2001-2006 Hyundai Santa Fe: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2006 Hyundai Santa Fe
View the Photo Gallery
View the Photo Gallery
2001-2006 Hyundai Santa Fe ▼
- Price Range: $2,400 - $13,700
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Hyundai Santa Fe
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2001-2006 Hyundai Santa Fe and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Cargo room
- Entry/exit
- Ride/handling
- Instruments/controls
Cons
- Interior materials
- Acceleration
Vehicle Highlights
The first sport utility vehicle from South Korea's leading automaker was a four-door, five-passenger wagon. Loosely based on the compact Sonata sedan's platform, the Santa Fe was priced to compete with compact car-based SUVs such as the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and new Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute. Hyundai's version was wider and heavier, with the biggest cargo capacity in its class. Santa Fes came with front-wheel drive or permanently engaged four-wheel drive. The base GL model used the Sonata sedan's four-cylinder engine and manual transmission, or an optional automatic transmission with Hyundai's Shiftronic manual shift gate. Automatic was the sole choice for the GL V6, the GLS, and the top-of-the-line LX, which used a version of the Sonata's V6. Not intended for severe off-roading, the Santa Fe's 4WD system lacked low-range gearing. The system normally split power 60/40 front/rear, but could redirect it to the wheels with the greatest traction. Traction control that worked with both front-drive and 4WD was optional on the GLS and LX. All Santa Fes had 16-inch alloy wheels, a separate-opening tailgate window, air conditioning, power windows, a CD stereo, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. A sensor could deactivate the front airbag if a small child or no occupant was detected. Front side airbags were not offered. Antilock brakes were optional, adding rear discs instead of drums on four-cylinder models. Leather upholstery was exclusive to the Santa Fe LX.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 48 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2001-2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2001-2006 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Year to Year Changes
2002 Hyundai Santa Fe:
Nothing noteworthy changed for 2002, except that the four-cylinder GL exchanged front-disc/rear-drum brakes for the four-wheel discs of the V6 models. The V6-powered GLS and top-line LX models came with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Traction control was optional on the GLS, but standard on the LX. ABS was standard on the LX and optional for other models. The right-side dashboard airbag automatically shut off if a sensor detected a child or no occupant, but side airbags were not available.
2003 Hyundai Santa Fe:
Front side airbags became standard for 2003, and all Santa Fes now had all-disc brakes. New options included a six-disc CD changer and a Homelink remote control unit.
2004 Hyundai Santa Fe:
No new changes were made to the Santa Fe in 2004.
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe:
Hyundai gives Santa Fe a slight facelift for 2005 and drops its 4-cyl engine. The lineup now includes GLS and uplevel LX models, both with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing.
2006 Hyundai Santa Fe:
Santa Fe is unchanged.
Our road test for the 2001-2006 Hyundai Santa Fe includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2001-2006 Hyundai Santa Fe and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2001-2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Santa Fes function well in several areas, but performance is not among them. A test AWD LX accelerated to 60 mph in a middling 10.3 seconds, and was low on passing muscle, suggesting that this V6 won't have much in reserve with a sizable load. Slightly lighter weight makes the 2WD GLS feel marginally quicker. On the plus side, an AWD LX averaged a commendable 22.3 mpg, despite gas-eating performance runs. A 2WD GLS averaged 14.5 to 19.3 mpg, with more city driving. Although the ride is comfortably absorbent on undemanding surfaces, sharp ridges and expansion joints can jolt. Body lean is apparent in tight, fast corners, but far from alarming. Front-drive versions have surprisingly poor traction on wet surfaces, but all-wheel drive provides good all-weather grip. With ABS, a test LX made short work of simulated emergency stops, but sluggish, mushy pedal action does not inspire confidence. The V6 engine groans at full throttle, but is decently quiet otherwise. Wind rush and tire roar are well-controlled. Instruments are clear and controls accessible, but shorter drivers might find some gauges obscured. Also, some switches have unusual shapes. Similarly, the dashboard and door panels are molded with needless contours. The grade of interior materials is nothing special. Front room/comfort is at least class-competitive, especially in head room. Step-in is decently low, despite a tall stance, which contributes to fine visibility. Limited rearward seat travel, on the other hand, spoils a basically good driving position, and some seat adjustments are tedious. In the rear, the Santa Fe rivals many midsize SUVs for leg space, even with the front seats pushed back. Still, space is too narrow for three adults. Slim door bottoms impede entry/exit. Cargo room challenges some midsize SUVs, but there's not much floor length behind the rear seat. A standard separate-opening tailgate window is convenient. That's not true of the wind-down spare tire, which is mounted beneath the body.
Value for the Money
Hyundai's SUV needs more V6 muscle and better interior detailing, but Santa Fe is a high features-per-dollar vehicle with a generous 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10/100,000-mile powertrain coverage.
Hyundai's SUV needs more V6 muscle and better interior detailing, but Santa Fe is a high features-per-dollar vehicle with a generous 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10/100,000-mile powertrain coverage.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 48 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Hyundai Santa Fe includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Hyundai Santa Fe .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Crankshaft:
On early production models with V6 engines, the crankshaft-position sensor was failing and was being replaced under recall. (2001)
Engine noise:
The 2.4-liter engine's hydraulic lash adjusters, although functional, may be too noisy for some people and quieter replacements are available with larger oil holes. (2001-02)
Engine stalling:
The 2.7-liter V6 engine may stall and not restart when idling for extended times with the air conditioner running requiring reprogramming of the engine control module and/or replacement of the oxygen sensors. (2001-02)
Poor transmission shift:
The transmission may not shift when the "D" mode is selected or may not upshift or downshift when the "sport" mode is selected due to a faulty switch in the console shifter housing. (2001-02)
Poor transmission shift:
The shift from park to reverse or drive is harsh in many models, but if it is extremely harsh, a revised transmission control module may be required. Likewise, harsh shifts in other gears may also require a new module. (2001-02)
Radiator:
On vehicles with an automatic transmission, a clamp for the battery cable may wear through the lower radiator hose and the clamp should be replaced with a plastic cable tie. (2001)
Transmission leak:
Fluid may leak from the four-wheel-drive transfer case breather plug requiring a length of hose be installed. (2001-02)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $540 |
| Alternator | $250 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,890 |
| Brakes | $330 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $450 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $730 |
| Exhaust System | $300 |
| Radiator | $470 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $875 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $300 |
Our price chart for this generation Hyundai Santa Fe details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2006 | |||
| Santa Fe GLS | $12,000-14,000 | $10,800-12,600 | $6,700-7,800 |
| Santa Fe Limited | $13,500-15,000 | $12,300-13,700 | $8,000-8,900 |
| 2005 | |||
| Santa Fe 2WD | $9,000-11,500 | $8,100-10,400 | $4,700-6,000 |
| Santa Fe AWD | $11,000-13,200 | $9,900-11,900 | $5,900-7,100 |
| 2004 | |||
| Santa Fe 2WD | $6,900-9,900 | $6,100-8,800 | $3,200-4,700 |
| Santa Fe AWD | $9,000-11,000 | $8,100-9,900 | $4,700-5,700 |
| 2003 | |||
| Santa Fe 2WD | $5,500-7,500 | $4,700-6,500 | $2,300-3,100 |
| Santa Fe AWD | $7,300-8,800 | $6,600-7,900 | $3,600-4,300 |
| 2002 | |||
| Santa Fe 2WD | $4,200-5,700 | $3,400-4,700 | $1,400-1,900 |
| Santa Fe AWD | $6,000-6,800 | $5,200-5,900 | $2,500-2,900 |
| 2001 | |||
| Santa Fe 2WD | $3,100-4,500 | $2,400-3,500 | $700-1,100 |
| Santa Fe AWD | $4,100-5,200 | $3,400-4,300 | $1,400-1,700 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Hyundai Santa Fe include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.1 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 177.2 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.6 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 65.9 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3455 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 78.0 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.2 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.6 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.6 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.2 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.8 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Santa Fes came with a choice of dual-overhead-cam engines. In 2001-02, the 2.4-liter four-cylinder was rated at 149 horsepower, versus 181 hp for the 2.7-liter V6. Hyundai reduced the output rating for 2003, to 138 and 170 up, respectively. Four-cylinder models could have a five-speed manual gearbox or optional four-speed automatic transmission, but V6 Santa Fes were automatic-only. For '05, Hyundai dropped the 4-cyl engine.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.4 / 143 | 138-149 | 147-156 | 5-speed manual: 21/28 4-speed automatic: 20/27 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc V6 | 3.5 / 212 | 290 | 219 | 5-speed automatic: -- | 5-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc V61 | 2.7 / 165 | 170-181 | 181-187 | 4-speed automatic: 19/23 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
1. EPA rating with V6 and two-wheel drive is 19/26 mpg. Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: South Korea
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Hyundai Santa Fe include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2002 Santa Fe AWD |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2001-2006 Hyundai Santa Fe directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2001-02 V-6:
Two separate recalls for improperly manufactured crankshaft-position sensors could result in engine stalling while driving. Dealers will replace affected parts.
2001-04:
Certain vehicles are missing tire-pressure labels, or have incorrect labels. Dealers will distribute correct tire labels.
2003-04:
3.5L engines with 4WD and ABS may experience a malfunction of the brakes at speeds from 3 mph to 12 mph. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2005:
Occupant classification system in right front seat may mistakenly classify a small child on the front edge of the seat as an adult, allowing the front or side airbag to deploy in a crash.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
