Used 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe Consumer Reviews
Used Santa Fe for sale
Hyundai Santa Fe 2005 SE
eighthof8, 11/11/2007
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe LX Fwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I traded in a 2001 Nissan Exterra for my 2005 Santa Fe mainly for my Wife's daily driver. We both really like it rides/handles like a car. I've heard complaints of gas mileage here, but our 3.5 is averaging 21 mpg city/highway. On the highway it likes to run 80, so we let it. Highway mpg is a solid 24. For complaints: I wish the center console used better plastic. While driving, and using it as an arm rest, it creaks with any movement, plus the padded top needs more padding. I really don't like the way it accelerates from a standing stop. You crush the accelerator to get it moving, then it wants to blast off. I wish this was smoother. All around, I would purchase another
Will never own another Hyundai
MeredithB, 07/28/2015
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe LX Fwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
31 of 37 people found this review helpful
got this car used from a family member who disclosed all problems, showed car fax etc. I have spent more money on this car than this [non-permissible content removed] is even worth! In 2 years and LESS THAN 18,000 miles put on it myself, I've had nothing but problems. Oxygen sensor $200, mass air flow meter $500, both front axels and ABS sensors $1100, serpentine belt + AC compressor $650, not to mention frequent fuel ups! I take excellent care of this car, always getting regular oil changes and monitoring fluids under the hood. Most recently the car has started to have braking problems where the whole car shakes vigorously (probably my rotors going) as well as the most horrible cranking, whining noise when turning the wheel even in the slightest. I just needed this car to last me through college to get me from A to B; it did that while being unreliable, breaking down every few months, and emptying my broke college student pockets. Will never EVER own another Hyundai.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe for sale near you
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Nice ride
Dave, 11/27/2010
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
I bought the 2005 Santa Fe used just a week ago. The gas mileage is a bit lower than what I expected for a small V6. The 2.7 is just a little bit underpowered for a vehicle of this size. It is very comfortable for an SUV and handles very well. A solid vehicle with a lot of nice standard features. Roomy interior and sporty design. Controls easily reached and easy access getting in and out of the vehicle. Roomy cargo space.
Love it so far
Gail, 11/07/2009
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
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.
Good car, bad gas mileage!
Janos, 12/18/2008
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought my Santa Fe back in October 2008 - my wife wanted us to have a 4 wheel drive vehicle in case of bad weather. I expected the mileage to go down some from the sedan I had but figured with with conservative driving, I'd at least get in the low to mid 20's. Definitely NOT the case! I'm averaging closer to 16 to 18 miles to the gallon even with mostly highway driving at 70. It runs smoothly and is very comfortable to drive but every time I fill the tank, I cringe. Snow / slick road handling is so-so. My wife's Mazda 6 actually handles a lot better in snow & ice which kind of defeats the purpose of getting the four wheel drive Santa Fe! I will probably end up going back to a sedan.
Warranty issues
H Leal, 03/07/2010
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Fwd 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Nothing but warranty problems. The 1st was rust spots all over. It took over 6 months and 2 dealerships, warranty dept, regional DPSM, BBB. Now body side moulding fell off, they said not covered because it is 3/36000, but it's 5/60000. Conference calls with dealer, warranty dept and DPSM still nothing done. Service and warranty mean nothing. I bought because of warranty and it is all a lie. Never buy another again.
Great, no hassle, reliable quality car!
boisegal, 06/27/2010
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
I've owned my car since purchase, over five years now and never one problem! It's very reliable, works great for hauling around family, stuff, and friends. Still looks good, and cleans up nicely. I was in an accident three years ago, had front-end rebuilt. And still, never one problem before or after. These are great quality vehicles.
Great Car
Bob Ault, 11/13/2009
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Purchase this Santa Fe used with 25k. The only problem I encountered was a defective rear seat hatch which was covered under the factory warranty. At 54k it still has 30% front and 90% original factory brakes. It rides like a car, gets acceptable mileage and very easy to get in and out of.
frozen fluid
Alan , 03/01/2006
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I love this car. I bought it for my wife and I hardly let her drive it. The one PROBLEM is the washer fluid keeps freezing (yes I use -25 type). I have never had this problem before. I think this is a design flaw and a safety hazard. Other than that this car is great, fun to drive and fair- good on gas.
Strange, drawn out problems
Angela Tweet, 10/13/2010
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I loved Hyundai when I purchased my 2005 Santa Fe. The car was pretty amazing until spring of '10, when it started to show signs of overheating, without the thermostat going up. Lithia told me it was fine, and I drove it until it started stalling. I took it back in, paid for a new radiator (not under warranty after 60K), and dealt with either cracked radiators/ bubbling coolant or not having a vehicle for 3 months. They couldn't figure out what was wrong. Head gasket had to be replaced (under warranty) but since that had been what blew out the radiator, why didn't I get any refund? Or the more than $1k of equipment that they didn't seem to care was stolen from my car while they had it!