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2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Quality Review

July 14, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Hyundai has upped the quality of the materials significantly
Automobile.com

smart and upscale cabin
ConsumerGuideAuto

there is definitely a new contemporary feel and a higher level of comfort
Edmunds

Most reviews of the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe agree that the comfort and quality are much improved, with only a few dissenting opinions.

Many compact crossovers are cramped and uncomfortable inside, particularly in their rear seats. In the Santa Fe, Hyundai "offers impressive room, build quality, and standard safety features," according to ConsumerGuideAuto. MyRide.com also reports the "headroom and legroom in the Santa Fe is greater in all rows than in competing models."

Experts from TheCarConnection.com note the very small third seat, and Car and Driver concurs, saying, "Its third row is for tikes and tots only." On the other hand, "other seats, however, are quite comfy for kids and adults alike."

If you’re looking for cargo space in a safe, low-priced crossover, the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe has "a cargo area of 78.2 cubic feet," says Cars.com. To achieve that, "the third row splits 50/50, the second row splits 60/40 and both fold flat."

ConsumerGuideAuto notes the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe's "engines are subdued at full throttle and remain quiet at routine cruising speeds." However, they also say, "road rumble is apparent over some surfaces."

ConsumerGuideAuto thinks "the faux metal and wood trim is convincing, the headliner is handsome, and no plastics look cheap." TheCarConnection.com disagrees somewhat. Inside the Santa Fe, Hyundai offers a much-improved interior, and it’s superior to many other crossovers, but can disappoint up close with some faux wood and cheap-looking plastics.

Conclusion

With only a fault or two, the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe rates highly in quality and comfort.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Hyundai has upped the quality of the materials significantlyAutomobile.comsmart and upscale cabinConsumerGuideAutothere is definitely a new contemporary feel and a higher level of comfortEdmunds Most reviews of the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe agree that the comfort and quality are much improved, with only a few dissenting opinions. Many compact crossovers are cramped and uncomfortable inside, particularly in their rear seats. In the Santa Fe, Hyundai "offers impressive room, build quality, and standard safety features," according to ConsumerGuideAuto. MyRide.com also reports the "headroom and legroom in the Santa Fe is greater in all rows than in competing models." Experts from TheCarConnection.com note the very small third seat, and Car and Driver concurs, saying, "Its third row is for tikes and tots only." On the other hand, "other seats, however, are quite comfy for kids and adults alike." If you’re looking for cargo space in a safe, low-priced crossover, the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe has "a cargo area of 78.2 cubic feet," says Cars.com. To achieve that, "the third row splits 50/50, the second row splits 60/40 and both fold flat." ConsumerGuideAuto notes the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe's "engines are subdued at full throttle and remain quiet at routine cruising speeds." However, they also say, "road rumble is apparent over some surfaces." ConsumerGuideAuto thinks "the faux metal and wood trim is convincing, the headliner is handsome, and no plastics look cheap." TheCarConnection.com disagrees somewhat. Inside the Santa Fe, Hyundai offers a much-improved interior, and it’s superior to many other crossovers, but can disappoint up close with some faux wood and cheap-looking plastics. ConclusionWith only a fault or two, the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe rates highly in quality and comfort. 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE STYLING | [8 out of 10] Automobile.com: "does a pretty good job of looking expensive" Cars.com: "well-built, affordable, stylish, and easy on gas" MyRide.com: "looks fresh, shapely and attractive" Reviewers across the board appreciated the 2008 Hyundai Santa ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe lands in an interesting middle ground between more compact crossover SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4, and mid-sizers such as the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The Santa Fe is easier to park than those mid-sizers while boasting a more settled ride on the highway than the compact competition--though beware that the firm suspension is choppier than the norm on rough city streets. The Santa Fe's third-row seat feels bigger than the one offered in the RAV4 and works in a pinch for kids.

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See the Hyundai Santa Fe in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Cat K #1, Posted: 5/15/2009

    Don't buy a Santa Fe

    If the dealership closes like mine did those "cheap" oil changes and the great warranty are no good. My next "closest" dealer is 2 hrs away. My NEW car already has been in 1X with an electrical prob and now it has died. The engine light and ESC light came on and then it gave up on the hwy. The window squeaks and the sun roof leaks. Look for another make!!!! For this price u can get something better.

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