The Santa Fe is a compact sport-utility vehicle offered
by Hyundai, blending solid engineering with a decidedly
eye-catching sense of style. Though not a true off-road
trailblazer, the 2003 Santa Fe certainly won't shy away
from unpaved paths either.
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers excellent handling, with minimal
top-heaviness in corners. It has the type of agility and
quickness one would expect from a well-balanced compact
SUV, with a ruggedness that is also undeniably present.
Available Models
The 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe is offered in an entry-level base
trim, a GLS trim and a top-line LX trim.
Interior Features
The Santa Fe is right up at the top of the list of compact
SUVs on the market when it comes to interior room. It seats
five and has a low step-in height for easy entry and exiting.
In addition, the Santa Fe offers more cargo space than any
other compact SUV on the road (with the exception of the
Ford Escape).
The interior is not only roomy; it is also friendly to
the touch. Human-hand-sized controls for the stereo and
HVAC system offer easy adjustment and handling. For options,
the Santa Fe has a list that reads like a fine dessert menu.
Exterior Features
Though the Santa Fe is not a complete off-road monster,
it doesn't look like a sissy either. Its front end blends
smoothly into the flanks to suggest sufficient robustness
for off-road capability. Large wheel arches reinforce this
look of readiness.
Performance
Two engines are available with the 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe.
The first, standard on the base trim, is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder
model that is capable of generating 138 horsepower and 156
lb-ft. of torque. The rest of the model lineup has more
jump out of the gate with a 2.7-liter V6 engine that offers
173 horsepower and 187 lb-ft. of torque. The 4-cylinder
engine can be mated to either 4-speed automatic transmission
or 5-speed manual, while the V6 only offers automatic.
Base models are front-wheel drive vehicles, while GLS and
LX models can be all-wheel drive as well. This gives the
Santa Fe the added control necessary in poor weather situations,
and when the trails call.
Safety and Security
For safety, the 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe has dual front airbags,
front side airbags and 4-wheel disc brakes that stop on
a dime. The top-line LX model adds antilock brakes.
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2003 Hyundai Santa Fe Highlights
 Major
enhancements for the 2003 model year Santa Fe include
the addition of side-impact airbags for the driver
and front seat passenger, new Monsoon stereo systems
for the GLS and LX models and the HomeLink system
for the LX. The other major changes – revised
dashboard center stack, larger air conditioning vents,
revised overhead console, optional power sliding moonroof
and more were completed in the middle of the 2002
model year.
Other
changes and enhancements include illuminated power
window switches, illuminated glove box interior, gas
charged struts that make it easier to raise the hood,
a revised, easier-to-use seat recliner and folding
mechanism, two outboard ISOFIX child seat anchors,
improved map light and overhead console design, chrome
PRNDL surround and shift lever button (GLS and LX
only) and chromed inside door handles and parking
brake knob.
All
three Santa Fe models, Santa Fe, Santa Fe GLS and
Santa Fe LX, are equipped with front and rear disc
brakes. Power door locks and body-colored mirrors
and door handles are standard and even the base Santa
Fe is equipped with handsome side cladding and a stereo
system that includes front tweeters for a richer sound
quality.
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 Get
a Free Price Quote on a 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe.
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| Fast Stats
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| Seats |
5
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| MSRP
from |
$17,549
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| Engine |
2.4L DOHC 4-cyl.
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2.7L DOHC V6
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| Horsepower |
138 @ 5500
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173 @ 6000
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| Transmission |
4-speed auto
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5-speed manual
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| MPG:
City/Hwy |
2.4L 4-spd: 20/27
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2.4L 5-spd: 20/27
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2.7L FWD: 20/26
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2.7L 4WD: 18/24
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2003
Hyundai Santa Fe - Specs
