Spec level of the GLS, solid feel, performance of the 2.7L, handling and ride. Very smooth, loose sense of speed.

Some minor panel fit. Tend to drive at excessive speed without realising (Speeding ticket in the waiting.)

If you asked me 5 years ago if I would ever be driving a Hyundai I would have laughed.Well couldn't have chosen better. Wanted a 4wd that wouldn't drive like a "Truck" Excellent value for money when compared to the alternatives with no reduction in any department. 6 months and 20,000km so far, hasn't missed a beat. 2.7L has ample performance. (Tried a 2.4L different machine and was put off untill trying the 2.7L) 2 bad reviews out of 112 speak volumes.

Similar Products Used:

Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Landcruser, Ford Courier, Nissan Nivara, Isuzu Bighorn (Trooper), Santa Fe 2.4, Honda CRV, Mitsubishi Pajero, Mitsubishi Airtrek, Subaru Forester, Isuzu Wizard, Jeep Wrangler

-Good Styling -Comfortable -Excellent Warranty -Best Value for SUV's in this class

-Acceleration could improved a bit. (However, it cruises very nicely on the highway.)

I'm writing a follow up to our original review when we first purchased our Santa Fe back in June 2002. We are still very satisifed!

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-Honda CRV

Looks good, very well built, very smooth ride, great warranty, everything seems in place with the ergonomics, does great in the snow.

I wish fuel milage were a bit better 15mpg-21mpg

I did not want to buy this vehicle, I was looking at a much more expensive model. My wife had her mind set on the Santa Fe so we ended up with an AWD GLS. Hyundai has come a long way in the last few years, quality is very close to Honda’s now. It rides well, has great brakes, does great in the snow, and contrary to what you may hear, decent power. It isn’t a hard core four wheel drive SUV but a great family SUV with lots of interior room, that can handle snow or moderate off road adventures. If I had it to do over again I would defiantly get the Santa Fe again.

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Isuzu Trooper

Looks, handling, AWD.

Nothing major at this point. Really nothing to gripe about at all.

So far a great Mini suv. I have a 99 Honda CRV EX, but its like day and night. Have a Tow pkg and Sun roof, and the FE just does fine pulling my boat. Over 6000 miles so far no problems at all.

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CRV, Jimmy.

Styling, Power, Comfort & Ride Interior room Extra features (value for money) Remote starting feature standard!

Power Door control only on driver side. Some of the controls (power lock/window controls etc) should be back lit for ease of finding/use at night.

I have had my Sante Fe for about 8 months now and I still think it offers the best value for your $ in the SUV class. I admitt that I was (and to some extent, still am) a little apprehensive about the long term reliability based upon Hyundai's past record of product quality (Remember the Pony and Stellar!)however so far so good. I find the power and acceleration to be more than adequate in both city and hwy driving and the ride is definately better than other SUV's I tested. (Escape, Liberty, Vue, Pathfinder) While I am now seeing more and more Sante Fe's on the streets of Wpg., it's distinctive styling still turns heads and I still have people asking me about the vehicle when I stop at lights or have it parked on the street.

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Escape, Liberty, Vue, Pathfinder,

It looks good. It drives like a car. It has a good price for the standard features offerred.

Acceleration doesn't seem like it will be that easy. Possible reliability issues.

I test drove this vehicle today (11/30/2002) and what I liked most about the vehicle is that it drives exactly like a car. What I disliked the most is that, even in the V6, the car didn't seem to accelerate that greatly. The vehicle didn't hesitate but it seemed like acceleration was hard on the vehicle.

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No other SUV's have been test driven.

You get alot for your money, smooth ride and easy to drive. Most of the stuff that people complain about in the 2002 have been fixed like the keyless remote only unlocks driver side, push twice for all doors and has a panic swich

None really. Only on I can think of is it has a lot of blind spots but that is somthing you get used to and adapt to it.

I love the car. Rides very smooth, and you get alot for your money. It is like driving a 30 or 40 thousand dollar car for only 20 thousand. Great warrenty!!

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My first SUV. Test drove the Satern VUE.

I don't think the V6 in this model is underpowered. As a previous reviewer noted, when you step on it it gets up and goes. Seating is very comfortable; plenty of room and storage space for my needs; easy access through the rear lift-back door or window; handles well for the vehicle it is; everything seems to be well assembled and of good quality; large climate-control knobs looked a bit goony at first but now that I'm used to them I'm wondering when they will be adopted by all car-makers; pretty quiet inside; sound system is decent; it's all good.

Tried for several minutes to think of one, even a minor annoyance, but can't. As for the horsepower being less than advertised Hyundai, to make up for it, sent me a postcard allowing me to extend any one of the three warranties on the vehicle by an additional year or 10k miles. I assume everyone (who bought one new) got the same offer. That is some excellent customer service.

Excellent vehicle so far. I am completely satisfied and recommend this vehicle to anyone who asks.

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none

Bold and graceful in aspect, the gentle contours of the styling belie the capabilities of the machine. The acceleration is smooth and consistent and while it may seem underpowered at first, it accelerates just fine and very comfortably. However, the power is deceptive. Thrust down the gas pedal and the Santa Fe's engine growls to life like a predator about to pounce on any but the fleetest opponent - and you are gone. First time owners pay attention you how fast you are going and the limits of your truck because you may find your anti-lock brakes kicking in because you were going faster than you initially thought. Comfortable inside with lots of space. Easily accesible controls and a well designed cabin make this a pleasure to drive. I just took my new boss for a drive in it and he commented that he pays me too much. I assure you this is not true. Fact is, you don't need to be wealthy to drive a very nice and safe automobile. Another strength is storage. Lots of space to carry stuff. If, like me, you have a wife who appreciates the older more expensive furniture then this truck will move it for you. A huge plus is the sheer number of storage compartments.

None. I'd have liked an electronic compass and tempurature guage like my Jimmy had - but that is the ONLY thing the Jimmy had over the Santa Fe and well, for the pure value over the Jimmy, who cares.

I've had this car for a week or so now and I love it. It's very comfortable - leather and heated seats are your friends. In the slush and snow (I already had occasion to experience a great deal of both) it performs admirably if not excellently. My previous vehicle was a GMC Jimmy and this car already is vastly superior to the Jimmy at its best in terms of ride, handling, and apparent safety. The all-wheel drive is stellar while GM hasn't learned how to implement 4WD yet. All in all, my driving experience just improved by light years over the GM. Pass the GM, Ford, and Chevy dealerships and go for the best value - the Hyundai Santa Fe. If you are thinking Honda, take the time to drive this car. You will get better value for your money. Hyundai once stood for 'Korean crap' but now, Hyundai stands for "Spectacular value and great cars'. Once I've had this car for a year I'll happily post on the service and ongoing quality.

Similar Products Used:

GMC Jimmy (ubersh*tbox) Jeep (impractical) Ford Exploder (ok) Jeep Liberty (test drive - yuck)

Styling - not your typical box and rather roomy. Standard Options - wish there was a moonroof, though. I think they are offered on the 2003 models. Stereo System - some didn't like the system but for a factory system mine sounds pretty good.

Wind noise at very high speeds, this only happens when I'm at or over 70mph. Is this really a weakness? That's pretty much it.

I really had my eye on a Nissan Pathfinder but couldn't justify spending $28K vs $20K. My uncle turned me on to the Santa Fe, I test drove it and liked it a lot. I really didn't test drive any other SUV's, needed transportation quickly when my 12-year sedan died on me. I had the Santa Fe for almost a year and not one problem, my only visit to the dealer was for the oil changes. Since this was a first-year model, I was skeptical a first but Hyundai's warranty reeled me in. Some have complained about the gas mileage but one must take into consideration that this SUV is almost 2 tons, heavier that the other SUVs in its class. I have the AWD-V6 and get about 20mpg, a few notches lower than the others. I do wish a few more horses (again, due to the weight) but overall find the V6 adequate for everyday highway and city driving. I think the SF is a great value.

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Test drove the Nissan Pathfinder.