Recent Consumer Reviews
(128 Total Reviews)
More than I expected
Vehicle
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Having owned for about a week this car/truck is one great vehicle. All the research and test driving other vehicles this is the best hands down. There is so much quality in the detailing that I thought I was buying a Lexus. The infinity radio is just great along the the a/c that is so much better than my 2006 murano. These other car mfg better be looking over there shoulders.
Favorite Features
the blue lights and sound system
Suggested Improvements
none
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
First Hyundai
Vehicle
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Sold my beloved '94 MB and bought the Santa Fe Limited. Took very little time to get over the 'name' issue. I purchased based on research and friends with personal experience owning various models of Hyundai. Lots of bang for the buck and the XM radio with multi-CD/MP3 is wonderful. Mileage is as advertised - we all wish for more. As of now - absolutely no complaints.
Favorite Features
Quiet ride, easy handling, good visibility.
Suggested Improvements
Auto close for back door, upgrade on 'wood look' trim.
7 out 7 people found this review helpful
Santa Fe SE
Vehicle
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I am very pleased with this vehicle. I read the online reviews, did research and its great. I have averaged 24.5 miles per gallon, not bad for an SUV. Very comfortable, smooth and quiet ride. Excellent vehicle with a great warranty.
Favorite Features
The ride and comfort. Lots of room and storage space.
Suggested Improvements
An Ipod connection would be great, but you can purchase a car adapter for $50.00 bucks. There is only one keyed entry on the drivers door.
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
First Hyundai
Vehicle
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I continue to be impressed with this vehicle. I was hesitant to buy based on Hyundai's old image with cheap cars. I have only had it for about a month and keep discovering things that impress me. For instance, the gas mileage for highway. level road, 65 mph is up to 30.4 mpg. And until I drove it in the dark, I did not realize how cool the dash lights and all other lighting on the console, steering wheel and armrests were this cool violet blue. The Infinity stereo system is overkill for me, but has nice sound. Nice road handling. I would highly recommend this vehicle.
Favorite Features
Interior and dash lighting, gas mileage, overall looks of the car, color selection is nice. Two choices on the interior. Performance is good.
Suggested Improvements
Change to front design to look more American or European and less oriental with the up swung headlamps. Two tone color option over the wheel wells and on the bottom and bumpers of the car. GPS. Chrome along the wheel wells on the Limited.
3 out 4 people found this review helpful
Biggest mistake I ever made
Vehicle
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I purchased the limited AWD, tried out all sorts of SUV. Warranty was part of the decision factor. For a 30,000 auto, you would think they would have put the lights to stay on after you turn off your key. Nope not there ( I was told it did but no it does not) Does not auto lock the doors after you reach the 12 or 15 miles an hour like most cars do. After reading the manual I find out that when you lock in AWD it turns off at 19 miles an hour. I could not believe it so I call Hyundai and they told me yes that it does. So what is the point in having AWD? I have had it 5 days now and ready to trade it in. Rides good except the back seat vibrates more than it should.
Favorite Features
Stereo, handles the curves wonderfully, even though I had to shift the auto into 3rd gear. The auto 5 speed
Suggested Improvements
Put the locks on the doors when you reach 12 or 15 miles an hour. Headlights should stay on for very short time after turning off key to get into the house. Put day running lights so when it rains I do not have to remember to turn on the lights when I turn on the windshield wipers.
6 out 20 people found this review helpful
Great car overall
Vehicle
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Love my new Santa Fe - no transmission issues, great gas mileage (I read reviews here before buying and was concerned but I'm getting consistently around 23 for combined driving. The only complaint I have is with the infinity sound system- I also have the high-pitched whine at lower volumes that others have alluded to. It gets very annoying and the dealer has replaced my entire system to no avail. They seem to think the amp is overpowered for the speakers and causing feedback. At high volume, the sound is great. Overall fun car and I'm thrilled with the value.
Favorite Features
Heated seats make long trips MUCH more enjoyable. Tan interior is gorgeous with the black and chrome accents and black carpeting. Lots of storage space in back.
Suggested Improvements
Fix the infinity system! This seems to be a pervasive problem (probably an issue with all Limiteds, but whether or not you can appreciate the squealing depends on your hearing range).
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
I don't get Hyundai...
Vehicle
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS 4dr SUV AWD (2.7L 6cyl 5M)
Review
...for making a car with this kind of transmission. I liked the Santa Fe until the experiences I have had with the transmission. It does ruin the driving experience. And to make matters worse, Hyundai service tells me nothing is wrong with it when there clearly is a problem. No transmission shifts like this. It clearly is slipping and it definitely does not help the poor gas mileage figures that the car already has.
Favorite Features
Interior and style
Suggested Improvements
Transmission and gas mileage.
10 out 18 people found this review helpful
All In One Package
Vehicle
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
After a frustrating time with my 02 Odyssey, we decided to get a new SUV. I have tested a fair amount of SUVs in the market and the Santa Fe was my top choice. I bought it and the experience is amazing. 3 months with it and it's still pretty flawless. The fuel economy is so-so but what do you expect from a AWD? This CUV is definitely worth looking at. It's the bang for the buck. I love it. My first Hyundai... really impressed.
Favorite Features
Blue illuminated dash, controls, etc. All in one package, engine noise is non-existent during highway cruising
Suggested Improvements
None
16 out 16 people found this review helpful
love my santa fe
Vehicle
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
This is my 3rd Hyundai and my favorite so far. I had a Sonata and a GLS 350. I have had 3 Volvos, 3 BMWs and a Porsche Boxster and frankly for the money, its an excellent car. I have all the options in high end cars. I saw someone complain about their service but I have had wonderful service. Twice they have fixed things for free that would not have been covered under warranty. As long as all goes well with this car, I will probably buy another.
Favorite Features
my audio system with gps. It has a touch screen. How cool is that!
Suggested Improvements
Don't really care for the look of the faux wood in this. It was nicer in my 350.
5 out 5 people found this review helpful
Bad Transmission
Vehicle
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I agree with all the other posters as there is a definite problem with this transmission design. It does not function properly when cold. It is absolutely stupid that Hyundai would put a vehicle on the market with this transmission design. They knew this problem existed and stuck the fools (like me) who decided to purchase it. Never again. I will never buy another Hyundai. This is not a trustworthy company.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Fix the defected transmission. This car needs a massive recall.
13 out 34 people found this review helpful
View Pricing for Other Years
Research the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
Buying & Selling
Vehicle Details
Multimedia
Ratings & Reviews
Payment Calculators
Helpful Tools