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 91 through 100 of 251.00-
Traded - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Rscu - November 6 - 2:00 amI owned a 2002 Santa Fe LX for 9 months. After turning 10,000 miles, the engine started to sound like a diesel engine at idle. The service department and regional representative said it was normal engine noise. It was either the lifters or rods.....It also has an under-powered alternator; the lights fade after a stop, and the transmission indicator blinks with the turn signals. That was normal, also. I was afraid of engine durability. The engine is very unresponsive.
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Good Truck - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Adman - November 4 - 5:40 pmPurchased used @ 96k. Towing capacity is awful. Can pull a 13ft Boler travel trailer. Had continuous problem with rear brakes overheating. New calipers fixed it. Transmission cooler and power steering lines both rusted through @ 220k. Replaced tires 190k, Tie rods 215k, timing belt 190k, alternator 150k, crank sensor 120k. Malfunctions of rear wiper, drivers seat belt latch, passenger power lock, screws in driver window shook lose and window fell out. Currently it needs new shocks, and the diff. seal leaks. Other than that it still has lots of life, looks great and has 251,000k on it. Id have to say after 250k thats not to bad. However, Id like my old Safari van back. Less $ loss.
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Nice car way to many problems - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By bk79 - October 25 - 4:59 pmMy first car. Wish it had more power and zip. Live the way it handles. Love the way it looks. When it is actually working I love the car but at 100k miles it all went down hill had to replace power steering pump, fuel injectors both front axles and both front abs speed sensors, rest carrier bearing, the transfer case and the transmission. Between the fuel injectors and the transfer case and transmission all going out with in the last year and a half it was a between $6,000 and $7,000 and the ac broke twice. Would not but another one or recommend the first generation Santa Fe to anyone who doesnt have deep pockets to keep it on the road. All that being said I am sad that I have to get rid of
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Happy for now - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By aquaman105 - October 18 - 2:00 amThis truck is worth the money. The dealers will not come down on the price, but where can you get all this for so little anyway.
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thrifty me - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By blackdiamond - October 13 - 10:00 amI first saw this car at a car show a couple years ago and was so excited! An suv I can afford! Then reality hit... but its a Hyundai. One afternoon I was listening to "the car guys" show and he talked about the bad rap this make of car has and that it is too bad because now, people are missing out on a gem. It was time to get a car and I did my research for months. Noone offered what Hyundai was offering. Found a base model on sale for 15,990. For this price, you get so much. I drive around feeling I have this best kept secret. I love this car. Even my beautiful base model.
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Checked them all - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By wvlawyer - October 13 - 10:00 amI tried every small and mid-size suv on the market. For the money, the Santa Fe has them all beat. It drives better than all but the Rav4 and the Forester, but comes in a V-6. Its bigger too, with more features. The only worry is whether it will be reliable, but with a 100K mile warranty, Im hoping this wont matter much.
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The best SUV - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Krys - August 26 - 10:00 amall i can say, honda sucks compared to this beuty
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Harry Hyundai, part of family - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By C.Ash - August 3 - 10:00 amGreat car, usually we buy toyota or volvo, but took a chance with hyundai. Ive been very pleased with the car, rides great, sits comfortable, but upholstery lacks class. Had a few problems with passanger seat clicking and timing belt clicking, but dealership fixed. Did great this winter in the snowstorm. Car came with many standard features. Acceleration is excellent from 0-40, but 40-70 slows down quite a bit. Expected better gas mileage, but I only get around 18 mpg in town and 21-22 mpg on the highway.
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A TEACHERS REVIEW - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Danney Fairman - July 20 - 10:00 amI have had this vehicle for over a year now and I am continually impressed with the comfort and the styling of the Santa Fe. The ride and space is a major plus. We have taken several trips and neither my back nor anyone else is in discomfort after a long ride. With the warrenty ther is alot of peace of mind. I would definately but another one and HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT
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Yes Hyundai does build a quality Vehicle - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By dantheman - June 13 - 4:33 pmI love this truck...If you are looking for a car like ride with the height of a truck, this vehicle is for you. The interior is roomy & comfortable. Compared this truck to the Ford Escape & Mazda Tribute....Drive all three, & you will buy the Hyundai like I did.
