2001 Hyundai Santa Fe GL 4X4 2.7 Gas

Summary:

A great all-purpose vehicle with unbeatable value for $

Faults:

The Battery required replacement at 52000KM/ 22 months.

The rear-passenger window gasket needed replacement (it was starting to peel away) but warranty covered it.

When running cold, the front shocks seem to clunk a little, but the dealer has not been able to correct the problem. There is no impact on the performance or handling however.

Vehicle could use better insulation in the cabin, for example, the coin slots in the front console cause annoying rattle when being used.

The passenger side window rattles a little on the rare occasion even though the dealer has adjusted it several times.

General Comments:

This crossover is great to drive in any weather or traffic condition. The 4WD works great in the snow. Visibility is great!

I find the 2.7L engine plenty of power even when carrying 5 passengers and gear. I only wish the 'shiftronic' transmission worked a bit quicker when changing gears manually.

In comparison to other vehicles of similar size, gas mileage is quite acceptable.

Regardless of the job (furniture shopping, groceries, hauling whatever...) this vehicle has never let me down. There always seems to be enough room.

I was concerned about purchasing a newly released vehicle, but so far I have had no serious problems. The Santa Fe has always come through be it driving to work during a blizzard or taking a 6hour trip on vacation.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th July, 2004

2001 Hyundai Santa Fe V6

Summary:

Like the car, but its systems have been unreliable

Faults:

Vehicle has been in repair 15 times for inoperative A/C. They have replaced almost every part in the unit, but it still doesn't work.

Radio has never worked, even though it has been replaced 2 times.

Alternator and battery problems since it was new.

General Comments:

Car is very comfortable and generally I like it, however, my experience has shown it to be unreliable. Guess it has a great warranty because you need it. It's OK if you don't mind the inconvenience of being without a vehicle for 30 days within the first 3 years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th April, 2004

23rd Apr 2005, 15:05

I have to agree with your comments. My gas gauge has never worked right, although it's been serviced 3x, I gave up after the last time. When my car hit the 2 year marker, things started to go. I had to replace the left and the right ball joints, I've replaced the battery. I had to replace the door handle on the cargo area. And each service has required me to leave my car all day; this is not practical.

2nd Aug 2006, 12:29

Can you describe the problem you've had with battery and alternator? Include the mileage it first occurred. How many time you replaced the battery / alternator? Do you drive mostly in highways or city? What state do you live?

Have you also experienced burnout bulbs? Wiper motor?

3rd Aug 2006, 07:16

If the problem cannot be repaired you might check and see if your state has a lemon law. What this provides is that if there is a problem that cannot be resolved to the consumers satisfaction a replacement or refund will be issued. You do need to check with your state though because terms for lemon law satisfaction vary from state to state.

2001 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS 2.7L

Summary:

Good looking, but too many problems/headaches

Faults:

I have had the car for almost one year.

These are the problems fixed so far:

-Fog light switch

-Rear door switch/handle

-Rear wiper motor

-Alternator

-Starter (left me stranded at work)

-Front pass. seat belt unit

-Front pass. window assembly (made noise going down)

-Front pass. door locks (lock would get stuck)

-Rear brakes squeal continuously, disk brakes.

-Seat belt chime delay.

General Comments:

I bought a 1st model year vehicle and am paying the price.

Also, the engine is underpowered.

They are slowly rebuilding my car part by part.

Overall, inside of car is comfortable and quiet. Nice features, i.e. cup holders, sunglass holder, map lights.

Transmission rough.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 12th March, 2004