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 11 through 20 of 251.00-
Its been a ride! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By kdavis77 - November 2 - 5:50 amI have enjoyed every one of the 127000 miles I have driven in my Santa Fe. It is spacious and comfortable. The car has worn extremely well. The only problems I have encountered are: watch the alignment - especially the rear wheels. Heavy loads may cause them to go out and you can ruin your tires. The cruise control works great, but when you go up a hill at high speeds, it may kick out. This is where the shiftronic transmission comes in handy! Only one major repair - (power steering hose blew). Still getting close to 27mpg on the highway and 19 in the city. We plan on keeping this car until it dies .
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More than happy Santa Fe GLS Owner!!! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Blip22 - October 14 - 10:00 amReviewed and researched for two months all SUVs in this bracket but nothing came close. Escape/Tribute did not have good reliability reviews, Highlanders too expensive, CR-V is small. Couldnt find anything wrong with the Santa Fe except for the engine needing more horses. Took 4wd GLS for a test drive. Was very good but I went for 2wd for more power for the engine, but got it along with the abs/traction control. I think I made a very good and wise choice. Right now, I just have one complaint - Im not getting the mileage ratings - although the dealer said that well reach the mileage ratings after break-in/3k miles.
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Superb Quality - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Aggie91 - April 16 - 5:50 amThis ugly thing has grown on me. It has been virtually maintenance free. The build quality is superb - Im really impressed. Its resale value is far underappeciated for the reliability and quality. I will buy more Hyundai products.
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Best car ive owned, too ! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By david300 - January 30 - 12:47 pmI 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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Fun to have - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Mariano - January 9 - 10:00 amThe 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 pmOur 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.
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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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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.
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Great Value - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By DOC55 - September 20 - 10:00 amIve put 10k miles in a little less than 6 months, took a trip to Tennessee and it behaved great handles very good, very confortable, size is misleading lots of room inside. I love it.
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Buy It!!! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By see - March 3 - 10:00 amThis has been a wonderful vehicle. Weve owned it for since 3/02 and it already has 30k miles. Its been a comfortable and fun ride on 2 different road trips.
