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 171 through 180 of 251.00

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  Great SUV! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By RandR - September 1 - 10:00 am

  This is a terrific value. Roomy, powerful, and well-thought-out.

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  good value - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By economist - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Very well engineered--better than my Jimmy. Test drove a Toyota Highlander, too. Highlander had more power, space, and a luxury ride. Santa Fe had better steering, breaking, styling, and PRICE, and a solid, European sporty feel for the road. Its a perfect car for my wife. Would be for me if I werent 62", 210 lbs. Duck your head when you get in! Headroom fine once inside.

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  Happy Driver - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Happy Hyundai Driver - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Santa Fe for a year.I love it. It is a great size for a small person that wants a vehicle with substance. I especially like the lumbar support on the drivers side. It is great when on those long trips. It gets great gas mileage and is very roomy. I have even used it to haul garden supplies around. I already have the next color picked out on my next Santa Fe.

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  I love it but. . . - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By SantaFeGurL02 - July 24 - 10:00 am

  My Santa Fe is the best purchase ever. Too bad I have already had to use the warranty for my windshield being cracked from the heat, some loud unexplained ticking that they fixed. Now there is some sort of belt or something that is squeaking that Santa Fe is going to go in for next. Dont get me wrong. I absolutely love it to death.

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  Could have been built better - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By pfehrman - July 19 - 3:36 pm

  The assumption that a car must be good based on a 100,000 mile warranty is faulty; especially when it does not transfer to a new owner. I purchased this vehicle from a dealer, used, and then was told it needed $2,000.00 worth of required maintenance to keep from voiding the warranty. After that I had constant problems with the brakes, and transmission. Coming back from Florida one time, the car began to buck and jerk for more than 400 miles. We took it to a couple of places and were told that it was a transmission sensor. After paying many hundreds of dollars for repairs, we still are having transmission type issues, along with a brake fluid leak, and other continued brake issues.

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  Santa Fe regrets... - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By garbal - July 1 - 9:50 am

  Until recently I loved the Santa Fe, great gas mileage, great looking, good performance... until last year... things started failing, the axles broke... yes broke, within the axle boot, something let go, vehicle wouldnt move. 1 month later, the wheel bearing went, most recently the engine failed... everything within the engine, there wasnt much left of the engine, the service guy said it "grenaded". This left us stranded in the middle of nowhere without a warning. No strange noises, no tell tale warning signs of impending failure... nothing. Shut it off normally then went out to start it and nothing... this thing was seized up, the engine would not turn at all... Now it sits in the shop..

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  Great car for the money and tough - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By william - June 25 - 10:36 am

  Only problem we have ever had was the visor breaking, other than that nothing. We do change oil and do all the pm to the car. The dealer has been great to deal with as well. Just like with anything take care of it and it will take care of you.

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  Hyundai Santa Fe 2002 - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By tu - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Compfortable ride even in the back seat. Complaints: Difficult to put down back seats, had transmission problem that needed to be fixed by dealership after 1 year. Anyone else w/ transmission problems on a 2002?

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  SOOOOO Happy With This Vehicle - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Trouty67 - June 6 - 10:00 am

  I looked at so many other midsize SUVs and for the price you cant beat this one. Had different dealers looking for just the right one. I love everything about this Santa Fe. Wish I had bought it sooner.

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  Junk, just junk - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By buckaroo - June 6 - 10:00 am

  Nothing about this vehicle is above standard. False advertise 4% finance but only applies to 2% of the population. Cant compare to RAV in value.