Don't overlook this mid-size SUV - a woman's view

Author's Rating:

Pros: reliability, looks, performance

Cons: none

Handling And Control:

The Bottom Line: 
Seriously look and test drive this vehicle. It was far superior to the others in the same mid-size class. The ride is superb.

Author's Review
We first started looking for a new vehicle in 2002 to replace our family mini-van, which was on it's last legs. The original plan was to check out the Chevy Trackers, but my husband is an extremely cautious and logical man. As well as not caring for imported products, he liked the thought of the economy of the Tracker. However, after visiting all the local dealers in the area he was willing to look farther afield and started comparing price, quality and comfort. We chose the Hyundai Santa Fe.

I can't quote all the technical stuff that is behind the vehicle but I drive this vehicle almost every day and it is WONDERFUL.

Our Santa Fe is the 6 cylinder model with all-wheel drive. I wasn't sure about the all-wheel drive. I thought it would be noisy on the road and use more fuel, and it does neither. It is car quiet and fuel efficient. There appears to be no difference in fuel economy with the air-conditioning running full time either.

This model has the fabric seat covers instead of the leather, and they are easy to wipe off when something is spilled. In 2 years of family use there is NO wear on the seats or seat covering. The back head-rests come off and the back seats lay forward flat which makes it wonderful for moving things. Some other mid-size SUV's did not have this feature.

The vehicle rides higher than a car, so the field of vision is excellent, almost like a truck, but the comfort level is very much like a luxury car. There is ample room in the front for the driver and passenger and a surprising amount of room for the passengers. It will carry 3 passengers comfortably with good leg room. It also has those metal hooks for the new child car seats.

The audio system is AM/FM stereo CD that stores 18 radio stations in memory.

Standard features are air-conditioning, power windows (auto-down on the driver's side) and doors, power remote heated mirrors, tilt steering column, cruise control, multi-adjustable bucket seats in the front, 4 cup holders (2 in the front, 2 in the rear), 3 - 12 volt accessory units (2 in the front), maplights, sunglass holder, a clock, and a really roomy centre console. The rear door opens upward in two ways, either the whole door or just the glass section. Very handy.

There is a surprising amount of storage space. As well as the very roomy door pockets (the back ones are contoured to hold water bottles) and glove box there is a sliding drawer under the passenger seat and under the trunk area floor are numerous extra storage pockets. There is 2 centre consoles, one between the driver and passenger with 2 compartments, and one in the centre dash with 3 compartments.

As well as all these great little accessories this vehicle works extremely well. It has loads of power, both low end and on the freeway, with something extra there when you need it. It handles beautifully, holds the road well even in very bad conditions, and is super-easy to parallel park.

The very best thing is the reliability of this vehicle. In three years it has NEVER let me down. It has started every time, easily, even in our severest winter conditions (and we get -40 here) without being plugged in. There have been many days our road hasn't been plowed when I have to leave for work and it will actually push snow if it's deep enough. It just doesn't give up.

As well as the reliability of the vehicle, is the company that is behind it. If our service centre is an example of the others across the country, you are in for a treat. They bend over backwards to look after their customers, providing a service vehicle while yours is getting maintenance done, or a pick-up and drop-off service.

If there's one thing I didn't like it was the colours available back in 2002, but colour is not what's important about a vehicle thats going to be used. The available colour options are now much improved.

If you are considering a mid-size SUV, seriously look at the Santa Fe. You won't be disappointed.