Description: The Santa Fe is a 4-door, 5-passenger sport-utility, available in 8 trims, ranging from the GLS 2.4 Manual FWD to the Limited 3.5 Auto AWD.
Radio controls integrated into steering wheel (and integrated very well!)
Bluetooth® phone controls
iPod support
XM® Satellite Radio
Lots of storage compartments
Elegant trim touches
Good mileage for gas SUV at 22 mpg
Cons:
Dated styling
Uninspired driving
Acceptable freeway on-ramp power
First Impressions
Over the last decade, Hyundai has made huge strides in improving their reputation for safety and quality. In 2006, they passed Toyota in the JD Powers and Associates quality ranking - a major change for a brand that had once been the poster child for low quality. Note that this was way before Toyota started recalling everything - they used to be the standard for quality! With the better reputation, long warranties and their low prices, Hyundai has grown sales in North America from about 250,000 cars in 2000 to 435,000 in 2009, grabbing share from their established rivals. The biggest part of that success has been the Santa Fe, a crossover SUV that has become commonplace here in import-friendly California. The gist of all of this background is that I was interested to check out the most popular SUV that the up-and-coming Hyundai has to offer.
The 2010 is part of the second generation of this workhorse SUV. However, since the last major overhaul was in 2007, it’s getting time to update this one again. The styling of the Santa Fe is acceptable, but clearly a step behind the recently overhauled 2010 Tucson, which is a smaller and less expensive crossover. The Tucson is far edgier and exciting, making the Santa Fe come off looking behind the times. Walking up to it, I felt the age of the design and expected my time with the Santa Fe would reveal it to have some tweaks on an established platform, but nothing too exciting.
Summary: leatherette beige seats become discoloured
very quickly. In our case every two weeks.
Interior seats were all cleaned and treated with a protecting sealant and discoloured re-occurred in two weeks.
The bottom left side of the driver's seat
is where this black dirt substance appears .
Was told that it is due to the light beige colour of the leatherette seats, the material used, the colour of clothing worned and the in and out of the car.
Similar Products Used: none
++
Rating Reviewed by: Tarek(Unregistered User)
Review Date October 26, 2011
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for 3 Months to 1 year
Visitors rate this review 2.79 of 5,
29.00 votes
Review 2 of 268
Price Paid:
$30600.00
from Abu Dhabi, UAE
Year / Model Reviewed: 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
Strengths: Powerful Engine, Safety features, plenty of options included, spacious, good ride
Weaknesses: The steering wheel controls are in the wrong position, Seats are a bit firm, flimsy panels and doors
Summary: For a family SUV, this is excellent value for money. I really like the engine which is 270 HP. It is quite responsive on the overtake and accelaration is impressive. Fuel consumption is average for its class. There are plenty of features such as the reverse camera and the ful set of airbags. the 7 seat configuration is really useful for people carrying but there is barely any luggage space then. However, fold the rear seats down flat and you get plenty of luggage space with a flat floor to boot.
On the down side, the buttons on the steering wheel are not in the right place for thumb use. You have to change your hand position to use them which defeats the purpose of those buttons in the first place.
When you open the doors, the is a flimsy cheap feel to the locking mechanism.
The seats are a bit on the firm side. Needed time to get used to them.
Overall, I'm very satisfied with the car and its performance. Wish I can change the steering wheel though. Would prefer the VeraCruz one
Similar Products Used: BMW X5 3.0
Kia Sportage
Mistubishi Overland
Ford Explorer
++
Rating Reviewed by: dawn prusinski(Unregistered User)
Review Date August 20, 2010
Overall Rating 3 of 5
Value Rating 3 of 5
Used product for 1 to 3 months
Visitors rate this review 3.39 of 5,
67.00 votes
Review 3 of 268
Price Paid:
$285000.00
from north town hundai
Year / Model Reviewed: 2010 santa fe fwd limited
Strengths: looks good inside and out.buttons are in right places.price was good.warranty great ride on smooth roads.
Weaknesses: ride isnt the smoothest living in buffalo.bought front wheel drive wondering if should of got AWD version.
Summary: if your roads are as smooth as glass this is good choice.
Strengths: Good looks. best options for the price along with a good warranty, lots of storage and reclining rear seats
Weaknesses: light brown leather seats develope black dust marks on the sides every week and needs to be cleaned often. Ruff ride, Finding an after market oil filter impossable (no such thing available, dealer only)
Summary: The vehicle did give me acouple of surprises when doing routine maintance. With little information given at time of purchase from salesman/ dealership (felt as if I was on my own, just wanted the sale!)All in all, very satisfied so far
Similar Products Used: Lincoln MKX,Ford Edge, Saturn Vue
++
Rating Reviewed by: Jon Amore(Unregistered User)
Review Date August 22, 2009
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for 3 Months to 1 year
Visitors rate this review 3.25 of 5,
89.00 votes
Review 5 of 268
Price Paid:
$20090.00
from Arapaho Hyundai
Year / Model Reviewed: 2009 Santa Fe GLS
Strengths: Fit finish excellent paint and trim in
and out very well done
the 4 wheel drive system is top notch.
smooth and digs in when you need it
Weaknesses: Seats could be a little more comfortable
for larger folks, My average sized wife thinks is perfect.
Stock tires by my standard are not up to snuff
Summary: Quite on both the High way and on Back
mountain dirt roads
solid in every way
We have other SUVs in the family all
family member are very impressed with the GLS.
One member is currently selling his Subaru out back and purchasing a new Santa Fe or /Tuscon
Similar Products Used: In my family currently,a Honda ex pilot, Honda CRV ex, Jeep grand Cherokee , Toyota 4runner , small Nissan 4/4, Subaru out back
4 of 5
5 of 5
3 of 5
