Hi Everyone,

I am considering purchasing my first Hyundai. I have two young children and we need more room than the current car can provide. We have our eye on a 2007 or 2008 Santa Fe. Could you current owners give me some feedback on the Santa Fe? One question I do have is should we get a FWD or AWD? We need to make the right decision here. We like the Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento and are trying to decide!

Thanks!

The Santa Fe is great for the kids in the back. Top notch cabin space - they have pillar mounted cold air vents, the windows go down all the way, they can see, they can recline...

The FWD drives like a big FWD vehicle while the AWD handles in a far more neutral manner, especially in severe conditions (yet still very much enjoyed in the dry). The downsides are a bit more weight and a slight hit in mileage.

If you live in northern to central Ohio, all wheel drive is a must. In the southern part of the state, four wheel drive won't help much in their typically wet snow. Of course, it all depends on where you plan to travel.

With the Santa Fes excellent warranty, it's hard to go wrong. Also, the Santa Fe had been ranked as one of the best mid sized SUVs in the U.S. regarding crash testing and reliability.

I enjoy mine very much. If I were you, I would choose the optional third seat just in case you want additional passengers. The 3rd seat option will also add to your resale value and will end up costing you nothing.

Regardless of which model you choose, you will enjoy the Santa Fe.

David <><

My wife and I got a 2008 Santa Fe this year, and after 20 years of Honda/Nissan ownership (9 vehicles in total) we have nothing but praise for our Hyundai. It is arguably the best-built vehicle we've ever had. The kids love it too.

AWD is not necessary, but reeeally nice if you drive in snow as we do in Ontario. I would choose it again.

I haven't driven the Sorento, but my understanding is that it is an older model more oriented to off-road use. It is probably very reliable, just like the Santa Fe. Take it for a spin and let us know what you think.

Good luck!

PS: Not to argue with David, but we chose the 5-passenger model because of it's hidden trunk-within-a-trunk, which makes a great cooler for those trips to Costco. We got rid of a 7-passenger minivan and don't miss the extra seats. We also note that the third row in the Santa Fe is very close to the rear window which might not agree with all parents.

I have an 08 with almost 5,000 miles on it. It has needed a new brake cable and 2 oil changes other than that I love it! This is my 3rd Santa Fe and our 11th Hyundai since 95 and we love them.

I work at a dealership and we have Kia as well. I like the fabric on the Sorento's and some other little touches but it is definitely not as smooth riding at the Santy. Remember, the Sorento is based off of a truck frame so it rides differently. Gas mileage is also worse and it's obviously worse with 4WD. If you have a lot of snow, I would get AWD. I have yet to use my new Santa Fe in the snow but, my other 2 were FWD and 4WD. I actually saw no difference between the 2. My FWD was great in the snow probably because it was heavy.

This post has been edited by HyundaiLvr87: Aug 5 2008, 07:37 PM

I have an O7 with the AWD and with the last winter we had in Toronto I'm glad I had it. For me, definately made a difference expecially going up the several hills I need to on my daily drive. As far as the seating, I have the 5 seater and like having the extra hidden storage space in the rear. It's a good place to hide the laptop and any other valuables as they don't come with a cargo cover.

Cheers

Thanks for the input. We purchased a 2008 GLS FWD today! Very excited about it! We should have possession of it in the next few days and I will let you know how it goes!

Thanks again.

Congrats on the purchase!

What color did you get?

Don,

I totlally agree with you. The hidden trunk is fantastic. I have two different size hitch balls, my trailer wiring, several tools, work gloves, clean rags, paperwork and hand books installed in there, not to mention the jacking tools that came with the vehicle.

However, this is not our only vehicle. We don't have kids at home anymore, either. If I had a couple of kids, I believe the additional seating space would be more useful, especially if you have to take "mother in law" with you.

She can sit in the back of the bus.

David <><

I went with AWD but FWD with good tires would be adequate for winter, I'm sure. I think the FWD model even has the same ground clearance as the AWD so I bet it's not bad in snow. The AWD costs more but it should also be worth more when it comes time to sell or trade in so you're not really losing much $ by going AWD.

I also think the AWD is less susceptible to torque-steer, but it will be slightly heavier. There's +'s and -'s to both, you need to drive each one and decide which is right for you.

edit:
oops - looks like you already made your purchase - congrats!! :thumbsup:

This post has been edited by saraph: Aug 9 2008, 10:37 AM

Yep--the deal is done and we picked it up yesterday. We got the Sage Green color (my wife's choice!) It looks and drives great, so far. Thanks for all of the input. We have only heard good things about these cars and hope that holds true for our experience.

Sorry to hear you got the Sage Green. This color paint is known to fall off when driven in cold, damp weather. Not covered under warranty.

Just kidding. Congrats on a fine purchase of a very safe, dependable vehicle.

David <><

Ha! You Hyundai owners are quite a funny lot!

We have an 07 Santa Fe and love it. No kids but a lot of room nice ride and no issues. We have owned several Hyundai's and they keep getting better each year.

go for it, you won't regret it.

Great job on the purchase, Like everyone here says, you'll love your new Hyundai Santa Fe.

I've had mine for about 3 months now and have never run into any problems.

Enjoy your new ride. =)