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 61 through 70 of 251.00-
Love my Sante Fe - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Arbas - December 26 - 10:00 amI love my Sante Fe. Talk about fun to drive. My complaints are that I have yet to get 19 mpg in the city, Accelaration is a little sluggish also, and drivers seat adjustment knobs are awkward to use.
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Santa Fe 2WD 6 Cyl - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Marnie - December 15 - 10:00 amWonderful vehicle! We are enjoying it very much. Lots of muffler clearance on our country lane way. Warranty is excellent. Lots of zip; handles well and is very comfortable and roomy compared with the others we looked at. We spent a few months on research and reviews and were not mislead. The V6 has more power than we need perhaps, as the speedometer is continually sneaking up past the speed limits! A flat surface on the dash board would be helpful, or cup holder in the glove box perhaps? There isnt a spot to set a fast food tray down so you can distribute the burgers etc. to the family.
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Still loving my Santa Fe! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By MMHBLG - November 26 - 10:00 amThis is the first vehicle that I have purchased and still love after months of use. It is comfortable, reliable, and well engineered. I have thoroughly enjoyed owning this vehicle. Its cost and warranty are unbeatable. Much better value than Japanese counterparts and the dealer will treat you better as well.
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Hyundai - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By mkrentzin - November 4 - 12:46 pmEngine light kept coming on. Returned to dealer 6 times. Dealer kept saying they found the problem. Within two weeks engine light came on again. Once would not start at all. Then the oil light started to come on and finally it started to heat up. All this with 22000 miles. Finally the dealer admitted they could not repair the car and they had problems with the four - cylindar engine.
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Noisy and in shop way too often - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By D Sayre - November 4 - 10:00 amI bought this car after a two hour test drive. Within a week I knew I had made a mistake. This vehicle has such terrible road noise. When it rains no one in the back can hear a word you are saying in the front. My Hyundai has also been in the shop at least 8 times over the past two years for different belts, ignition system problems, and wiring harness defects. My husband has a Hyundai as well and it is in the shop way more often than any other new car we have ever owned. I will never buy another Hyundai as long as I can drive.
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Lot of Bang for the money - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By JRT - November 1 - 10:00 amI researched the market for over two months, test drive the Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape and found ride to be too stiff; was leaning towards Toyota or Honda, but the Warranty on the Hyundai was very appealing so I drove all three of the above. After test drive I came away convinced that the Hyundai Santa Fe was a runaway winner; I have not regrets about my choice. Great vehicle, and a great value for the money.
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A true gem - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By twospirits - October 25 - 2:00 amI bought the SUV in July after a month of researching the best suv for my money. I tested quite a few but my sights were always going back to the Santa Fe. The research was impressive but nothing like actually siting in one and going out for a drive. The handling, smoothness, features, crash worthyness and looks combined with one huge warranty made my decision a no brainer. Its quite amazing how much one can fill up the cargo area with. Im still amazed of how wonderful this vehicle is. With the added feature of the shiftronic makes driving fun. Took it on a long trip and it performed like a gem, impressive mileage. Truly an outstanding SUV.
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Hyundai Warranty and Brake Quality - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By John Got Beat - October 8 - 8:56 amI have a 2002 Santa Fe GlS with less than 30,000 miles and had to get 3 brake jobs and 4 new rotors for the SUV. Hyundai says it is the way I drive but my Toyota Highlander is driven more, gets better gas milage and pick up and has no issue with its brakes. Each change is $700 to $1200 dollars. Add that to the price of the car every 9,000 miles and see if you are happy. My engine is now sounding as if the lifters are going which they can not hear untill the warranty is over. My radio display is gone, Just missed warranty! Nothing was covered by the "warranty" which they tell you to read the fine print! GOODBY HYUNDAI AND WELCOME BACK TOYOTA!!!!!! AT LEAST THEY HAVE PROVEN QUALITY.
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Intelligent Choice - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Happy Cruiser - September 20 - 10:00 amJust purchased my first new car. It has been only a week but I am already in love with my new Santa Fe. Ive been looking at Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4, but decided to go with Hyundai Santa Fe, biggest bang for a buck. Warranty is awesome, that was another decision factor. Lots of standard features, the only options I took are ABS with Traction Control.
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Nervous to Estatic - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Chris F - September 20 - 10:00 amI just bought my Santa Fe with the idea of going cross country with it. I drove the Santa Fe 3100 mile through the heat, rain, mountains and sitting in traffic. I have heard alot of people complain about the horse power. The Santa Fe performed well in passing and merging and when I needed her to get up a hill she took it with out a problem. Who needs a racing SUV anyway? Overall I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone whether you are cost conscience or not. We now have 5,200 miles and she still runs like a dream. I hope she stays that way but if she doesnt there is the warranty.
