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 51 through 60 of 251.00

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  New CEO is a genius! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Scourge - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Hyundai used to suck...bad! Then they got a new CEO and viola! Major changes took place. If this vehicle is any indication of the rest of their lineup, Hyundai will be a major player in just a few more years. We have approximately 10,000 miles on our Santa Fe already and not a single problem to note. We tested the Escape, Liberty, and others. I then convinced my wife to test the Santa Fe just to be thourough in our research. We were both floored by the quality of the vehicle, the price, the warranty, standard features, etc., etc. IMHO, there is simply no better value out there.

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  Didnt think I would ever own a Hyundai - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Converted - March 21 - 10:00 am

  My wife talked me into looking at this vehicle. To avoid a conflict, I gave it a token look. It blew my negative expectations away. I went back several times, each time looking for something negative. I simply couldnt find anything wrong. We also looked at the Mazda Tribute. The interior of the Tribute looked like a Ford pick-up from the 80s compared to the Santa Fe. I am very pro Honda and Toyota, this is right there with both of them. So far I am still in shock at the great sense of value I get each time I drive it. While I was waiting for them to clean my new Santa Fe up to take it home, the salesman threw me the keys to a 2003 Tiburon. Wow, that just may be my next purchase.

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  The Best of Everything - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Marla - February 6 - 10:00 am

  You have to drive it. So many people stare at this SUV. It rides beautiful. Turns great. There is so much room. Sterio is good and It is getting about 22 miles per gallion. No problems just a smoth ride with heated seats and a great view of the road. I have LX front wheel drive model. Love it. Kept my BMW and got this SUV. Tested every other SUV. Did like the Lexus. But love this SUV.

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  Best car ive owned, too ! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By david300 - January 30 - 12:47 pm

  I bought my 2002 SantaFe in that year brand new. Its been very reliable and ive babied the car on doing maintenance which i do myself. It routinely gets a combined 21 MPG with 23 on the Highway at 70 mph. It is very peppy and in fact, the front tires will spin from a start if you take off real quick. I upgraded the crummy LongTrail Tires to Michelin LX Tires and went from 225s to 245s -- the extra width makes it handle superbly and they dont rub on anything. The Factory radio / tape/ cd player went out at 75,000 miles so i went with a new Pioneer from BestBuy. Other than that, i had a Temperature Sensor go out around 80,000 miles...and thats been it for failures. Its been good.

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  Sensible choice - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By SteveHasler - January 26 - 10:00 am

  As a long-time Honda driver, Ive found a new favorite brand. Dont let anyone else judge the Santa Fe’s style for you - decide that for yourself You cant beat the price/warranty. After 4 months I have zero complaints. It is tightly put together and quiet even at highway speeds. The trim is modest, practical, and, more for your money than youd expect. It’s obvious the Santa Fe isnt exactly overpowered. Test drive it against other vehicles with other adults onboard and decide if you can live with the pick up,Price, style, quality, warranty, and crash test ratings more than make up for power.

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  Losing my Santa Fe hurts! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Ellen - January 14 - 11:50 pm

  Of all of the vehicles that I have ever owned and/or driven I would choose my Santa Fe. I bought it new in 2002 and it was totaled in an accident with my 20 yr old driving in May 2010. There were 5 people in the car when the accident happened and other than bruises (seat belt & my daughters knee hit the dash) they were all fine. I always felt very safe driving/letting my daughter drive it. The car was reliable, fun, comfortable and could carry almost anything that I could possibly bring home including some huge rocks that I absolutely had to have. I was absolutely devastated when they told me that it was totaled! I would have driven this car for a long time yet. Boohoo, I miss my Santa Fe!

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  I Like my 2002 Santa Fe - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Steve Anonsen - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Solid feel, but doesnt ride like a truck. Even with the drivers seat all the way back I have more back seat legroom than my neighbors Jeep Grand Cherokee. Get the 4-cyl, 2-wheel drive. 25 mpg avg. If you dont really need 4-wheel drive, dont get it; it will bog you down, even with the 6-cyl. The 6-cyl is not worth losing 5+mpg for the extra (and not really needed) hp. Handling is nimble, stable, and fun. Granted, the 4-cyl wont be the quickest off the line, but it will be faster than the six with 4wd.

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  A piece of garbage ! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Phil533 - January 10 - 3:10 am

  Save your money. Ive had this car for less than 4 years and Ive had the following problems : 1) Cruise control unit replaced. 2) Sunroof leaked 3 times. 3) Power steering pump replaced 4) Fuel sending unit replaced. 5) radio replaced. 6) Rear sway bar bushings replaced. 7) ABS pump replaced 8) Leaking transaxle This piece of junk has lousy resale value, has been in the shop more than its been on the road and the cost of preventative maintance is unbelievable. $500 for spark plugs ???? I have spent a fortune taking care of this car and it is the most unreliable vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Fun to have - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Mariano - January 9 - 10:00 am

  The only mistake so far is that the sales person did not mention to my parents is what 20% would end up costing them after five years of payments. Other then that the truck has served us well. It has done great on long trips, and I cant wait to truly take it out this summer.

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  No problems - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Chuck - December 27 - 2:13 pm

  Our Hyundai Santa Fe has been a remarkable vehicle. We now have 55k on it with the original tires having very much tread left. The only warranty problem was caused by a mechanic not putting an electrical plug back in properly. Weve had no problems at all and we dont buy another car as my wife doesnt want to sell this one. Might give it to our granddaughter next year.