2004 Hyundai Santa Fe Base 2.4L

Summary:

A pleasure to own and drive

General Comments:

This SUV has a remarkably smooth and quiet ride.

The front seats are very comfortable and the back seat is quite roomy for a small SUV.

It is a high seated SUV.

It has nice standard features like driver and passenger side impact air bags. The headlights turn off automatically if you leave them on. The doors automatically lock when you start the car.

There is ample cargo space and a convenient window that opens in the back for easy access to the cargo space area.

The only negative is the pick up on the 2.4L can be a bit sluggish when the A/C is on.

All in all, I love my Hyundai Santa Fe. I have never been happier with any other vehicle I have ever owned.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th May, 2004

29th May 2004, 21:24

You mentioned that the doors automatically lock when you start the car, however, I just bought a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe Base, with Utility package, and the doors do not automatically lock when the car is started. However, I do lock them quite often on my own before even starting the car, so I will have to test this out on my own. In my old car, the doors automatically locked when you shifted out of park, but not when you just turned on the ignition. Is this what you mean? When you shift out of park?

8th Jun 2004, 22:19

The doors to my Santa Fe (also a 2.4) lock automatically after I drive off and reach a speed of 50kmh (30mph). Hope this helps.

3rd Apr 2009, 14:02

Reading this, I do not know if mine does that either. I have the 2004 Base with the 2.4L. I'm a paranoid person and am always locking my doors as soon as I get into it, even if someone is trying to get inside. I'll have to test this on my way home.

2004 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS

Summary:

A great vehicle for reasonable $$

Faults:

Nothing so far.

General Comments:

I am impressed by the loads of features on the vehicle. The interior is well-laid out and controls are easy to use. The split fold-down seats are a real plus for hauling stuff. I like that the tailgate has a real handle on it. The interior is very roomy. (I'm 6'3") When I got it I did have to lower the seat all the way down so I wouldn't whack my head getting in and out. My vehicle came with a woodgrain center console, which really jazzed up the interior look.

The ride is very smooth and not truck-like. The four-wheel drive seems to be very smooth and transparent. My vehicle does NOT have ABS, but has stopped on a dime in heavy rain conditions. (We haven't had any snow since I got it, but I'm dying to cruise around in snow!!)

On the down side, the 2.7 liter engine isn't exactly a powerhouse, but I chose it over the 3.5 to save money and gas, so it's a trade off.

My only other "complaint", if you can call it that, is that the upholstery, which is a sort of mottled tan cloth, is boring.

The warranty is truly outstanding and I have a friend who has 2 Hyundai's that the roadside assistance is really great to have.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st April, 2004

3rd Apr 2004, 20:29

Thanks for a real time review of Santa Fe, this review will definitely help me in choosing a SUV.

21st Jul 2006, 19:48

I work with very upscale clients and was recently working with a very wealthy gentleman on a $1,000,000 plus deal. I had occasion to meet him for a luncheon and was amazed to see him driving in in a Santa Fe!! I commented on how nice the car looked (it was a beautiful gold color) and he told me it was one of the best cars he has ever owned. This man could have driven a Rolls Royce if he chose to, but maybe being sensible is why he's so wealthy!! I personally love both the Sante Fe and the Tucson. When my wife is ready to trade her big gas guzzling SUV, we're looking at Hyundais!!