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Used 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
207 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful Vehicle!!!

Suzie, 12/17/2004
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have always been a Hyundai customer. I bought my first one when I turned 18 and have been a customer ever since. I am more than impressed with the styling and performance of the Santa Fe. I have told everyone I know what a great value this car is. I love it!!!

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4.13 out of 5 stars

The good and the not-so-good

Denis, 05/01/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I enjoy my Santa Fe very much. The 3.5 engine has plenty of zip and the car handles very well. Biggest drawback is getting into car. The natural tendancy is to lean forward to clear the door with your head but the overly raked windshield makes this manuever ill-advised. The rear seats not only fold down (although not 100% flat), they also recline which make them much more comortable than the Subaru Forester which I considered. Standard safety features are outstanding such as side air bags & reinforced doors,ABS 4 wheel disc brakes, heated power mirrors. My Santa Fe came standard with AC, powerful CD/Cassette, AM/FM, Cruise, power everything except seats, remote entry w/alarm & much more

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4.88 out of 5 stars

you can't get more for your money

russell champlin, 12/10/2004
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe LX AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is the second Hyundai I have purchased. The quality and reliability of this vehicle makes you wonder what the other car companies are doing with all the extra money they charge you fora similiarly equipped vehicle. The week after I bought this car my parents were so impressed they had me buy them a Sonata over the internet, "sight unseen." They can't believe the car they got for the money.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Excellent car

Jose, 05/14/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Fwd 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car has proven to be extremely fun to drive with an acceptable fuel consumption for a small SUV. Its standard model comes well equipped with a good AC, cd player, shiftronic and power mirrors/doors/windows.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

The 2.7 AWD Santa Fe

Sant fe, 12/08/2004
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I would reccomend buying this SUV to anyone looking for a worthwhile SUV at a very reasonable price. I purchased the same model in June of '03 and I liked it so much that I traded mine in for a newer model. They handle great, look great and get good gas mileage!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Love my new Santy

SeeJay, 12/15/2004
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Fwd 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Only one problem with this vehicle - the fuel mileage is really bad compared with the advertised mileage. I'm getting worse mileage than my wife, who drives a much heavier, much larger engined car. My mileage is about 35% worse than the advertised mileage. Otherwise, it's great fun to drive, lots of room in the back for my 90 lb. dog, and very comfortable to drive and ride in.

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5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Value, Car like Ride..........

IlovemySantaFe, 01/07/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe LX AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I am so happy with my new Santa Fe I had to come on-line and write a review. It has everything I wanted and more, excellent value and warranty and the sales experience were quick and painless. My salesperson Bobby explained everything and showed me all the features and benifits of buying a quality Suv. Most important Hyundai has done so much to improve the quality of their cars and with their warranty I have no worries.

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4 out of 5 stars

Engine Light

Earl, 05/16/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Fwd 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

At 2200 miles it is now on. Everything seems fine, temp OK, Oil level OK, Runs OK. Will call them tomorrow to see what's up. Why the hell is the dam engine light on already?? maybe i should of went toyota--A

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Must test drive

tony , 12/13/2004
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe LX AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I never thought we would consider buying a Hyundai product. On the way to look at Toyotas we test drove a loaded 2005. Good ride, good standard equipment. good build quality and best warranty as well as saving thousands over the competition. Best Buy!

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5 out of 5 stars

Best car I have owned to date

k2kes, 05/13/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Fwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I traded in a Ford Escape with 30000 miles on it for the 2004 Santa Fe. I got tired of Ford's expensive service practices and terrible warranty...and the great warranty on the Hyundai sure beats Ford's...

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Paul's review

Paul Mrozek, 01/06/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The styling is stand out, very unique!I love the all wheel drive. Power is adequate, but, It could use a little more. I know a larger V-6 is available, but, I'm not willing to get less mileage.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

good price, great price

dcherry, 01/01/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Fwd 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I did not think I could ever afford to buy such a nice SUV. It is like that big Toyota with lots of room. I tried out the Toyota, and was overwhelmed with the price of it. Once I got in the Hyundai, I was hooked. It is nice. It is so comfortable. Even the back seats are so huge that anybody riding back there is very happy. I rode in the back of the Toyota and was so squeezed and the plastic parts inside looked so cheesy and the big sticker price turned me off...oh, and there was very little warranty on the Toyota. So I got the Hyundai and I have been happy every since. BEST DECISION EVER.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Hyundai Santa Fe - an great buy

twludlow, 01/02/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe LX AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Except for fuel economy the Hyundai Santa Fe is a best buy. I've only driven it a bit over 1,000 miles but that's enough to know that this a fine handling SUV that, fully equipped, is as well appointed and comfortable as the BMW I owned previously. The fuel economy isn't as advertised however. The literature promises 16/17 in town and 22/23 on the highway. Sorry to say that is way off reality. I'm getting more like 16. The dealer is ready to check it for necessary adjustments, so hopefully that will improve the situation. If so, I'll be a Hyundai fan for life.

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5 out of 5 stars

Good car, Great Value

lightman, 05/14/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe LX AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It's a great SUV, And you get a lot of luxury for little investment. I do not have a single complaint. I think it is easily one of the best kept seacrets in the SUV market.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Santa Fe

John Salvatore, 01/16/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The auto is comfortable to sit in with power to move. The sound system is great. The gas mileage is ok; could be better, but it's not bad.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Good car

CR, 01/20/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Had my Hyundai for a few months now and am loving it. There are a couple of things I wish were a little different but overall it is a nice small SUV. The interior and exterior are really nice and I love the way it drives.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Smile

Niall, 05/18/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe LX AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had absolutely no problems with my Santa Fe during the first year of ownership. It has a well thought out interior for space and is a comfortable long road trip experience.

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5 out of 5 stars

Hyundai Santa Fe

Dave , 02/10/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Love it! Thought it would be small after having an extended van. Like the inside and love the stereo - great for in traffic concerts. Great vehicle. The warranty is great and the standard features are excellent.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Santa Fe 2005

Frank, 01/07/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Fwd 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Excellent value for the money. Good overall quality and fun to drive. Many extras that would cost more on competitive models, plus you cannot beat the warranty and free roadside assistance.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Ya Gets What Ya Pays For

Scott, 02/20/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

For the money, you probably can't go too far wrong here, but overall this is probably just an average SUV for its class. The exterior styling is a bit radical for some tastes, but it does stand out well in a crowd, and doesn't have that "shoebox on wheels" look most SUVs have. The handling on the 4WD model is a bit mushy, and the fuel economy isnt great for its size, but it does have enough zip when you need it. I've found the seats less than totally comfortable on long trips, but otherwise the interior is decent. The reliability has been good so far, and the warranty is unbeatable. Overall, while not outstanding or overly impressive in any one area, probably still a great bargain for the money

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Hyundai Got It Right

Les, 02/19/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe LX Fwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The car was presented at the dealership in flawless shape (except for a burnt out map light bulb). I have purchased new Toyotas and Hondas over the years and the fit and finish on my Santa Fe is just as good and the price can't compare. Thousands cheaper than the comparable Japanese models and a bit more stylish by my taste. The 3.5 liter engine has more than enough power and the ride is firm and comfortable. This car is the best in its size class.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

I LOVE THIS CAR

LINDA, 04/02/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Fwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I never knew that a car could be so much fun to drive. I volunteer to drive everywhere now. The pick-up upon accelerating is very quick. I find the seats to be very comfortable. The cargo area is very ample. The safety features on the car make me feel safe and secure. My only complaint would be the gas mileage, it could be better. I would recommend this vehicle to everyone.

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5 out of 5 stars

love it

jimmy l snyder, 07/10/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

handles great good on gas easy to park more storage than jeep very depenable no recalls as yet

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5 out of 5 stars

great

john santiago, 04/24/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Fwd 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

vehicle is reliable, good on gas

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Happy

Scat, 03/17/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Fwd 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great car for the price. More bang for my bucks than the competition. It's been absolutely reliable. Not a thing to replace. OEM tires were decent. A bit much with interior noise.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

good deal

kevin nell, 05/05/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I paid $5000 less then the closest Japanese suv. It comes with better warrant program and re-sale price is getting better...

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5 out of 5 stars

Best SUV

Jabes, 07/09/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned Jeep,Honda,GMC,Ford and Toyota SUVs. This is the best of them all. Ride is great, everything is well placed on the interior. I get great gas milage on the highway, 26mpg, driving in mountainous areas. Love the Automatic/manual transmission, great feature similar to what I had on my Audi. Excellant warranty, which I've not had to use because it is such a reliable car.

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5 out of 5 stars

Best Buy

Erin, 05/05/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe LX AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I reciently baught a Santa Fe and I love it. The dealership that I purchased it at made the whole stressful proceedure very easy and fun. I looked at a lot of different SUV's, with all the features, and for the price, i think this is the best mid- size on the market.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Love my Hyundai

Dutchman, 05/11/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe LX AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Really fun to drive! Handles great in our Rocky Mountains, even in sever weather. Snow and ice is no problem and vehicle is extremly stable an easy to control. Shiftronic gear selection is great, used a lot in the mountains.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Isabella- thats her name

KATHY RAMSEY, 07/11/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my car, the only thing I do not like is the pick up at a full stop. It is very slow at first but then is fine once you are going. Pulling out is traffic is not my favorite thing to do with this SUV. I have had a problem with getting shocked every time I get out. Passengers have too. The dealership has twice now said there is nothing wrong. Anyone else having this problem? Winter was very bad, summer not as bad but still happening.

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5 out of 5 stars

WOW!

Completely Satisfied, 05/19/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Fwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is the sixth vehicle that I own...and the best deal I have ever gotten! Great ride, lots of pros, and hardly any cons. I don't mind that there is not a lot of rebate, because the quality is there!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Luxury SUV, economy price

Jodi, 03/29/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe LX Fwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

All the bells and whistles of higher priced suv's. Roomy, great warranty, dependable.

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4 out of 5 stars

love it

kerry holmes, 05/21/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Fwd 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

love it ride good. I find my self speeding because it ride so smooth comepare to my suv.this is my wife car. my girl wamts ot to go to college in it not her honda. no way she wil get it.like the intero setup good ac.seats up high so you can see the road.lots of room in back for things. will buy me one on my next car

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Fun to Drive

refusetostop, 07/26/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Fwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love thge warranty but after the purchase I don't have to think about it because everything works great. This vehicle is very fun to drive and has alot of get up and go with the 3.5 v6.The heated seats are a plus in the cold weather months and the leather cleans up easy when my kids make a mess. The only down side is not having power seats. That one option would make my Sante Fe perfect.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Disappointed at mileage

Darrell Colonius, 02/19/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Fwd 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Seems like a pretty solid car and handles very nice. But I do not like where the heater and air conditioner controls are located. You have to take your eyes off the road to adjust because they are located so low in the compartment. For the size, the gas mileage is terrible.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

best yet

dave smith, 05/30/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Fwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

it`s all we ever wanted in a car and more the more we drive it the better we like it. we get about 25 mpg hwy! I also have a pickup is the reason for the low milage. all i can say is its a good auto!!!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Wonderful SUV, can't do better

myhook, 02/23/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We test drove a lot of small, mid SUVs. Had a Jeep Liberty nearly blow up on the road from a gas leak, loved the RAV-4 and CR-V. Finally went to Vermont to see the Santa Fe; wow this car beat all the others on the first drive. Has everything you want, front wheel drive, with all wheel drive sending power to rear wheels when needed, V6 to tow our boat, great styling and interior, KILLER stereo, THIS VEHICLE ROCKS. It has the best feature I've ever seen on an SUV, a shiftronic system to allow down or upshifting at any time (such as on a hill pulling a boat). Bought the car on the first test drive and I've never bought before without at least two trip to the dealer to haggle over price.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

curt's

curt, 06/19/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

this is my first brand new vehicle and I'm very pleased with it. compared to other vehicles in it's class it is a bargain. very dependable strong running vehicle.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

My honest opinion

Jose Santiago, 07/26/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Fwd 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Good sturdy vechicle. It is slow to accelerate but when it catches up it will blow you away.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Nice surprise

jacukel, 07/04/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Never owned a Korean vehicle before— had the same skepticism others have. Was given one at a car rental place in Phoenix this spring. I was incredibly surprised by how solid the vehicle was, the performance and the nice little extras throughout the car. Shopped Jeep, Ford and Chevy before going with the Santa Fe— the dealer also bent over backward to make me a deal. I love the stereo, the seats (even without power adjustment), car really zips around— and like I said, nice little extras (cargo net, full-size spare, cargo cover, child seat anchors, 3 DC outlets, traction control). Negatives? Funky exterior styling, a lot of lean in hard turns. Beyond that, not much.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

My Santa Fe

Diane, 03/31/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great car, I have had it 2 months and love it.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

My first SUV

Marie, 07/03/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Fwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my first SUV and it is a sound vehicle and it looks great too. I didn't get the 4 wheel drive, but I didn't have any trouble in a snow storm. The traction control worked great.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Choice

New Jersey, 08/13/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I traded my Mercedes ML in for the Santa Fe with no regrets. I can't go wrong with the 10 year 100,000 mile warranty. I wish that I didn't get the 2.7L. But is still worth every penny. Everyone loves it!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Sant Fe - AWD 4x4

Ken Pribil, 03/04/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This vehicle is a pleasure to drive. The only drawback is the CD stereo. In order to hear its quality, and power, it must be played loud. Everything else is great. I only wish that they would make an offer an extended version. Then it would be perfect.

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5 out of 5 stars

'05 Santa Fe 4Cyl FWD *(Canadian Model)

Andy Hutcheson, 01/08/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Fwd 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Have owned this Santa Fe for 3 months. Surprisingly pleased with the performance and gas mileage. Currently getting 31.88 mpg with mostly "around town" driving...only 3 trips over an hour in duration. Vehicle has lots of get-up-and-go due no doubt to a very well geared 5 speed manual transmission.Exterior style and ergonomics of interior very pleasing. Feels very solid and tight on the road. Have no reliabily info yet.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Love my Santa Fe

Cynthia , 05/28/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had my 2004 Santa Fe for 8 months now. I love it. I have plenty of room for my family of 4. It is great for traveling and shopping. Going through drive through restrants is a breeze. So is loading and unloading groceries from the back. We just got back from a trip to the Smokie Mountains. My husband commented that it was a joy to drive. Smooth handling like a car. The only draw back is when going through parking lots, tourists didn't hear the engine and we had to wait for them to get out of our way.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great mid-size SUV to own

Queenandsadie, 03/05/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Fwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The fact that the vehicle has plenty of room, good stereo system, sun roof and window are a plus. Good turning radius! Plenty of cargo room if back seats are dropped down. The VERY BEST WARRANTY I have seen. Universal Nissan staff are quick to respond and go out of their way to be of service. I am very pleased with this purchase.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

fun,affordable luxury

luvmysantefe, 03/05/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The Sante Fe is truly my favorite SUV of them all, it handles unbelievably well in winter conditions, the sleek look makes it a real eye catcher and the heated leather seats are a luxury. The interior is very roomy, plenty of cargo space. It's a little hard on fuel. An overall fun affordable luxury SUV.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Santa Fe

Mike, 03/09/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Fwd 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I just traded in the Elantra for the Santa Fe and I love it. Great in bad weather.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

I own it and I luv it

Dave, 03/11/2005
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe LX Fwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Smooth ride and quiet operation. The 3.5L is a fast, efficient, and stable performer. Interior layout is roomy and comfortable except my dog has trouble sitting on the console. The back seat area is roomy for even large adults and there is plenty of luggage space. The dash layout is easily viewed during operation. I'm looking forward to my next long trip to find out the real feel.

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