The Hyundai Santa Fe - a Great Mid-Size Truck

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a super 4-door midsize SUV that offers great gas mileage, roomy interior, smooth ride and award-winning safety. Given the skyrocketing gasoline prices sweeping the country, we were highly concerned about finding a vehicle that could accommodate two car seats and all the extras that we have to carry to and from work on a daily basis.

So we began shopping around. We previously had a Hyundai Elantra and were impressed by the customer service we received from our local Hyundai dealership, so we looked at other models first assuming we could always find something at Hyundai if all else failed. We test drove a few other vehicles and ultimately made our way over to Hyundai so that we could take full advantage of the 100,000 mile warranty that they are known for.

Initially, we looked at various cars, but deep down, I knew I wanted either a compact SUV or a minivan to get around in. Hence, our gracious salesperson led us to the Hyundai Santa Fe, one of the most popular Hyundai models in 2008.

The first model was designed in 2001 and since then the Santa Fe has undergone various improvements including a navigation system, Infinity sound system and power glass sunroof. There are even heated windshield wipers and what we were greatly concerned about, child seat anchors.

The newer models also offer a V6 engine with 230 horsepower coupled with smooth acceleration also make them a great choice. The manual transmission option is also available and the great thing about it is when the gear shift is engaged, it operates very closely to a manual transmission.

Lastly, if you get an All-Wheel Drive version, the vehicle provides even more incentives! If you're wheels begin to spin, the computer senses it and will cut your engine power equally between the front and back. Once the slippage begins to stop, you will immediately be changed back to front wheel driving and if you prefer, you can even lock it so that you always have full 4x4 driving.