2004 Hyundai Santa Fe Specs: A Detailed Overview
Hey guys! Today, we’re diving deep into the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe specs. Whether you're a prospective buyer, a current owner, or just a car enthusiast, understanding the specifications of this classic SUV can be super helpful. We'll cover everything from engine options and performance to interior dimensions and safety features. So, buckle up and let's get started!
Engine and Performance
The 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a couple of engine options, each offering a different blend of power and efficiency. The base model typically featured a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine. This engine was designed to provide adequate power for daily driving while maintaining reasonable fuel economy. It was a solid choice for those who prioritized efficiency and ease of maintenance. This engine generally produced around 138 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque. It’s important to note that while this engine was sufficient for most daily driving needs, it might feel a bit underpowered when the vehicle is fully loaded with passengers or cargo, or when tackling steep inclines. For drivers who needed more power, Hyundai offered a 2.7-liter V6 engine as an upgrade. The V6 engine significantly boosted the Santa Fe's performance, making it more suitable for highway driving and hauling heavier loads. The 2.7-liter V6 engine was rated at approximately 181 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. This increase in power made the Santa Fe more responsive and capable in various driving conditions. Whether you were merging onto a busy highway or climbing a mountain road, the V6 provided the extra muscle needed to handle the task with confidence. Both engine options were available with either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission, depending on the trim level and specific configuration. The 4-speed automatic transmission was smooth and reliable, providing seamless gear changes for a comfortable driving experience. The 5-speed manual transmission offered a more engaging driving experience, giving drivers greater control over the vehicle's performance. It was a popular choice among those who enjoyed the feeling of 직접 shifting gears and being more connected to the driving experience. Additionally, the 2004 Santa Fe was available in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. The FWD version was more fuel-efficient, while the AWD version provided enhanced traction and stability, especially in inclement weather conditions. The AWD system automatically distributed power to the wheels with the most grip, helping to prevent slippage and maintain control on slippery surfaces.
Fuel Economy
When considering the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe, fuel economy is definitely something you’d want to keep in mind. For the 2.4-liter inline-4 engine, you could expect to see around 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with the FWD configuration. These numbers are fairly decent for a vehicle of this size and age. However, keep in mind that real-world fuel economy can vary based on driving habits, road conditions, and vehicle maintenance. Aggressive driving, frequent stop-and-go traffic, and neglected maintenance can all negatively impact fuel efficiency. Regular maintenance, such as keeping the tires properly inflated, changing the oil regularly, and replacing worn spark plugs, can help to maintain optimal fuel economy. The 2.7-liter V6 engine, while offering more power, naturally came with a bit of a trade-off in fuel efficiency. Expect around 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway with the FWD version. The AWD models typically saw slightly lower figures due to the added weight and complexity of the drivetrain. For those who prioritized power and capability, the slightly lower fuel economy was often considered an acceptable compromise. It's also worth noting that the actual fuel economy can vary depending on the specific trim level and options. For example, models with heavier features or larger tires might experience slightly lower fuel economy compared to the base models. To get a more accurate estimate of the fuel economy for a specific vehicle, it's always a good idea to check the EPA fuel economy ratings or consult with a trusted mechanic. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and your actual fuel economy may vary. Factors such as driving style, vehicle condition, and environmental conditions can all play a role in determining your real-world fuel economy. Regularly monitoring your fuel economy and making adjustments to your driving habits can help you to maximize your fuel efficiency and save money on gas.
Interior and Dimensions
Stepping inside the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe, you'll find a spacious and functional interior. The cabin was designed with practicality in mind, offering ample room for both passengers and cargo. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, providing good lumbar support for long drives. The rear seats were also reasonably comfortable, with enough legroom and headroom for adult passengers. The overall design was straightforward and easy to use, with all the essential controls within easy reach of the driver. The dashboard layout was clean and uncluttered, with clear and legible gauges. The materials used in the interior were durable and of reasonable quality for the time, although they may not have been as luxurious as those found in some higher-end SUVs. One of the standout features of the 2004 Santa Fe was its generous cargo space. With the rear seats up, there was plenty of room for groceries, luggage, or other everyday items. When more space was needed, the rear seats could be easily folded down to create a larger cargo area. This made the Santa Fe a versatile vehicle that could handle a wide range of tasks, from transporting passengers to hauling cargo. The dimensions of the 2004 Santa Fe are also worth noting. It had a length of approximately 177 inches, a width of around 72 inches, and a height of about 67 inches. These dimensions made it a relatively compact SUV that was easy to maneuver in city traffic and park in tight spaces. At the same time, it was large enough to provide ample interior space for passengers and cargo. The wheelbase of the 2004 Santa Fe was approximately 103 inches, which contributed to its stable and comfortable ride. The suspension was tuned to provide a good balance between ride comfort and handling, making it a pleasant vehicle to drive on both smooth highways and bumpy roads. The 2004 Santa Fe also had a decent amount of ground clearance, which made it capable of handling some light off-road driving. While it was not designed to be a serious off-roader, it could handle dirt roads, gravel paths, and snowy conditions without too much trouble. This made it a good choice for those who lived in areas with inclement weather or who occasionally needed to venture off the beaten path. Overall, the interior and dimensions of the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe made it a practical and versatile SUV that was well-suited for a wide range of needs.
Safety Features
Safety is always a top priority, and the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe came equipped with several features to protect its occupants. Standard safety equipment included anti-lock brakes (ABS) and front airbags. ABS helps prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control. Front airbags provide protection for the driver and front passenger in the event of a frontal collision. Some trim levels also included side airbags, which offer additional protection in side-impact collisions. These airbags are designed to deploy and cushion the occupants' heads and torsos, reducing the risk of injury. In addition to airbags, the 2004 Santa Fe also featured seatbelts for all seating positions. Seatbelts are an essential safety feature that helps to restrain occupants in the event of a collision, reducing the risk of ejection and serious injury. It is important to always wear your seatbelt, regardless of how short the trip may be. The 2004 Santa Fe also had a sturdy body structure that was designed to absorb and dissipate energy in the event of a crash. The body structure was engineered to protect the occupants by providing a strong and rigid safety cage. While the 2004 Santa Fe may not have had all the advanced safety features that are available in modern vehicles, it did offer a reasonable level of protection for its time. It is important to remember that no vehicle can guarantee complete safety in a crash, but the safety features in the 2004 Santa Fe could help to reduce the risk of injury. To ensure your safety and the safety of your passengers, it is important to always drive responsibly and follow all traffic laws. This includes avoiding distractions, such as texting or talking on the phone while driving, and driving at a safe speed for the road conditions. Regular maintenance, such as checking the brakes, tires, and lights, can also help to ensure that your vehicle is in safe operating condition. By taking these precautions, you can help to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries. Additionally, it's always a good idea to check the vehicle's safety ratings and reviews before purchasing it. This can give you a better understanding of its overall safety performance and help you to make an informed decision. The 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe received decent safety ratings from reputable organizations, indicating that it was a reasonably safe vehicle for its class.
Common Issues
Like any vehicle, the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe had its share of common issues. One of the more prevalent problems was related to the automatic transmission. Some owners reported experiencing issues such as slipping gears, rough shifting, and complete transmission failure. These issues could be costly to repair, so it was important to have the transmission inspected regularly and to address any problems as soon as they arose. Another common issue was with the engine. Some owners reported experiencing problems such as oil leaks, overheating, and engine knocking. These issues could be caused by a variety of factors, such as worn engine components, neglected maintenance, or overheating. Regular maintenance, such as changing the oil and coolant regularly, could help to prevent these problems. Electrical issues were also reported by some owners. These issues could range from minor problems, such as faulty lights or sensors, to more serious problems, such as a dead battery or a malfunctioning alternator. Electrical problems could be difficult to diagnose and repair, so it was important to have them checked by a qualified mechanic. In addition to these major issues, there were also some minor problems that were commonly reported by owners. These included issues such as worn suspension components, brake problems, and issues with the air conditioning system. While these problems were not as serious as the engine or transmission issues, they could still be annoying and costly to repair. To minimize the risk of experiencing these common issues, it was important to perform regular maintenance and to address any problems as soon as they arose. Regular maintenance, such as changing the oil, checking the fluids, and inspecting the brakes, could help to keep the vehicle in good operating condition and prevent major problems from developing. It was also important to choose a reputable mechanic who was familiar with the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. A good mechanic could properly diagnose and repair any problems that arose, helping to keep the vehicle running smoothly and reliably. Before purchasing a used 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe, it was always a good idea to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic. This could help to identify any potential problems and give you a better understanding of the vehicle's overall condition. By taking these precautions, you could minimize the risk of buying a vehicle with hidden problems and ensure that you were getting a good value for your money.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a detailed look at the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe specs! Hopefully, this breakdown has given you a better understanding of what this SUV has to offer. From its engine options and fuel economy to its interior dimensions and safety features, the 2004 Santa Fe was a solid choice for its time. While it had some common issues, like any used car, knowing what to look for can help you make an informed decision. Whether you're buying, selling, or just curious, understanding these specs is super valuable. Keep cruisin', guys!
