Overview & Reviews
Entering its second year of production, the Santa Fe gets four-wheel disc brakes as standard equipment as well as an optional upgraded stereo system. In May 2002, Hyundai responds to customer requests and makes a power sunroof optional for GLS and LX models. Besides that, all models benefit from midyear interior upgrades, among these larger air conditioning vents; a center stack-mounted clock; illumination for the power window buttons and glovebox; chrome accents; ISOFIX child-seat anchors for the outboard rear seating positions and an improved rear-seat recliner and folding mechanism. In September 2002, Hyundai announced that it had misstated the horsepower ratings for all of the models in its lineup -- the Santa Fe's 2.4-liter four-cylinder is now rated for 138 hp and its V6 is now at 173 hp. To compensate, the company is offering Hyundai owners (of 2000 models and newer) three options: 10 years of roadside assistance, 6-year/72,000-mile basic warranty coverage or 12-year/120,000-mile powertrain coverage.
- Relatively inexpensive price, super warranty, roomy interior.
- Unimpressive four-wheeling capability, underwhelming powertrain performance.
User Reviews:
Showing 31 through 40 of 251.00-
As they say "Driving is beleiving" - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Hyundai driver - December 8 - 10:00 amAfter driving a BMW 325IS for 5 years I decided that I needed to upgrade to something with 4 doors with the ability to carry cargo. I drove numberous other SUVs mini and mid sized. None of them could complete with the feel, drive, design, and space of the Hyundai, not to mention the warranty. The Hyundai Santa fe is the best in its class hands down and as they say "Driving is believing" beacause once you drive the new Hyundais you will agree.
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No longer a minivan Mom! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By NoMoreMinivans! - December 8 - 10:00 amWe looked at the Trib, the CRV, and the Escape, and it was close between the SF and the Escape, but the truck-like ride in the Ford wouldnt do for the long hauls. The kids have room in the back seat, were comfortable in the front seat, theres room in the back for all our stuff; everyones happy. My Dad, a mechanic, drove my SF and likes it better than his 2001 Highlander, which cost $4K more! What a cool looking vehicle!! I think its the best design on the road, hands down. With the old Hyundai rep, I was wary of trying one. Now that Ive bought the SF, its pretty clear that theyre serious about competing in the market. Im converted!
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Good Choice - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Santa Fe - December 7 - 8:06 amFor the cost, the Hyundai is a great car. It runs like a car rather than a truck. It handles well, and is very reliable. I am about to trade in for a 2006 model.
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Nice car - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Lloyd - November 9 - 10:00 amMy wife and I enjoy this vehicle. It is fun to drive and a good value for the money. We are a little nervous because so many items have had to be repaired in the first 10,000 miles.
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Its been a ride! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By kdavis77 - November 2 - 5:50 amI have enjoyed every one of the 127000 miles I have driven in my Santa Fe. It is spacious and comfortable. The car has worn extremely well. The only problems I have encountered are: watch the alignment - especially the rear wheels. Heavy loads may cause them to go out and you can ruin your tires. The cruise control works great, but when you go up a hill at high speeds, it may kick out. This is where the shiftronic transmission comes in handy! Only one major repair - (power steering hose blew). Still getting close to 27mpg on the highway and 19 in the city. We plan on keeping this car until it dies .
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Love my Hyundai Santa Fe BASIC 2WD Automatic - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By ldamboise - October 22 - 7:04 amI have 191,000 miles on my 2002 Santa Fe. This is by far the best, most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Only complaint is that this vehicle has an issue with every belt. The timing belt had been replaced 2x and I often had to have other belts replaced or tightened. Failure to do so immediately resulted in a loud squeeling every time I started my car. The good thing is, nothing EXPENSIVE ever went. This car is fun to drive, GREAT Gas Mileage, and cheap to maintain. I am on the road a lot, and I love being in this car. It is so comfortable that my MANY long trips per month (ranging from 2 hours one way to 12 hours one way) are always a breeze. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS VEHICLE
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More than happy Santa Fe GLS Owner!!! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Blip22 - October 14 - 10:00 amReviewed and researched for two months all SUVs in this bracket but nothing came close. Escape/Tribute did not have good reliability reviews, Highlanders too expensive, CR-V is small. Couldnt find anything wrong with the Santa Fe except for the engine needing more horses. Took 4wd GLS for a test drive. Was very good but I went for 2wd for more power for the engine, but got it along with the abs/traction control. I think I made a very good and wise choice. Right now, I just have one complaint - Im not getting the mileage ratings - although the dealer said that well reach the mileage ratings after break-in/3k miles.
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Nifty "mini" SUV, - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By dewdotsag - October 14 - 10:00 amThis vehical is a joy to drive. It has the get up and go that we expected and the room to haul all that a family of four need for a week long road trip. It is all neatly packaged in a stylish and unique body. Dont let yourself buy any Suv without at least test driving this. It is worth your time and money!
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The Best - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Sue Smith - October 2 - 8:10 pmThis auto gave on the average 23 mpg and many times 28 mpg. The comfort and, performance was great for a 6 cyl. vehicle. Will be buying another within 1-2 years!
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I love my Santa Fe - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Ege - September 7 - 10:00 amI would normally say that the Santa Fe is a great SUV for the money, but thats not true. Its a great SUV. Period. That its inexpensive is a bonus! While some may complain of its "unimpressive powertrain," what theyre complaining about is the fact that this is not a race-SUV, or an off- roader. If you want off-roading, go elsewhere; this is a family vehicle that can handle trails of the NORMAL variety. It can handle soccer games, radio controlled planes, and trips from Grandmas at Christmas. I enthusiastically recommend this vehicle!
