kids love it. Gas could be better but not that bad.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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