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 181 through 190 of 251.00

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  Best vehicle weve owned - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By jabbott - April 24 - 10:00 am

  This is the first Hyundai we have bought. We have been very pleased. We have had Subarus, Fords and Mazdas and overall, the Santa Fe has been the best. The roominess of the interior and the standard features were a big selling point for us. We are extremely happy!!

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  LOVE My Hyundai!~~!~~ - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Boobearzoo - April 20 - 10:00 am

  This car has been so reliable and so wonderful. It has not loosened up or turned into a rattle box. I have had very little go wrong with it and it is silly things like a switch light. It is the MOST incredible vehicle EVER in the snow. NOTHING got in its way!!!! I would buy another one without a doubt!

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  A great SUV - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By JWP in MN - March 10 - 2:40 am

  I own the 2002 LX AWD my daughter bought it and put the first 30K on it and we took over for the last 60K. It was the best SUV in its class in 02 and we havent been disappointed yet. It gets 26 to 28 mpg on long trips, I dont keep track in town. It handles great in snow and on icy roads, AWD is automatic with nothing to worry about. Our only repair was a cracked A/C line otherwise trouble free except for normal maint. Soon we will get an 07 or 08 RAV4 or Santa Fe, both the top performers in our test drives. The 07s are far nicer SUVs and that is what you would expect with 5 more years of expierence but the 02 is still a well built classy SUV.

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  VERMONT SANTA FE - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By ZIPPODUDE - March 5 - 2:00 am

  OVERALL A GREAT VEHICLE! FUN TO DRIVE, HANDLES WELL. LEATHER SEATS ARE VERY COMFY. SEAT HEATER IS A PLUS. I PUT 4 STUDDED TIRES ON MINE AND IT CAN GO ANYWHERE MY OLD MONTERO WOULD. THE TRACTION CONTROL IS ONE OF THE BEST FEATURES. IT COMPARES WITH THE AUDI. THE ONLY COMPAINTS I HAVE IS THE GAS MILEAGE IS DISAPPOINTING, THE CUP HOLDERS ARE NOT WELL POSITIONED, AND THE SPEAKERS BUZZ AT HIGHER VOLUME. I HAVE 30,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE WITH OUT A PROBLEM. ACCELERATION IS GOOD OFF THE LINE BUT LAGS A LITTLE AROUND 35 MPH,THEN TAKES OFF AGAIN. THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS LITTLE ROUGH AT TIMES. OVERALL I AM EXTREMELY PLEASED WITH THE VEHICLE.

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  Awesome - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Jeff Goodall - February 3 - 10:00 am

  Awesome SUV! This is my 3rd Hyundai. I stick with them because they stand behind their product with the best warranty in the business, and I like to purchase with all the options included. I dont like having to pick and choose for options so they can low- ball the price in the advertisements, and then when you go in to shop, you have to add $5,000 to the price! The only thing I would possibly complain about, which was in all of the reviews, is that it is a little slow off the start. This vehicle is heavy compared to similar vehicles, and the small 2.7L engine could use a little more umph to get going. Otherwise, as the title says, AWESOME!

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  Fantastic vehicle - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By charlest - January 24 - 10:00 am

  First care weve owned that we didnt have to have at the dealership for warranty work. In fact, its nearly 2 years old and still no warranty work. Love the car.

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  4000 miles and still good - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By blip22 - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive drven my SF GLS for 4k miles and I have no problems at all. Mileage is reaching what Hyundai has put out, and Im happy with the way its performing, especially since Pittsburgh is a very hilly area. Im happy I got the FWD instead of the AWD, since the engine really needs more HP. I respect Hyundai for coming out with HP issue and offering the additional warranties. Just shows you what kind of a company they are - respects their customers very much.

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  The horn blows. - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By alias/username - January 3 - 2:56 pm

  I have about 4000 miles on this car without any problems. I find it a very comfortable and pleasant car to drive. The 6 cyl engine has ample power for the way I drive. I think this car is an excellent value for the money.

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  Bulletproof! - Eulogy to an Old Friend - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By lindabinca - December 21 - 5:08 pm

  Just sold my 02 GLS V6 Santa FeAWD a few days ago.(Feb 2012). I was 2nd owner. It was HANDS DOWN the best car Ive ever owned, When I sold it it had 246K!! miles on it, and get this - not a SINGLE rattle or loose panel, etc. inside. Completely amazing.Unheard of for me who had always owned Fords. YES I had to repair the engine, tran. etc along the way...but what a trooper! I hesitated before buying it-semed too utilitarian - grew over the years to totally respect its design integrity and heartiness. Went shopping for another-an 07 90k yesterday to replace it-what a DISAPPOINTMENT, SO cheaply made. Might just have to scout around out there for a low miles02 again.What happened Hyundai?

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  Just love it! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Love my Santa Fe - December 16 - 10:00 am

  Rides like a car. Hugs the curves with no sliding. Good stereo system. Air conditoner is keeping up with the 95+ temps this summer. Sails along on the highway. Lots of cargo room-we moved a full size refrigerator with the back seats down.