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2003
Hyundai SANTA FE

Starts at:
$17,549
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr 2WD Manual 2.4L I4
    Starts at
    $17,549
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 2WD Auto 2.4L I4
    Starts at
    $18,349
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr GLS 2WD Auto 2.7L V6
    Starts at
    $20,099
    20 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    GAS V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr GLS 2WD Auto 3.5L V6
    Starts at
    $21,499
    16 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    GAS V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr GLS 4WD Auto 2.7L V6
    Starts at
    $21,599
    18 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    GAS V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr LX 2WD Auto 2.7L V6
    Starts at
    $22,619
    20 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    GAS V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr GLS 4WD Auto 3.5L V6
    Starts at
    $22,999
    17 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    GAS V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr LX 2WD Auto 3.5L V6
    Starts at
    $23,499
    16 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    GAS V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr LX 4WD Auto 2.7L V6
    Starts at
    $24,119
    18 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    GAS V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr LX 4WD Auto 3.5L V6
    Starts at
    $24,999
    17 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    GAS V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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2003 Hyundai SANTA FE 2003 Hyundai SANTA FE 2003 Hyundai SANTA FE 2003 Hyundai SANTA FE 2003 Hyundai SANTA FE 2003 Hyundai SANTA FE 2003 Hyundai SANTA FE 2003 Hyundai SANTA FE 2003 Hyundai SANTA FE 2003 Hyundai SANTA FE 2003 Hyundai SANTA FE 2003 Hyundai SANTA FE 2003 Hyundai SANTA FE

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Expert 2003 Hyundai SANTA FE review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

Despite the recent public backlash against sport-utility vehicles, you can still buy one legally in California.

And if you want to feel good about your purchase, you might want to look at a Hyundai Santa Fe — the no-guilt SUV. My test Santa Fe was the 2003 GLS, a $20,099 front-wheel driver only a small step above the base GL, which starts at $17,549. In a world chock-full of $30,000-and-up SUVs, the Santa Fe is a genuine bargain.

The tested GLS was not dressed up; the only option was an $85 rear cargo tray. What was included for the five-seater’s 20-grand and change was noteworthy:

Standard features included steel-belted radial tires, a four-speed automatic gearbox that also enables the driver to do clutchless manual shifts, four-wheel disc brakes, a 218-watt Monsoon sound system (with AM/FM radio, cassette and compact disc player), a roof rack with rails, heated power mirrors and a first-aid kit.

Had someone read me just that list for an SUV and asked me to peg the price, I would have guessed $25,000, minimum.

So the Santa Fe must have a cheap dog of an engine that enables Hyundai to make some money, right? Hardly.

The GLS was equipped with a 2.7-liter V-6, a compact power package that churns out a robust 173 horsepower at 6,000 revolutions per minute and 182 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. Acceleration from a standing start was excellent. The GLS took on inclines with relatively little strain.

SUV critics have been slamming them for their immense size and ability to crush compact passenger cars. The Santa Fe is not in that crowd.

It’s a manageable package of about 3,500 pounds and 177.2 inches in length. Though no garage-filler, it still has a good ground clearance of 7.4 inches — more than enough room for most off-road ventures. Cargo-carrying capability is a fairly roomy 77.7 cubic feet when the rear seat is down.

Styling, done at Hyundai’s California Design Center in Fountain Valley, is pleasant — slightly sporty but with enough light-truck features to brand it a true SUV — as opposed to a “what-is-it crossover.”

And that other anti-SUV gripe, horrible gas mileage, does not apply to the Santa Fe. The six-cylinder power plant is rated at 20 miles per gallon in city driving and 26 mpg on the open road — very midsize sedan-like.

Impressed?

Wait, here’s the best part: exceptional warranty coverage. The standard warranty package is five years/60,000 miles on the vehicle, 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain, five years/100,000 miles on anti-perforation and five years/unlimited mileage for roadside assistance.

Given everything, the Santa Fe is arguably the best SUV value on the market.

What’s not to like? Well, it’s not a Mercedes-Benz, nor does it handle like one. At the top of a steep Sierra Nevada incline, the 2.7-liter engine will lose some juice. And although the engine is plenty strong e nough to whip through traffic on twisty roads, you’re going to feel some body sway above 40 mph.

Getting the complete off-road package is going to cost you more. A 2003 Santa Fe LX 4WD model starts at $24,999 — edging into that sticker territory inhabited by other makers of sport-utes.

So if you want to go that LX 4WD route, do so.

But if you are seeking a no-nonsense SUV that is nicely equipped, moderately priced, sensibly sized, adequately powered, politically correct, capable of handling most urban/rural duties and backed by a warranty that will probably pay for any trouble you encounter, the Santa Fe GLS should be added to your test-drive list.

There’s certainly no guilt in either testing or buying one.

Hyundai Santa Fe at a glance

Make/model: 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS.

Vehicle type: Five-seat, four-door, front-wheel-drive sport-utility vehicle.

Base price: $20,099 (as tested, $20,184).

EPA fuel economy: 20 miles per gallon city; 26 mpg highway.

Transmission: Electronic four-speed automatic with clutchless manual-shifting feature.

Steering: Power rack and pinion.

Brakes: Power, vented discs on front; power, solid discs on rear.

Suspension type: Independent with MacPherson struts on front; independent with trailing arms on rear (coil springs and gas-filled hydraulic shocks front and rear).

Maximum cargo volume: 77.7 cubic feet.

Fuel tank: 17.2 gallons.

Base curb weight: 3,549 pounds.

Front track: 60.7 inches.

Rear track: 60.7 inches.

Height: 66 inches.

Length: 177.2 inches.

Wheelbase: 103.1 inches.

Width: 72.7 inches.

Ground clearance: 7.4 inches.

Tires: Standard P225/70R16 steel-belted radials.

Maximum towing capacity: 2,700 pounds (with specified trailoring equipment).

Port of entry: Los Angeles.

2003 Hyundai SANTA FE review: Our expert's take
By

Despite the recent public backlash against sport-utility vehicles, you can still buy one legally in California.

And if you want to feel good about your purchase, you might want to look at a Hyundai Santa Fe — the no-guilt SUV. My test Santa Fe was the 2003 GLS, a $20,099 front-wheel driver only a small step above the base GL, which starts at $17,549. In a world chock-full of $30,000-and-up SUVs, the Santa Fe is a genuine bargain.

The tested GLS was not dressed up; the only option was an $85 rear cargo tray. What was included for the five-seater’s 20-grand and change was noteworthy:

Standard features included steel-belted radial tires, a four-speed automatic gearbox that also enables the driver to do clutchless manual shifts, four-wheel disc brakes, a 218-watt Monsoon sound system (with AM/FM radio, cassette and compact disc player), a roof rack with rails, heated power mirrors and a first-aid kit.

Had someone read me just that list for an SUV and asked me to peg the price, I would have guessed $25,000, minimum.

So the Santa Fe must have a cheap dog of an engine that enables Hyundai to make some money, right? Hardly.

The GLS was equipped with a 2.7-liter V-6, a compact power package that churns out a robust 173 horsepower at 6,000 revolutions per minute and 182 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. Acceleration from a standing start was excellent. The GLS took on inclines with relatively little strain.

SUV critics have been slamming them for their immense size and ability to crush compact passenger cars. The Santa Fe is not in that crowd.

It’s a manageable package of about 3,500 pounds and 177.2 inches in length. Though no garage-filler, it still has a good ground clearance of 7.4 inches — more than enough room for most off-road ventures. Cargo-carrying capability is a fairly roomy 77.7 cubic feet when the rear seat is down.

Styling, done at Hyundai’s California Design Center in Fountain Valley, is pleasant — slightly sporty but with enough light-truck features to brand it a true SUV — as opposed to a “what-is-it crossover.”

And that other anti-SUV gripe, horrible gas mileage, does not apply to the Santa Fe. The six-cylinder power plant is rated at 20 miles per gallon in city driving and 26 mpg on the open road — very midsize sedan-like.

Impressed?

Wait, here’s the best part: exceptional warranty coverage. The standard warranty package is five years/60,000 miles on the vehicle, 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain, five years/100,000 miles on anti-perforation and five years/unlimited mileage for roadside assistance.

Given everything, the Santa Fe is arguably the best SUV value on the market.

What’s not to like? Well, it’s not a Mercedes-Benz, nor does it handle like one. At the top of a steep Sierra Nevada incline, the 2.7-liter engine will lose some juice. And although the engine is plenty strong e nough to whip through traffic on twisty roads, you’re going to feel some body sway above 40 mph.

Getting the complete off-road package is going to cost you more. A 2003 Santa Fe LX 4WD model starts at $24,999 — edging into that sticker territory inhabited by other makers of sport-utes.

So if you want to go that LX 4WD route, do so.

But if you are seeking a no-nonsense SUV that is nicely equipped, moderately priced, sensibly sized, adequately powered, politically correct, capable of handling most urban/rural duties and backed by a warranty that will probably pay for any trouble you encounter, the Santa Fe GLS should be added to your test-drive list.

There’s certainly no guilt in either testing or buying one.

Hyundai Santa Fe at a glance

Make/model: 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS.

Vehicle type: Five-seat, four-door, front-wheel-drive sport-utility vehicle.

Base price: $20,099 (as tested, $20,184).

EPA fuel economy: 20 miles per gallon city; 26 mpg highway.

Transmission: Electronic four-speed automatic with clutchless manual-shifting feature.

Steering: Power rack and pinion.

Brakes: Power, vented discs on front; power, solid discs on rear.

Suspension type: Independent with MacPherson struts on front; independent with trailing arms on rear (coil springs and gas-filled hydraulic shocks front and rear).

Maximum cargo volume: 77.7 cubic feet.

Fuel tank: 17.2 gallons.

Base curb weight: 3,549 pounds.

Front track: 60.7 inches.

Rear track: 60.7 inches.

Height: 66 inches.

Length: 177.2 inches.

Wheelbase: 103.1 inches.

Width: 72.7 inches.

Ground clearance: 7.4 inches.

Tires: Standard P225/70R16 steel-belted radials.

Maximum towing capacity: 2,700 pounds (with specified trailoring equipment).

Port of entry: Los Angeles.

Safety review

Based on the 2003 Hyundai SANTA FE base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Nhtsa rollover rating
3/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
10 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Less than 80,000 miles; less than 7 years old (currently MY18- MY24)
Basic
Remainder of the 5-Year / 60,000-Mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty. From original in-service date and zero (0) miles.
Dealer certification
173-point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.4 / 5
Based on 33 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.6
Interior 4.4
Performance 4.3
Value 4.5
Exterior 4.4
Reliability 4.4

Most recent

  • Surprised and delighted

    Bought my 2003 Santa Fe GLS with 111,000 well taken care of miles, flushed all fluids, complete detail in and out, now it looks feels and performs like new. I’ve fallen completely in love with this awesome ride! What i once thought was an odd looking vehicle I now see the ton styling details in and out, just a really cool crossover!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    9 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Sold my car privately - good price ranges found

    Used car prices seem to have gone up - probably because of demand. New cars are more expensive than people can afford. Wanted to sell my car - found that it was worth more than I thought. Sold it privately in 3 hours after getting information from Cars.com. Good site to get this information.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Drives great! Cold AC! Very comfortable!

    Never been wrecked. I have enjoyed driving this car since 2005. One brand new tire and the rest are in good shape. New alternator and battery. Replaced oil seal gaskets and timing chain holder. Very reliable transportation
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • It has been put through alot and never quits

    Its been abused a good bit it had some problems with a shifting module and my mom didnt know at the time and let me have it we drove it for 2 hours to get her new car with no oil and it made it perfectly they filled it with oil and back to the shifting module it still drives just dont goto third gear it is automatic With a manual overdrive it has almost 300k miles and always starts on the dime motor purrs cold air Andrew hot heatand drives new it does need a long shaft cb joint few bumps u can hear but other then that best thing i ever drove it has never shut off its sat up for awhile i have a goal to repaint it red and fix the cb joint and module but over all i never have a problem getting to point A to B
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I've owed it for 16 years and it has 218,000. mile

    Perfect for my needs I can haul everything I need to haul and then some it's a great SUV no major problems and still going strong
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • I should be dead, but thanks to this car I'm not!

    This was my first car. Not only did it surpass 230k miles with ease, it also kept me safe when I had a seizure when driving and crashed into (drove through.. I guess) two telephone poles, continued clocking in around 100mph until I proceeded to hit a parked car on the other side of the busy highway. I walked away with two minor cuts while most people wouldn't have been so lucky. Changed the way I feel about car safety and engine durability. 10/10 recommend for new drivers or anyone with a fear of car accidents.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great Car To Drive And Reliable

    I bought this car 3 years ago for my wife for a special project in the high desert with mountainous dirt raods. She was a bit isolated and I wanted a car that would make through a year without a problem. I checked the reviews on this car and decided to find a good one. I drove 5 Santa Fe's and found one that was in good condition and drove solid. If the car was taken care of, like mine, it will last a long time. Plenty of power and space for your stuff.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • The best SUV I drove

    This car was great in the snow and on back country roads it was reliable band very easy to drive and easy to load luggage
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • My car

    This car meets my needs of transportation all the time. It is very reliable and I would buy this car again. I have had minimum trouble with it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • The most sweetest car I ever own, I deeply miss it

    This car was all I ever wished for, the speed is wonderful, the air-conditioning is awesome. I cry every time I remember that it was stolen at gun point! Perhaps the robbers knew the value!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Cute sturdy safe car

    This car served me well for several years, very comfy and sturdy ride, plus tons of storage space! Great car
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Totally underestimated!!

    I absolutely love my car! I bought it used about 5 years ago and I currently have 201,000 miles on it! Brakes seem to go quicker than other cars I've owned and Santa Fe's get rusty around the back rear tires. Very common. Everything I have had to fix was regular maintenance (ball bearing, rotors, inner & outer tie rods). I have had no major problems other than my a.c. quitting on me. No engine light on whatsoever! I am currently in the market to buy a newer Santa Fe because she has been so good to me.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2003 Hyundai SANTA FE?

The 2003 Hyundai SANTA FE is available in 3 trim levels:

  • (2 styles)
  • GLS (4 styles)
  • LX (4 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2003 Hyundai SANTA FE?

The 2003 Hyundai SANTA FE offers up to 20 MPG in city driving and 27 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2003 Hyundai SANTA FE?

The 2003 Hyundai SANTA FE compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2003 Hyundai SANTA FE reliable?

The 2003 Hyundai SANTA FE has an average reliability rating of 4.4 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2003 Hyundai SANTA FE owners.

Is the 2003 Hyundai SANTA FE a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2003 Hyundai SANTA FE. 87.9% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.4 / 5
Based on 33 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.6
  • Interior: 4.4
  • Performance: 4.3
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 4.4
  • Reliability: 4.4

Hyundai SANTA FE history

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