2005 Hyundai Santa Fe Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Robert on December 21, 2023

My wife purchased a 2005 2.7 V6 Santa Fe new. I do most of the maintenance, brakes, oil and filter. I change oil every 3000 miles and transmission drain and fill once a year. One radiator with antifreeze and hoses. A couple of 02 sensors. She has 257,000 miles and it runs good.

Tim W. on February 12, 2021

We bought a 2005 Santa Fe 2.7L V-6 AWD GLS new in Maryland and drove it for 12 years and over 150,000 miles with no issue what so ever with the mechanical, body or anything for that matter other than regular maintenance like battery, tires/alignment, breaks, etc. Only mechanical repair we had at around 128K miles was tie rod and sway bar ends/bushings when it was 12 years old. Traded it in on a 2017 Santa Fe sport and wish I still had the old one. We drove it in all kinds of weather, from snowy mountains to the sand at the beach and everything in between. Even used it once to pull a Chevy Avalanche out that was stuck up to its rear axle in sod and mud and it never shuttered once. Also used it to pull U-Haul trailers for my daughter back and forth to college for 4 years and it still kept on going for many years after. I've owned/drove many vehicles over the years, Chrysler, Plymouth, GMC, Saturn, Renault and 3 other Hyundai's, from small coupes and sedans, large/luxury sedans, mini-vans, pick-up, and SUV. This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned and drove. I really do miss it.

Aweks on August 25, 2020

Cold A/C, killer heat, comfy seats and plenty of leg room for my toddler! Lots of room in the hatch, 175,000 miles strong. It's a little ugly on the outside but will never leave u stranded!

Sevealejo on February 19, 2020

One of the most reliable cars out there. Lasted many years with almost no problems. Very minor problems. No accidents or damages. Still has years of value left.

DrStrange on February 6, 2020

I currently own a 2005 Santa Fe GL 2.7 AWD. I am pleased with the vehicle overall. There are some things to look out for. The timing belt has to be replaced every 60,000 miles. This is critical! Make sure you get copies of the service records for this part in particular. I purchased mine with ~137,000 miles and the timing belt failed at ~145,000. This failure will require an engine swap or a complete tear down, inspection and rebuild of the motor due to it being an 'interference design. Fortunately, i was able to do the swap myself for a cost of just under $1000 and about 24hrs total labor and research time. Another well known issue is difficulty replacing the drive shafts due to seizing in the shaft to hub interface. All other issues have been regular wear and tear. So, like most other used vehicles, do your research. For a mid-sized SUV, this fulfilled nearly all my wants and was within budget. It's AWD, has heated mirrors (very important in the Northeast), ample cargo space, comfortable seating front and rear, roof rack doesn't require a ladder to access. What could be better? Fuel economy, a little more horsepower (personally i think a turbo charged 4 cylinder would be better than the normally aspirated V6) and rear seats that folded completely flat. Hope this helps someone.

Mechanic on October 11, 2019

This car is a piece of junk! Leaks oil from every place imaginable. Try and change the alternator.. You have to remove half the car including the AC compressor. This car is complete junk. Overheats due to design flaw with a cowl that is not even needed. Vacuum lines rot due to heat. Not even a master mechanic will take this job on unless you are spending 5k plus for an alternator job. Worst purchase ever made!

Squids121 on June 5, 2019

The Santa Fe has been the best car I own. I use it for commuting but also for having fun due to it's large trunk space. I would recommend it as a good family car and a great road trip car.

traveler on May 22, 2019

family car great for everyday driving, or road trip i love this car. would recommend to family and friends. just have to drive to appreciate.

Cynthia on February 25, 2019

The car has room and most confortable and also everything I need for a family vehicle and I really do love the vehicle and I would recommend this vehicle to anyone

Master on November 21, 2018

4wd and comfortable drive. Purchased used with 90,000 miles, but runs well and all components work good like A/C Heat, auto power units, etc. Easy to haul stuff I the back hatch.