Recent Consumer Reviews
(128 Total Reviews)
A good value
Vehicle
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
We looked pretty closely at 2 other vehicles in this class before buying the Santa Fe. The Subaru Forester didn't offer a V6 and was not as visually appealing. Still with just a 4 cylinder and the options we wanted, it was about $2000 more than the Santa Fe. We liked how the Toyota Rav4 looks, and liked how the V6 handled. But to get the same options as our SE Santa Fe, we would have had to get a Limited Rav4. That was almost $6000 more. Since this was tied with the Rav4 for consumer satisfaction in Consumer Reports, it seemed a no brainer to get this.
Favorite Features
Steering wheel radio controls, wood grain interior, smart air bags, V6, 18" wheels, seat comfort, access.
Suggested Improvements
8 out 9 people found this review helpful
OK car, bad choice for me
Vehicle
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I bought an AWD Limited Santa Fe a year ago.It is an okay car. Some squeak and rattles, but I never had any mechanical failure. The sound is relatively good. Initially, it drives ok. I later found the the front seats were too high and very uncomfortable. It takes me a month to find that out and I develop a serious lower back pain that affects my sleep. The leather used in Santa Fe does not last. I decide to change car to ease my lower back pain. Most dealer were only willing to trade it for 1/3 of the price I paid. I end up give Hyundai another try since they gave highest trade in value. I still lost half of my investment.
Favorite Features
Exterior Sound system
Suggested Improvements
Better seat, Lower driving position. Better road manner. Improve quality. Control all the squeak and rattle in the cabin.
3 out 10 people found this review helpful
Great suv for the price.
Vehicle
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I was about to buy Nissan Rogue, but after I drove it found it underpowered. I love and look forward to driving it. Easy to maneuver, small turning circle. I have 1,300 miles, 2/3 highway, with 18.5 to 19.5 mpg average. Sticker price was $25,000 including destination charge. Got it for $18,950. Love the underfloor storage. Great looks inside and out. Blue interior lights are awesome.
Favorite Features
Warranty, price, and the overall package.
Suggested Improvements
Some over steer with FWD model. Resale value will be low but I'm not worried about it because hope to keep it for a long time.
4 out 4 people found this review helpful
BAD fuel economy
Vehicle
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS 4dr SUV AWD (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
Review
We have had this suv for about 9 months. We had been promised that it would get about 24 mpg on the highway, NOT. If we drive it like a little old lady, it only gets 18. If you are looking to save a few bucks on gas, do not buy a Santa Fe!!!! The car itself seems well built and the kids like the reclining back seats. (One of the reasons we bought the car). I am 6' 2" and the driver seat could go back a little more. NOT A BAD CAR, JUST BAD MPG!!!!!! Hyundai should be made to pull the ads about mileage.
Favorite Features
reclining back seats!
Suggested Improvements
The driver seat should be able to move back farther.
5 out 6 people found this review helpful
I love it!!!
Vehicle
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I have owned my Santa Fe for about 6 weeks now and love everything with/about it. Gas mileage has improved to 22.5 mixed driving (I have 2k miles on vehicle). Very quiet, smooth ride, love my heated leather seats even though I'm in the south. I didn't think I would use the heat but leather is cold in mornings. No transmission problems, it's a fantastic vehicle with great rebates. Oh, the stereo system with 6 disc and infinity speakers sounds awesome! Sunroof is quiet too. No complaints here at all. I would highly recommend this vehicle. My other top running choices were Rav 4 or Highlander but the price I paid for what I got beat Toyota by far. I mean they got 100k mile warranty included.
Favorite Features
Stereo, sunroof, heated seats
Suggested Improvements
More color choices for leather interior.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Soooo Quiet
Vehicle
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
This car is so quiet that I sometimes wonder if it's running. Much more front legroom than my Ford Escape, even if your 6 foot 3. The transmission is smooth and pickup is quick. Great horsepower at 260 so I have no trouble passing on the highway.
Favorite Features
The beautiful blue lights throughout the front dash, doors, and cup holders. The comfy seats and back head supports are very attractive. The seat belts are a nice size for the larger person. Tamper-proof gasoline fill door is an excellent feature.
Suggested Improvements
Handbag storage compartment would be nice. Better gas mileage. Running boards would help getting in for smaller people.
4 out 6 people found this review helpful
Very Impressed
Vehicle
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Picked up a 2008 Limited Santa Fe two weeks ago. Very impressed with the vehicle. I was a GMC man prior to this purchase and traded my 2001 Jimmy with 145K miles. The fit and finish is excellent and the little things got me like the front defrost comes on automatically and shuts off as well. Infinity sound system is fantastic, ride is smooth but the tires seem a bit noisy. Overall I'm very happy with my purchase.
Favorite Features
Dual A/C, hidden storage under rear deck. Never had a sunroof before.Roomy back seat.
Suggested Improvements
Better fuel mileage, after 1200 miles I'm getting 22 in mixed driving. I supposed it will get better with time. GET RID OF THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER !!!
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
A Good Choice!
Vehicle
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Bought my Santa Fe used to replace an Oldsmobile Intrigue with a 3.8 liter engine. It had been a rental with 6,000 miles. The ride is comfortable, has plenty of power to move in and out of traffic, it handles well, and it gives better mileage than my Intrigue. Around town I get 19.1 to 20.2, with 24- 26 on the highway (I get about 1.5 to 2.0 less MPG on ethanol blends). No mechanical problems. Purchase the rear plastic mat to cover you carpeting if you are going to haul anything dirty.
Favorite Features
Satellite radio, telescoping/tilting steering column, trip meter, folding rear seats that lock into place.
Suggested Improvements
Electronic compass in rear-view mirror as standard equipment.
4 out 4 people found this review helpful
Best value for 7-seater crossover SUV
Vehicle
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Picked the Santa Fe Limited AWD over Toyota RAV4 (too small and cheap materials), Toyota Highlander (too expensive). Quite happy at the money saved and having a 7-seater for those times when we need 2 extra seats. The engine and tranny combo runs like a dream. Brakes aren't bad for a 4000-lb car.
Favorite Features
Auto headlights, rear seat entertainment, beautiful black leather interior, no-nonsense dash/audio/ climate control layout, decent gas mileage, beautiful 18" alloy wheels + chrome dual exhaust tips.
Suggested Improvements
Build quality not up to Toyota, Honda, or Subaru standards - pass A-pillar and instrument pod pieces were not snapped in properly. Problems with Infinity 6- disc CD changer. Need both rear seat entertainment and GPS navigation simultaneously.
14 out 14 people found this review helpful
Luv my new car
Vehicle
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I am extremely happy with this car. My prior car was a Subaru Outback sedan. I was pleasantly surprised to see that this car is much more comfortable and drives just as well. My only complaint was the dealership experience, which was absolutely horrible.
Favorite Features
adjustable seats, navigation, dual air controls, overall comfort!
Suggested Improvements
There are no daylights, i think this is an extremely important feature that is needed and missing. Gas mileage is not so great. I have driven 400 miles so far, road and highway and the average mileage is almost 17 miles. I am hoping this improves.
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
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