2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
Should You Buy a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe is a compact SUV that offers a balanced blend of power and practicality, featuring a 3.5L V6 engine that produces 195 horsepower and 219 lb-ft of torque. With an all-wheel-drive system, it provides enhanced traction and stability, making it suitable for various driving conditions. The vehicle's 5-speed shiftable automatic transmission contributes to a smooth driving experience, although the combined fuel economy of 17.0 MPG may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. Priced at an MSRP of $25,499, the Santa Fe is positioned as an affordable option in the SUV market, appealing to families and individuals alike.
However, potential buyers should be aware of the vehicle's complaint data, which includes 386 total complaints, with notable issues related to suspension, vehicle speed control, and airbag systems. While the reliability score of 94.3/100 suggests a generally dependable vehicle, the presence of 40 crash incidents and 11 fire incidents indicates that thorough inspection and due diligence are essential before purchase.
The 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe is best suited for budget-conscious families or individuals seeking a reliable and practical compact SUV for daily commuting and occasional road trips.
Strengths
- +Affordable pricing for a compact SUV
- +Strong reliability score of 94.3/100
- +All-wheel drive capability for enhanced traction
- +Spacious seating for up to 5 passengers
- +Decent horsepower and torque for its class
Weaknesses
- -Lower fuel economy at 17.0 MPG combined
- -Reported issues with suspension and vehicle speed control
- -Less advanced safety features compared to newer models
- -Limited cargo space compared to larger SUVs
- -Potentially higher maintenance costs due to common complaints
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe has reported a range of issues, primarily concerning suspension (48 complaints), vehicle speed control (36 complaints), and airbag systems (36 complaints). Mileage patterns indicate that vehicle speed control issues tend to arise within the first 20,000 miles, while suspension and airbag problems are more prevalent between 80,000 and 100,000 miles. Although these issues warrant attention, there are no significant NHTSA complaints on record that would suggest systemic failures.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 3.5 L
- Cylinders
- V6
- Transmission
- Automatic 5-spd
- Drive Type
- AWD/4WD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 17
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 177.2 in
- Width
- 71.7 in
- Height
- 66.1 in
- Wheelbase
- 103.1 in
- Curb Weight
- 3,494 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- 4
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –