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 231 through 240 of 251.00

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  Nice Vehicle - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By SC Steve - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a 2002 GLS 2wd and I love it! Paid less than sticker for it and got a beautiful Pewter car. I have already put 1000 miles on it and not a complaint to think of! Thanks Hyundai for such a wonderful car.

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  What not to like? - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Paul H - January 28 - 5:30 pm

  Ok, I admit that we have only had this vehicle for a couple of weeks and are still in the "honeymoon" period. However, this not-so-mini SUV is a real winner. Great (ok a bit funky) looks, roomy interior, sure-footedness, quiet, capable power, and a tremendous warranty. And we compared it to many other hot-sellers in the same category and we had no difficulty in choosing this one to bring home.

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  Multiple Problems - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Lauren81M - January 23 - 9:20 pm

  The second day I had it I took it on a long trip to Florida and the AC froze up after 2 hours. I got no support from the dealer of course. Ive replaced compressor, checked for leaks, replaced sensors...nothing works, cant take it on trips longer than 2 hours when I need AC. Also have had to replace O2 sensor 3 times. Was in shop for almost 3 months straight when I first bought it. Warranty is not transferable if bought used. Would never buy one ever again.

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  fun suv to drive - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By batt224 - November 23 - 3:56 am

  very good suv for the price, poor gas mileage...

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  Love the Santa Fe! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By tickleddpink - November 16 - 11:56 pm

  After six months, this SUV is still a gem! Its comfortable and has all the little things standard .Ive used it to haul bookshelves from IKEA and furniture to the Goodwill. It has a very smooth ride and its fun to drive. Zero problems in six months and its been the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Even better than my 92 Toyota Camry and 85 Cressida!

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  What a vehicle !!! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By newsguy - November 2 - 10:00 am

  V6 GLS, front wheel drive, with traction control and ABS. Its bigger and rides smoother than a RAV 4,in my opinion, and is not as bulky as a Ford Explorer. Great warranty !!! Its a blast to drive. The 6cylinder is peppy, and seems to want to leap forward with little nudging of the gas pedal. The chassis smooths out those nasty New England potholes, bridge expansion joints, and ripples. The cloth seats were stiff, and bland, so we added leather seats (Katskin) which have an extra half inch of foam backing. We added seat heaters, and a Webasto sunroof.

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  Great Car! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By dgj - October 23 - 6:46 am

  Overall, I love this car. I bought it brand new and was initially concerned about reliability. However, that has turned out to be unfounded. I have 89,000 miles on it after 4 years and have not had any major problems. The car runs smooth. No rattles (surprising for the price range). I had one recurring problem with the air conditioner. Thought it might be a factory problem but think it could have been a dealership problem instead. It kept freezing up. Took them forever to fix that. Then kept getting leaks. I kept telling them but, what do I know, Im a girl! I think the freezing of lines caused them to dry-rot, causing leaks. They finally fixed it!

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  Im Hooked! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Network Guy - October 22 - 10:00 am

  Being in the market for an SUV for a long time, I looked around and test drove quite a bit. For the money and standard features the Santa Fe is unbeatable. Better comfort and roominess than its competitors and I think a much better looking vehicle inside and out. Unless you are willing to spend another 10 to 15 thousand dollars, this is the truck for you. This is my second Hyundai purchase (bought my wife a 2002 Elantra GT) in less than a year, love em both!

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  2002 Hyundai Santa Fe LX 4WD V6 - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By E Dawes - October 10 - 3:10 am

  This has been a very satisfactory car for me. The features are excellent for the price. It is a bit underpowered for the weight of the vehicle, but Hyundai has corrected that in newer models. The only failure in 5 years has been the interior clock for which a replacement doesnt seem to be available. I am considering purchasing another Santa Fe when I replace my present car.

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  Hooray for Fe - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By San T. Fay - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Solid built vehicle, nice addition to the marketplace. Good alternatives to some higher priced (over priced) competitors. Roomy interior, decent exterior design that is unique and different...although it has been mistaken twice for a Lexus. Overall excellent value. Great/easy experience with local dealership (which was a first!)