Hyundai Santa Fe (2006 and earlier)

hciaffa · October 2000

This weekend while visiting my daughter, she and I went her Hyundai dealer where she bought her Ellantra two years ago and has had a trouble free experience so far. It was Sunday and they had a fully loaded Santa Fe, black with gray interior. I believe it was the top of the line 6 cyl.( not sure, is it 4 wheel drive or all wheel drive) leather heated seats, mirrors and all kind of accessories, for $23,000 and change. I paid that much for my wifes Forester with less in it. Though it was Sunday the doors of the vehicle, sitting right in front of the dealership, were open. Now I fancy myself as a car buff... fixing autos, reading and staying abreast of the auto news and manufacturers and I was impressed with this mini-suv. Fit and finish were excellent and the options were surprising, including the Exterra style first-aid kit. Enough cubby holes and drink holders, seating was excellent and since our family is short the view out the windshield was perfect. And 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS. With the problems were having with my wifes Forester I just may convince my wife to get a Santa Fe. I was really impressed. Wish I could have taken it for a test drive.

natescape · October 2000

What kind of problems are you having with your wife's Forester? I'll be getting a Forester (unless I'm REALLY impressed when my local dealer finally gets a Santa Fe for me to check out), and have heard nothing but glowing things about it.

I won't even consider the Tribute/Escape after I heard about all the problems it has.

23k and it has more options than the Forester? I've priced out a S+ at about $23k. Of course, it's a stick, but it has ABS, side-impact airbags, limited rear slip differential, the best AWD on the planet, a GIANT moonroof, 5-CD in-dash changer/cassette, etc. And it gets better MPG than the Santa Fe.

AWD is important if you live someplace with regular snow/ice. I live in New England, so the roads are at least wet 25% of the time, and treacherous 5% of the time.

adamjrae · October 2000

I was looking forward the Tribute and I knew Mazda built quality products. While waiting for my Tribute I realized that the Tribute is nothing more than a ford with Mazda stickers on it. I always hated fords ever since my mothers escort when I was like 6 years old. Anyway - I know I love my Santa Fe and hopefully you will love your also. If you have any questions regarding options, space, anything please go to www.geocities\adamjrae and send me an e-mail. That website has pictures of the inside of the Santa Fe.
I did not talk to the dealer regarding the CD/Cassette deal in the book. I don't own any tapes and it wasn't a concern to me.

I hope you enjoy your Santa Fe ! ! !

alexab · October 2000

Adamjare, I actually sent you mail, but you didn't reply. My question is : In the rear are enough space for 3 people with car seat installed?
Do you know rear shoulder room?

alexab · October 2000

Adam, I got it, thanks

ranger47 · October 2000

The Santa Fe rear seat dimensions are as follows:
leg room - 36.8 ins.
head room - 39.2 ins.
shoulder room - 56.5 ins.
hip room - 54.0 ins.

Hope this helps..........

khj · October 2000

I talked to a sales rep. at Sussman Hyundai in Phila. & was told they have already had a power moon roof installed on the Santa Fe & it came out really nice. Warranty is same as the car. I've heard from sales reps. all over my area - they think it could be done, to yea - sure it can be done, to no it can't be done & Hyundai maybe not honor warranty to the auto if you do have it done.

This is a very important feature to me - I would like to see one that has been installed in person first though. So far there aren't many people on this site that have purchased a Santa Fe yet - BUT if anyone of you decide to go with the aftermarket power moonroof - please let us know what you think.

And as always - Santa Fe Owners - Thank you & keep giving us your feedback on the Santa Fe.

hciaffa · October 2000

We have had our Forester since Nov of 98 its 99 'L' model. Two weeks after we picked it up the tranny differential seal gave way causing the two fluids to interchange and blow from the tranny due to over pressure. What a mess, tranny fluid all over the underside and up the back end not to mention the cars that were following us. It had to be completely rebuilt, though I fought for a new one but refused. Since then we have had nothing but little annoying things pop up, but the worst is a terrible engine ping and very poor gas mileage. Grant you I know that a vehicle may not get what the sticker states 22/27 but we have been averaging 13-17 in the city and 17-21 on the highway, and my wife is not a heavy footed driver. When I called Subaru the rep stated what do you expect for living in New England. That blew my mind. I'm from New England as well central CT. to be exact and we were looking for a AWD to get by in the winters. Even reading up here on Edmunds how other foresters get so much better mileage though lately many are stating that they aren't so I don't feel bad. the dealer is no help, if it dosen't register on the computer he can't fix it.

camacle · October 2000

I have just heard from a dealer that the Front Wheel Drive is only available, at the moment, in the 4 cylinder trim line. That the GLS is currently in production and available in the all wheel drive. He guessed that the 2WD GLS won't be available until "March." Has anyone seen a 6 cyl. front wheel drive Santa Fe? Either in the GLS or LS trims? Thanks ...... And thanks for the earlier thoughts on 4WD's.

adamjrae · October 2000

When I went shopping for my Santa Fe one dealer had a 2WD GLS. The other dealer we went to had my AWD GLS and a White 2WD GLS. Your dealer is incorrect in saying that the 2WD GLS will be available in March. About the 4 cly..... I have not seen one yet.

tomsr · October 2000

Drew Hyundai in La Mesa Ca. had 6 V6 and 2 4
cylinder models on Friday some 2WD and some 4 WD
but they sell the V6 2WD pretty fast.I wasn't
impressed with the V6 2WD performance enough
to give up my 200 HP Explorer.The new Luxury
Hyundai has a 3 liter v6 so maybe next year the
Santa Fe will get more power.No one needs 4WD
here, it's more expense for a status thing.Insurance on any 4wd is higher besides
maintenance and initial cost.

cormon · October 2000

I recently stopped into a local hyundai dealer and noticed that they only car 2 trims for the Santa Fe. The GL and GLS both V6s.
My question is does anyone know if there's a difference in the fully loaded Canadian model and the US Model.
The price for a fully loaded GLS is $28999 CDN, which would work out to be about $19000 USD which seems low compared to the 22K-23K most of you have paid for your fully loaded Santa Fe.
Secondly... do any US models come with automatic climate controls? It was a feature I was looking for and is unavailable in Canada.
Thanks in advance.... and keep the info coming!

camacle · October 2000

The front-wheel drive GLS I am interested in is 19,814 US dollars. This price includes destination and 80 dollars for floormats--MSRP down here. The GLS 2WD should include as standard: a V-6 engine, automatic transmission w/Hyundai's interesting semi-manual shifter, Front WD, 4 wheel disc brakes, and what they call the "utility package" of options: air, cruise, keyless entry, heated mirrors, am/fm with CD (no cassette), six speaker high-end stereo. This car does not have ABS. The ABS option, plus the all-wheel drive does push the msrp of the GLS to around $22,000+ US including destination. The car you are looking at may be a front-wheel drive and may be priced without the ubiquitous destination charge. They are selling Santa Fe's for msrp around here right now. Some for more than msrp(!).

The GLS is not a "fully loaded" trim line, btw. The next level up is the LS and includes everything above plus leather seats. I have not found any Santa Fe with a cassette player and a CD.

Good luck. Thanks to all for helping me with my search. God bless the internet.

rde2 · October 2000

just purchased a loaded santa fe lx. White with gray leather. Purchased in fort myers fla and dealer was very nice. Moon roof was not availble at this time. Traded in a 98 gr. ch jeep with 21,000 miles on it. Only problem was with locking glove box,lock wont work. Other problem is with too many wiper controls on one stalk,and arm rest on console is too low for my right arm

bironb · October 2000

I spoke to local dealers and the only Santa Fe model available in Canada will be the V6 AWD in either GL or fully loaded GLS. After reading pre-production reviews of the Santa Fe, its seems that the 2WD model has a performance edge over the added weight of the AWD. I suppose that Hyundai assumes we live in snow country when in actual fact the majority of Canadians live in urban areas and the roads are quite manageable during the winter season with a FWD vehicle. Its too bad we did not get a choice, anyhow a test drive will tell when the Santa Fes finally arrive and I can compare one with my present choice, the Mazda Tribute.

jeannine2 · October 2000

My husband and I went to look at the new Santa Fe. The dealer was a total jerk and wanted more than the sticker price and wouldn't show us the invoice (he said he never received it from the dealer). My husband said he would not pay sticker price for this vehicle and the dealer said, "Then you will not be buying a Santa Fe." Is this typical for those of you who have bought one on this list. My husband was armed with all the paperwork and portrayed himself as being a smart car shopper. The dealer however told lie after lie and wanted to sell the car to someone (not a smart shopper) who would pay OVER MSRP for this vehicle. How do you get a fair deal when supply is limited? Also, there was a market adjustment fee added. What's up with that?

adamjrae · October 2000

I paid sticker for my Santa Fe (GLS +AWD, ABS, Traction, Floor mats). Rather than try to get his price down from sticker I worked on getting the value of my trade in up. I did go to one dealer that said something like -

With other dealers they are adding $2,000 of add on equipment on the Santa Fes but what I do is rustproof and scotchguard for $800 (then he was winking at me and saying he wants my business). Oh ya he also wanted to sell me a leather package on a GLS where I take it somewhere and have them leather the seats....what a joke. We walked from there.

Basically he takes the cars off the trailer and rustproof and scotchguards them for $800. You don't have a say in this. This is a quick way for him to make more money even if you don't want the service done. My advice - If a dealer wants MORE than sticker tell him to...well you know. All you have to do is call another Hyundai dealer and see if they have what you want at sticker or below then drive there and pick it up.

papimom · October 2000

rde2,
To lock my glove box, I need to push in on the door while turning the key. Have you tried that? Hope that works for you.

jeannine2 · October 2000

How long does one have to wait to buy an Santa Fe for $500 over invoice price?

rde2 · October 2000

Thanks for responding. I tried what you told me to do and still didnt work. Ill wait before taking it back to the dealer for service. So far so good on everything else. Alot of people stop me and ask what this is. By the way what color is yours?

camacle · October 2000

Dear jeannine2:

It seems until there is more inventory and the fever had died down. It appears that even the most even-handed dealers are selling Santa Fe's for msrp right now. The dealer here has added roor-rack braces (horizontal bars) to the verticle ones. But you can still get the car you want.....and it seems the going rate is msrp right now. At least around here. So the choice is to wait until the inventory builds up and the deals get better, or insist on no higher than msrp. Try the internet. Call other dealers (if you are in an area that has more than one).

Good luck. I think most of us will have to wait for a while.....

adamjrae · October 2000

I noticed you said "The dealer here has added
roor-rack braces (horizontal bars) to the verticle
ones". Is this an option or did they forget mine when I got my Santa Fe?

camacle · October 2000

(Not "roor-rack") The crossbeams are a dealer installed option around here. They add $180 to the price. I have asked my dealer to remove them.

papimom · October 2000

Regarding the red lenses in the rear bumper, do any of yours light up? I removed mine and they're set up to have a bulb in. Just curious if some of the models have working lights down there or if just mine doesn't. It seems odd to have the opening and they didn't wire it to work. I have a GLS in Merlot. I just picked it up on Tuesday and really love the vehicle and the color. Did any of you get the metal key ID tags with your vehicles that they describe in the book? My salesman said they didn't come with the vehicle and would just use the VIN if we need to get new keys. Happy driving!!

adamjrae · October 2000

I also popped the huge red reflector off the bumper and noticed it was physically ready for taillights. I went to an auto parts store and bought some generic tail light holders (for like a 79 GM I think and I hope they fit), bulbs, and wire. I'm planning on drilling out the plastic (or taking it apart somehow) and adding bulbs so they work like brake lights only. I don't know if I want to do that because it would be like 5 brake lights in the rear of my truck, might be too much. I'm going to the Hyundai dealer today for something and I'm going to ask them about what wire harness would fit in that reflector. I'll let everybody know if they want to do it.

About the metal key ID tag. I got that and It's some 5 digit or so code that tells the Hyundai dealer how to make a key that will work on my car. I don't know if the VIN will tell them how to make your key
example - I'm a thief, I look at your VIN through your windows, I call Hyundai and say I'm locked out of my car, they make the key, I steel your truck.
I would contact your dealer for that metal tag or at least the numbers that were on it. Im not at home but when I go home today Ill look at my metal tag and see if it relates to anything in the car.

adamjrae · October 2000

That's strange. 2 weeks ago 3 out of 3 Santa Fes we looked had roof racks but not cross bars. Now I go to the Hyundai dealer and the 8 cars they have on the floor have roof racks with the $180 option of cross bars. I think they just decided to add that as an option but it wasn't an option 2 weeks ago. Even the 4 cyl had the $180 option. Does anybody know about this?

adamjrae · October 2000

I went down to the dealer and checked out the Roof Rack deal. I don't agree with this but the sticker on my windows it said "Roof Rack Side Rails Standard". This means the side rails are standard but the Cross Bars is a $180 Option from Hyundai....that sucks. I didn't know about this option when I got the car. I always thought a roof rack was the whole thing.

adamjrae · October 2000

I think the buttons for the heated seats are between the shifter and the cup holder. Key word in sentence is "think"

ranger47 · October 2000

I had looked all over for colors offered on the new Santa Fe. Came across carinfo.com and they showed all the colors I knew about and a couple I hadn't heard they were offering. They quoted prices over MSRP, so not a good place to buy, but seeing all those colors might help in selecting that new Santa Fe... Best of luck...

bironb · October 2000

The Santa Fes have finally arrived here in Ottawa, Canada. The dealer only had one fully loaded AWD V6 GLS ($28,999. CDN), which seems to be comparable to the LX version in the US with some standard features missing.

- Inside door panel curb light (Plastic insert)
- Cargo Net & Cargo Cover
- Alarm System

Also the AM/FM Stereo w/CD unit is not the same has the one I have seen in Santa Fe interior photos or Adamjrae photos (post #154). The salesperson told me that the units are replaced by Clarions when the Santa Fes arrive at the Canadian port; supposedly they have a better sound quality. Strange, I plan on checking this one out at another dealer tomorrow.

The one thing I find quite incredible about Hyundai is that after all this time they still do not have any Santa Fe brochures, options and accessories costs. Even the Hyundai US and Canadian web sites still show the Santa Fe as Coming Soon. How difficult can it be providing said information.

peachville · October 2000

Can some of you already lucky owners of this beautiful looking creature comment on the Quality of such things as ride, features, handling fit and finish.

And was it your first choice? Why not the illustrous CRV.

I had the pleasure of test driving one and was thoroughly impressed compared to the CRV. What do you think.

Secondly, were you able to get a brochure before you bought? None available in Canada yet!

Lastly, many people will come to this posting to read and learn, can you owners start sharing some experiances and opinions so that others may enjoy the read?

Future Santa Fe owner.

papimom · October 2000

In my opinion, I like the ride over the Tribute. Much smoother. The driver's seat is more comfortable because it can be adjusted. I only considered the suv's in which the rear door opened up, not to the side, and I didn't want the spare hanging on the back so that put some out of the running for me. It has less hp than the Tribute, but I don't need to be first from the light, and for my style of driving, city and highway, it is doing just fine. Pricewise, I didn't want to spend $30,000 for a vehicle. The dealers in my area have brochures. I really like the set up of the dash and console. The only thing I couldn't have is a moonroof so I'll have to drive my husband's car when I need that fix. I've only had my GLS a few days but enjoy driveing it alot!!!

adamjrae · October 2000

Well, to let everybody know I took my Santa Fe AWD out in the mud today. Not a problem at all. She loved it!

samurai01 · October 2000

just saw one up close and it fits like a glove!!

samurai01 · October 2000

when i looked at the ones my local dealer had, they tried to tell me that the AWD models would not be out until next year. Told them about adamjrae on here and about him getting one and i completely dumbfounded them. the LX that i looked at had everything except the combo cassette/cd player and AWD. i think i may be getting one of these in Feb. when the time comes....

ranger47 · October 2000

What sort of mileage have you Santa Fe owner's been getting. From what I have read about the Escape/Tribute's, they are lots of them getting twenty or less. I was hoping the Santa Fe was going to be better than either of them.

adamjrae · October 2000

Samurai01

That's strange that the dealship said none of the AWDs would be in till next year. Either:
A: I have a pre-production model
B: You are in Canada and I live in Texas so that might explain the difference
C: The dealer smoked crack that morning

I don't know
That is strange

The last MPG I got was 19.9 City driving on my AWD. I have not went on a road trip so I don't know the MPG for Highway.

natescape · October 2000

Hi gang. As a future buyer of a Forester, I had to make sure and drive the Santa Fe. I gotta say, I LOVED it. I also drove a Rav4 and felt it was flimsy and underpowered.

The Santa Fe (GLS, V6, 4x4) was VERY comfortable, rode quite well, and was quite roomy. And the shiftronic tranny was a BLAST (incredibly smooth, easy to use, and just plain fun).

My only concerns are the gas mileage (19/23, whereas the Forester is 22/27) and long-term reliability. I commute 130 miles/day, so the mileage will add up over time. I KNOW Subes are reliable and will run forever, and I know Hyundais have come a long way in the past 5 years. But if I'm gonna plunk down 20k for a car, I wanna know it's going to run for 8-12 years.

The other advantage the Sube had was the ABS and better AWD system (does the Santa Fe have available ABS?). The Sube dealer did a nifty test that both the Santa Fe and Rav4 failed. He went to an empty parking lot, gunned the engine up to 30MPH, then slammed on the brakes and turned. The Sube came to a clean, fast stop. Both the Santa Fe and the Rav skidded. This is in part because of the ABS, but also in part because of the superior Sube AWD system (they've been doing AWD since 1974).

If the decision comes down to looks and utility, it'll be the Santa Fe. If it comes down to safety, it'll be the Forester.

adamjrae · October 2000

The Santa Fe does have ABS but it's an option. I think it's like around $500(US)

cardude4 · October 2000

My only concern with buying a Hyundai is that they have a cheap generic reputation, almost like buying a Yugo. I like the Santa Fe, and compared to CRV, it is a better value overall, but do you get used to feeling like your in a Hyundai???

Motormouth · October 2000

that Hyundai was the world's 7th largest car company. That's nothing to be ashamed about. Somebody else quoted this too somewhere in edmunds. They also have factories around the world. That doesn't turn me off at all. I understand that Hyundai will be opening a factory here in the U.S. in a few years. That's good enough for me don't you think?

adamjrae · October 2000

Hyundai DID have a cheap generic reputation in the late 80's. Key word is did, not have and have is what we are doing now. Things changed over the years and the "feeling" of a Hyundai is wonderful. My Santa Fe does not feel cheap when driving around. Shutting the doors leaves a solid sound. The only thing cheap about my Santa Fe is....well....ME!!! I think it's a quality auto.

hankt5 · October 2000

We own a 99 Acura TL and a 1994 Lexus 300 and now the Santa Fe. It is a poor mans Lexus!! The car is well built and has the same feeling as any Japanese car on the road. It is pure quality. It isn't quite the same as our two other vehicles but nothing to be embarrassed about either. I tell everyone to check them out before deciding on an American car. I may eat my words in a few thousand miles but I doubt it. Remember the 100,000 mile warranty!

samurai01 · October 2000

no, i'm in California not Canada. But my initial impressin was VERY positive. Hell, it even impressed the wife(that's a chore in itself).

solara11 · October 2000

I think Hyundai, I think CHEAP!!! I like the Sante FE, saw it, wanted it, and wanted to take the badges off the truck! A poor mans Lexus, for a man with a Lexus, go figure!?! I like to get a new car 1 time per year, and have a 2000 Solara, wanted a Rav4, but dod not like the initial deal, and dont want to go back to the dealer even after I got my way, thanks to e-mail, and a big family that makes new car purchases annually. Thats lots of people getting burned, and at Turkey dinner they miight not ant to go back to mean Toyota! I wanted to get the new car in 1 day, not HAGGLE HAGGLE HAGGLE, ONLY TO GET THE DEAL I WANTED!!! The Santa Fe looks good, but is next to Mitsu dealer, 0 down, 0 payments for 1 yr etc, etc...

What is anyones fav about Santa Fe???

adamjrae · October 2000

My favorite thing about the Santa Fe, you get a lot for you money! My friend that only buys Pontiac Grand Prix GTPs and modifies them for racing says the Santa Fe is all the good stuff from the other cars put into one. The only problem he notes was the sun shade for the back cargo area was hard to put in place but other than he was very impressed with the Santa Fe.
I also admit before I really looked at the Santa Fe I thought Hyundai was cheap. I knew someone with a 88 excel and they were very disappointed with it (we all know that car was crap!). Hyundai's slogan is something like "driving is believing" and that sure is right. When you take this Santa Fe on the road I guarantee you will be impressed. There is nothing cheap about this car. All the parts inside and out are high quality. Even the doors when they close sounds solid like a rock.
I say take it out for a test drive and have an open mind.

natescape · October 2000

Personally, I think Hyundai is about to make a quantum leap in the eyes of the public. Sure, they've been putting out good cars since the early-to-mid 90s, but it takes a while for public perception to catch up. I think with the Santa Fe and the GX300, they'll begin to be seen by the public at large as a top-quality carmaker.

I've shown the Santa Fe brochure to people at work and they're all impressed, especially when they hear it's a Hyundai. I just wish Kia (owned by Hyundai) hadn't come out with essentially the same warrantee. Kia makes the warrantee seem unimpressive because Kia still has a crappy rep.

IMO, Hyundai is at the same point Toyota was at 15-20 years ago: about to make the transition from being viewed as a cheap carmaker to being viewed as a maker of affordable, quality cars. Some people will always turn their noses up at Hyundai. Some still do at Toyota and Honda. But those in the know will realize that Hyundai is a great car.

The Santa Fe will be one of those cars that non-owners will have to see/drive/ride in to understand the quality. But they'll catch up, I think.

natescape · October 2000

Check it out - http://www.tirekick.com/july00/01santfe.htm

Talks a bit about the Hyundai image problem and the quality of the car.

natescape · October 2000

This reviewer liked it, and liked the impressions it made on other people...
http://www.nctd.com/01/suv/01santafe.cfm

khj · October 2000

For you lucky Santa Fe owners - what kind of gas mileage are you getting?

Also have any of you inquired about an aftermarket powered moonroof? I know it can be done - all the dealers I've talked to have already talked to their sunroof installers & have been told it can be done & the warranty is the life of the car (as long as you own it). One dealer told me they did it - looked beautiful but I didn't get to see it - it was already sold.

One of the dealers in S. Jersey area said one of the reasons they haven't put a moonroof in -even for show was that alot of people are having a hard time swallowing the price of the Santa Fe let alone adding a moonroof to it. Hyundai's don't cost this much is apparently what they've been hearing. Maybe this is a good thing in the long run - and the dealers will be more willing to work on the price or hyundai will offer a financing incentive...

Like many others here - I'm torn between the Santa Fe & the Tribute - but I'm leaning more towards the Santa Fe. I may wait until right after the holidays to make this plunge - from what I heard - its about the best time to go shopping for a vehicle - if I can wait that long.

Hyundai Santa Fe (2006 and earlier)

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