Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai's Santa Fe is a bargain buy for all of its features. It works well both on and off road and in good or bad weather with its electronically controlled four-wheel drive and 2.7 or 3.5-liter v6 engines. The 3.5-liter comes with a very nice five-speed automatic transmission, which gives the Santa Fe a luxurious feel with some slightly rugged capabilities. Reliability is a major selling point for Hyundai with all of its cars, and the Santa Fe comes with the same extensive warranty that really makes it stand out among the other small SUV's in its class.
GLS and LX models come with great-sounding 218-watt stereo systems and front-wheel drive (four-wheel is $1500 extra). GLS comes with Shiftronic manual control, air conditioning, tinted windows, power windows locks and mirrors, cruise control, keyless entry with alarm, roof rack, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, rear windshield wiper, six speakers, and a first-aid kit all standard for &21,499. The LX comes with everything the GLS has plus leather seats, 3.5-liter v6, Shiftronic automatic transmission, Homelink transmitter, in-dash six-CD changer, and chrome door handles. A power sliding sunroof is available for $750 as well.
The warranty, probably Hyundai's most alluring feature is 10 years/100,000 miles for the power train, five years/60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and corrosion, and 24-hour roadside assistance for five years regardless of mileage. This brings a lot of peace-of-mind to buyers for a great price.
Those who prefer a rugged appearance will not like Santa Fe's smooth, bubbly exterior. But the practicality of the design makes up for any lack of aesthetics. The rear liftgate alone is one of the best designed features. Rather than opening sideways which can make curbside unloading a struggle at best or impossible at worst, it opens upward, allowing even those in the 6-foot height range easy access to the rear of the vehicle. The handle for opening is far more convenient than most other SUV's as well, with an easy ergonomically placed lever, and a well-placed handle for closing that is not at all difficult to reach.
Anyone who hates having to climb into an SUV will appreciate the Santa Fe's low step in height. All of the buttons in the interior for both the stereo and the temperature controls are large and easy to find, as are the door handles, shift knob, parking brake handle, and driving controls. The amount of space inside is very comfortable and allows plenty of room for cargo when the rear seats are folded down, which can be easily done after removing the headrests. Retractable cargo cover and net both come standard as well. For anyone who wants a safe, reliable vehicle that can accommodate a variety of situations from soccer-mom errands to off-road driving, and perform with consistently great handling and the security of a respectable warranty, all at a reasonable price, this is the car for you.
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