2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
Should You Buy a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is a compact SUV that offers a blend of practicality and performance, making it a solid choice for families and individuals alike. With a 2.7L V6 engine producing 185 horsepower and 183 lb-ft of torque, it provides adequate power for daily driving and occasional road trips. The all-wheel-drive system enhances its capability in various weather conditions, while the 5-speed manual transmission offers a more engaging driving experience. With a combined MPG of 19.0, it strikes a reasonable balance between fuel efficiency and performance, especially for a vehicle of its size. The MSRP of $23,195 positions it as an affordable option in the crowded SUV market, appealing to budget-conscious buyers seeking reliability and versatility.
However, potential buyers should be aware of some common issues reported through NHTSA complaints. With a total of 715 complaints, notable concerns include 215 related to the fuel/propulsion system, which tend to arise between 60,000 to 120,000 miles. While the reliability score of 87.7/100 indicates a generally dependable vehicle, the frequency of fuel-related issues should be taken into consideration when evaluating long-term ownership costs.
The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is best suited for budget-conscious families or individuals seeking a reliable and versatile compact SUV for daily commuting and occasional road trips.
Strengths
- +Affordable MSRP for a compact SUV
- +All-wheel drive enhances traction and stability
- +Decent reliability score of 87.7/100
- +Spacious interior with comfortable seating for five
- +Adequate power from the V6 engine for daily driving
Weaknesses
- -Common complaints related to the fuel/propulsion system
- -Lower fuel efficiency compared to newer models
- -Limited advanced safety features for its class
- -Manual transmission may not appeal to all buyers
- -Some reports of electrical system issues
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe has recorded 715 total complaints, with 32 crash incidents and 11 fire incidents, resulting in 23 injuries but no fatalities. The primary concerns are centered around the fuel/propulsion system, which has shown issues at various mileage intervals. While these problems are noteworthy, they do not overshadow the overall reliability score of 87.7/100, suggesting that many owners experience satisfactory performance without significant issues. No significant NHTSA complaints on record.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 3.3 L
- Cylinders
- V6
- Transmission
- Automatic 5-spd
- Drive Type
- FWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 20
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 184.3 in
- Width
- 74.4 in
- Height
- 70.9 in
- Wheelbase
- 106.3 in
- Curb Weight
- 3,726 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- 4
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –