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Vehicle Overview:
Vehicle Type: Sport Utility Vehicle
ABS Brakes: Standard
Standard Airbags: 6
MPG: 17/23-24 (City/HWY)
Engine Offered:
2.7L V6 185HP
3.3L V6 242HP
Consumer Ratings:
Performance: 4.5
Exterior: 4.6
Interior: 4.4
Overall: 4.4
Review Guide:
5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
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2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
Consumer Car Review Summary
Top 5 Pros of 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
1. Outstanding value vs. competition
2. Attractive exterior design
3. Refined and comfortable ride
4. Acceleration and power
5. Safety features
Top 5 Cons of 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
1. Better fuel economy
2. Tighter suspension
3. Interior light for front seats
4. More color choices
5. Blue dash lights bothersome
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Reviews by Consumers
Displaying 10 Reviews - Read More
By GUEST
Submitted Feb 6, 2009, 11:41pm
Performance: 
Exterior:
Interior: 
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Very comfortable to drive,
Excellent handling in traffic, braking very positive,
ESC saved the vehicle and me this past winter when traction was lost on a hill and curve in bad conditions,
Excellent Audio entertainment system, I like the touch screen.
Heated Seats very good,
Select shift used regularly, quality materials used on interior,
Outstanding fit and finish,
Tight body without squeaks or rattles,
Good visibility, except directly behind and below (a camera would solve this)
The quality for the money unsurpassed,
Good acceleration when needed,
Highway MPG at 24,
Headlight coverage good,
Smooth ride not fatiguing,
Audio and Cruise controls on Steering wheel easy to use,
I love the blue instrument and dash lighting, and as an aviator; it is better for your eyes.
Cons: How would you improve 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The GPS is inferior to other products in other automobiles.
Night lighting of GPS is unusable. Green and brown on Blue is horrible. Needs more detail and control. Note: I have had several discussions with
Relocate fog, ESC and 4WD switch to make it visible from drivers seat, Steering wheel gets in the way of vision.
Place lights in the outside rear view mirror controls on drivers armrest.
Offer the cooler machinery in the counsel that is offered in the Asian and European models. Die cut is already there below mat insert.
Have turn indicators in outside mirrors.
Seat position memory would be a nice addition.
Offer trailer hitch package without third seat.
Six or seven speed transmission,
Rear View Camera is a real need.
Power rear hatch option would be nice.
Offer 110 outlet without touring option.
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Review:
I test drove, the Honda CRV, Acura RDX, Mazda CX7, Nissan Murano, Toyota Rav4 and Highlander, Saturn Vue, Ford Escape, PT Cruiser, Chevrolet HHR, Subaru Tribeca, Buick Enclave and the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Lb for lb and dollar for dollar I found the Santa Fe to be the SUV of choice for me. Some of the vehicles I tested were too small, (CRV, HHR, PT Cruiser). The Enclave and Toyota Hightlander were too large.
I liked the Mazda CX7 but at the time I was looking it required premium fuel. The Toyota Rav4 drove out the smoothest of all but the front seat bottom was way too short for a 6' male. The fit and finish along with lack of features made it no competition for the Hyundai. The Acura RDX with the electronic package ran about 6-8 thousand more in cost. It did have the most comfortable cockpit to me. I liked the electronics and the position of the wheel. The turbo charger really gave this vehicle the best performance. However, the sports like suspension transmitted every road bump and hole righ up my back. As a spine surgery patient, I could not tolorate that. It also required premium fuel. I delayed my purchase a long time because, I was leaning toward the RDX. The Mazda was very impressive, particularly since they redesigned the nose after the 2007 boondoggle.
It might have been close if I had the dealer compete for the sale.
The Ford escape really disappointed me. When I was test driving it, the temperatures were in the 90's and the sun was beating down. Naturally, I had the air conditioner on. I noted that the engine did not quit at stop signs. Then I learned that Ford uses an engine driven compressor and therefore the engine must be running whenever you use the airconditoner. So much for high mpg and the advantage of a hybrid. The Escape also had no assist straps anywhere in the vehicle and I had the top trim line. The interiro did not come close to the Santa Fe. It was less roomy and there was alot of road noise. Also the Atkins gas engine was geared very low so there was engine whine at highway speed.
I have owned my Santa Fe for a year now. I have grown to apprecitate it more each time I drive it.
I would recommend it to anyone. The critique list I provided is not something to take litely. I have compiled it over the past year of owning a Santa Fe.
Here is one really important ownership tip. The Paint used by Hyundai is from PPG.
I had the unfortunate experience of having my rear tailgate keyed when it only had 300 miles on it.
I took it to the best body shop I could find. They used Glaserit paint which is used by Mercedes and Porche. Unfortunately, as hard as they tried they could not match my Deepwater (Midnight*) blue.
Unhappy with the result they agreed with me to use PPG paint to do it over. I told them to wait until I got back to them.
I contacted Hyundai and they were very helpful. I ended up getting the PPG formula from the factory and it matched perfectly. Here is the answer to so what? The painter at the shop asked me where I got my formula because it matched perfectly yet the formula he got from PPG for my car did not match. So, word to the wise. Use a Hyundai provided formula if you cant in the event you need to have your Hyundai painted.
* Midnight Blue wa used instead of Deepwater Blue by the Hyundai Plant.
Chuck Velte
By Mike_Schwartz
Submitted Jul 2, 2011, 01:32pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Everything, but the highway gas mileage. I get 19-21 mpg
locally and only 21 on the highway doing 60. I purchased new
and have only 30k. Serviced regularly.
Cons: How would you improve 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Improve highway mileage!
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Review:
Great riding car and enjoyable to drive.
By GUEST
Submitted Jun 16, 2011, 01:37pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior: 
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Very comfortable to drive, sporty looking.
I love the AWD as well.
Whether in snow or driving around town this car rocks!!!
Cons: How would you improve 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Better Gas performance.
Cup holders in center console: for a women driver the cup holders is too far back, making it difficult to drive and drink your coffee.
Rear Seats: I wish the seats would fold down flat.
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Review:
Excellent car for going and trips or driving around town.
By Benjamin_Justice
Submitted Aug 29, 2010, 09:36am
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The handling, the cargo space... I use it to delivery rush orders...for my business.
The design gives it the look of one of the expensive SUVs.
We have a 2000 Sonata and have spend very little on upkeep, it is was main reason for the decision to buy a Santa Fe.
We have use it for two years with no repairs, except for normal service.
By Christy704
Submitted Aug 4, 2010, 02:27pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?
I have owned this SUV for 2yrs now, I had hoped to find other reviews by others that have had theirs this length of time.
I have loved this vehicle since the day we bought it new.
Perfect size, comfortable seats, just an overall tight vehicle.
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Review:
Unfortunately I just took it in for its 30k mile checkup and I was told the rear end was out of alignment and has worn the rear tires unevenly which is causing the loud 'road' noise. They did the rotation now it's in the front, drives me nuts, bothers my ears. The service guy said I will need an alignment and all new tires at my next oil change. Now I'm a little worried that approx. every 25k miles I need an alignment (we have horrible roads) or sooner or I will constantly be buying new tires.
By GUEST
Submitted Jul 18, 2010, 04:37pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Style, comfort and price. Very roomy for me and I'm almost 6 feet tall. Wish the gls end models offered a sunroof and or leather though. I wanted the smaller v6 but it would be nice if that option was available.
Overall, good quality for the money and plenty of room in the back to hold my 100 pound chocolate lab even though he hates the gate I put up back there LOL!
Cons: How would you improve 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Def put radio/cd changing button on steering wheel. Had that in my last Honda and I really miss it! I find myself listening to the same stations because I'm nervous about taking my eyes off the wheel to change it.
Hate the ESC button. It should manually stay off until you decide to use it, not the other way around. I find I get better MPG when I push it off every time I turn the car on.
By GUEST
Submitted Oct 16, 2009, 05:42pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?
All the standard equipment on the ltd. edition.
Auto stick shift saves brakes when descending hills. Sunroof, plenty of power, Satellite radio, plenty of room at the back with hidden compartment.
Nice and tight, no rattles, handles great.
Can't wait try try the AWD in the winter.
I tried all the competition and the best value, best price, most options was by far the Santa Fe. Love it. (One months ownership)
Cons: How would you improve 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Found the ride quite a bit rougher than my previous Town & Country mini van.
Turn indicators on outside mirrors.
Power rear hatch would be perfect.
ESC and Awd switch are blocked by steering wheel.
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Review:
Take it for a test drive, check out competitive pricing and you will buy it.
By tony_bartolomeo
Submitted Apr 10, 2009, 09:21pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Almost everything. This is a great vehicle for the money. I really don't have any major issues and am very happy with all aspects of my Santa Fe.
Cons: How would you improve 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Gas mileage
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Review:
This is my third Hyundai product and I am satisfied. The only two things I would suggest is better mileage and standard power front seats on the limited.
By richardson2424
Submitted Jul 18, 2008, 08:20pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Except for the stiff gear change mechanism and the blasted seat belt chime, we are pleased with the 2008 Santa Fe. Ours now has 200 miles on it.
Cons: How would you improve 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Without doubt, the safety chime or seat-belt chime drives this reviewer crazy! It is entirely too long. I have been informed that this incessant chime cannot be turned off or reduced. My spouse's Lexus and other cars do not have this chime. In month;'s to come I may end up trading it on the lot!
Before purchasing this car, be certain to read Page 66 of the Santa Fe Owner's Manual because only then will the potential owner realize what is in store for them--constant chiming when backing up if the set belt is not buckled, etc. We have a long driveway and this owner cannot see out the back of the Santa Fe if the belt is buckled. I buckle up just before turning out onto the street. The blasted, incessant chime has run for the last 20 seconds.
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Review:
Hyundai needs to address the incessant chime and give the owner the choice in adjusting the seat belt chime. It is irritating and unwarranted.
By GUEST
Submitted Jun 15, 2008, 08:44pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Smooth quiet ride even with the sunroof completely open, 10-way power seat (8-way + 2-way lumbar), heated cloth seats, beautiful blue interior lights, under floor storage compartment in hatch area, ability to turn on AWD manually, the many standard safety features (including active front head restraints to help prevent whiplash)...it is a top rated safety pick! & the beautiful exterior!
Cons: How would you improve 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?
If the Santa Fe had a bigger sunroof (at least as big as the Subaru Forrester) it would be the perfect car!! The only other thing it needs is an ipod jack & of course better gas mileage! Oh, & maybe an upgraded stereo system for the SE trim & a hatch release button in the cabin.
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Review:
I have only had my 2008 Santa Fe SE AWD w/ premium pkg for two weeks, but I love driving it!! It's a very smooth ride, very luxury, the interior is sharp (the blue lights are one of my fave features! even the cupholders glow blue at night!!) The engine is quiet & there is hardly any wind or wind noise with the sunroof completely open!! (windows up) The standard features on this model are incredible (heated power mirrors, windshield wiper deicer, auto headlights, to name a few)...and all the safety features...wow! I test drove A LOT of cars...Toyota, Honda, Jeep, GMC, Subaru, Saturn, Ford (I'm probably forgetting a few!) and Lexus...the Santa Fe SE was my second fave to drive only to the Lexus!
Displaying 10 Reviews - Read More
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