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 221 through 230 of 251.00

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  Poor Workmanship - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By thand - July 24 - 12:05 pm

  I was thrilled with my Hyundai until the clear coat started peeling off the hatch door and the drivers side mirror as well as rusting on the drivers side mirror. The wiper arms are rusting as well and I have just over 60,000 miles on my car. To me this is lousy workmanship. most of the time my car was parked in a garage at work so was only in the elements for limited amount of time. I have never owned a car in which the clear coat peeled. My daughter who also has a Hyundai is having the same problem. I did some research and found out that even some of the 2012 models had the same problem. This is why I would never buy another Hyundai product.

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  Give it a chance... - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By ILIKEITALOT - July 22 - 2:00 am

  After spending hours online researching car reviews and typical pricing-- I settled on two cars: Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda Tribute. I wasnt excited about the prospect of being a "Hyundai" owner (old bad rap). So, I test drove both twice. The Hyundai felt stronger,felt bigger, drove smoother, had the shiftronic (wife cant drive a stick) and had a far better Warranty offer. I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome and felt the price on the GLS with ABS+Traction was a great value. Ignore the past bad rap with this company and test drive a Santa Fe if you are in the small-ute market~ before the price goes up.

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  I always come back - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Sledfour - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Believe it or not, this is my 4th Hyundai. I never thought I would have bought the second after buying my first at 16 years old. But I always came back. The warranty cant be beat, and the vehicles have gotten better looking with each model year change. People still say "youre getting a Hyundai?" with an all too familiar tone, but that will change when they see the Santa Fe up close. Even my wife was a skeptic, but was pleasantly surprised when I pulled into the driveway. If Hyundai keeps improving the looks, styles and amenities of its vehicles, this will not be my last.

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  GREAT SUV - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By STEVE - June 17 - 11:56 am

  GREAT SUV AND REAL HEAD TUNRER. ONLY COMPLAINT IS LOW GAS MILEAGE.

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  Good and Bad Experience - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Calvin - June 2 - 3:20 pm

  I bought the car brand new which was a big mistake but oh well, live and learn. Our Sante Fe currently has 85K miles and is a strong and comfortable runner. It drives nice and has a solid feel to the car, Hyundai has definitely improved the quality of their vehicles since they were introduced to the U.S. I was very sceptical about buying one except for the excellent reviews from the car mags. Anyway, it didnt take but about 20k miles before we had a squeaky belt problem which the dealer fixed but it has happened time and time again. Also at the 84K mile mark the transfer case started to leak oil, luckily it was under the warranty and they fixed it no questions asked. Im selling it now!

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  Pennys Comments - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Penny Colomb - April 22 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great vehicle that is roomy, comfortable and gets great gas mileage. This is my second Hyundai and I am very pleased with it performance and features offered.

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  Best Vehicle for the Money - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By ddixon7 - April 20 - 8:23 am

  We have had our Santa Fe since August, 2001. There is about 16,000 miles on it. Absolutly no problems. Still drives like new. Performance and comfort is still there. We absolutly love it. We drove the Izusu Rodoe & Toyota Rav4, the Hyundai Sante Fe, won hands down. And the Hyundai looks almost like the Lexus utility vehicle.

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  Worst Car I ever owned!! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By raalex82 - April 5 - 5:39 pm

  When I purchased my 2002 Santa fe in 2006 I thought I had found a great deal. It had only 45k miles on it with one previous owner. The first couple years were great...then the problems began. At 80k my transmission was replaced. At about 100k everything started leaking from engine coolant to power steering fluid. Then to top it all off I was driving on the freeway 2 days after an oil change and my engine started knocking and I as I was trying to get over to pull off the road it began to smoke. When I popped the hood there was a small engine fire. Needless to say I needed a new engine, but opted to get rid of it. I had already spent close to $5,000 in repairs and was done.

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  Wow, pleasure to drive and look at!!! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By C130 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I tried several of the competitors vehicles, then we saw a Santa Fe on the highway. We road-tested it and bought one. The stylish looks are far superior to others in same class. The vehicle is comfortable, quiet and powerful enough to be a pleasure to drive. The Santa Fe handles well and offers plenty of room for back seat passengers. Lots of space in cargo compartment with easy access through hatch or door.

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  Lovin the Fe - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By calbizpro - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I did a lot of research and the Santa Fe seemed to be the best buy, hands- down! My wife fell in love with it at first sight (she did that with me, too!). Slick, modern lines with just enough agressiveness in the style to make the statement, "Move over Lexus and BMW -- heres the new kid on the block and at the country club." The styling is first-class and the ride smooth as silk. My daughter and son-in- law are ready to trade in their CRV...