19th Sep 2004, 08:31

Hi, I also own a Santa Fe. 2002 GLS, purchased in Feb of 2002. I do like the car too, but also have an issue with the amt of time it takes to pass another vehicle. It is this reason that is making me want to go buy another vehicle. I just feel it is unsafe. I feel like this car just plain "has no guts". Am I worrying about this unneccessarily, do you think? Plus, is it my imagination or does having the AC on seem to make the car want to sort of "die". I swear I feel this happening and I hesitate to use the air! I was just wondering if you experienced that.

Thanks! (PS - yes, I'm a single female car owner and not very car-smart!)

19th Dec 2004, 09:36

I am a few days away from buying a Santa Fe. I truly appreciate the reviews and great comments I have read here, they'll go a long way in helping me decide on an '04 Santa Fe or not. I am concerned about the AC issue and the 2 second acceleration delay time. Does anyone else have this problem? Is there an answer I should expect when I question dealers about it at test drive?

Any reasonable explanations? Thanks.

17th Nov 2005, 13:25

My wife and I just purchased a 2004 Santa Fe LX AWD and we love it! In relation to the driver side leg room, I'm 6'3 220lbs and I'm okay with the amount of space provided. Don't get me wrong, it is a little tight, but not enough of a problem to make it a deal breaker.

As for the acceleration delay, I think they are getting better. I know that the 2004 is actually the opposite of the problems found on the 2002 model. I have noticed that it seems to be geared to accelerate too quickly when starting off. I haven't noticed anything unusual when passing.

Overall, I would agree that the Santa Fe LX AWD is a great SUV. In fact my wife said when we first bought the car that she wouldn't drive it... now she wants to drive it everywhere she goes and I get stuck with her so-called "cute" little Mercury Cougar.

Hope this helps.

18th Jul 2006, 18:37

I have had my 2003 Santa Fe for about 3.5 years. When I purchased this vehicle I loved it! I also got several positive comments from others.

Since then I have had numerous problems. Following my 60,000 mile service my engine went out. According to the dealership this was caused by a key-way (Sp?) malfunction and caused the whole thing to seize up without any prior warning. Thank goodness for the 100,000 mile warranty! I also have had a problem with the transfer case leaking. This is something that has been a problem with this vehicle from my understanding.

The latest thing (62,000 miles) is that there is a delay in the ignition when I go to start it. This might be something with the fuel valve according to what I have been told. I have it in at the dealership right now, so we will see what they say.

Anyways, I am considering trading my Santa Fe in. I am looking for something that is family friendly, affordable, and gets a bit better gas mileage.