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 21 through 30 of 251.00-
40,000 miles - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Jay Dee Ef - February 22 - 10:00 am30 months into ownership. Hated dealer, love the rig. No real problems except a few rattles are starting to show up after 40k. 20 mpg in town/30 mpg on long trips for AWD V-6, AT, Auto. I will likely buy another...but not until I use ALL of the existing warranty !! Looks like factory will have incentive "loyalty" rebate program to encourage earlier trade in.
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Not pleased - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Houston TX - February 22 - 10:00 amVery disappointed with mileage. Best mileage Ive gotten is 17.5 and thats highway. No head room for anyone over 6ft, little leg room. Seats are very uncomfortable for long trips. After reading other reviews, Im wondering what car theyre talking about. Were on our 3rd battery in 2 years!
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Almost an RX300 for half the price - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By raatx - February 20 - 10:00 amWife really wanted the Lexus RX300 but the price was heart-stopping. We each test drove the Sante Fe at 2 different dealerships and couldnt believe value of this SUV. Toured the entire Dallas Auto Show and NOTHING touched it. After 6 months we have 10K miles and a trip to Colorado with our new Sante Fe and zero problems. Very fun to drive, great ride, lots of cargo room (more than our old Windstar van with a family of 4 loaded in), loads of standard. features. Second gear is geared a little low but the pickup overall is just fine, city or highway. From a die- hard Toyota and GM fan, this is one great car. Plus the warranty if youre still not convinced!
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Great features with a small price - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Larry - February 14 - 1:26 pmIt really hugs the road. The aircon is great for those that like it very cold. The full size spare tire is great. The stock CD/tape/radio sounds great for a factory unit. The leather seats are comfortable.
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Moms SUV - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Sam12345 - February 7 - 2:00 amGreat for around town
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Good choice - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By VadimZ - February 2 - 10:00 amWe love our Santa Fe. We owned for a year and are very happy about it. Its roomy, its stylish, its very cozy with all those pockets, cupholders and such. It works out nicely if you have a kid or two. They love it because they can actually see whats going on around. Control panel is convenient as well as the Shiftronic thing. Brakes are excellent, it handles pretty nicely.
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We love our Santa Fe - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By luvrsantafe - January 15 - 2:00 amThis has been a GREAT SUV. With AWD, ABS and traction control it is extremely difficult to lose control in snow/ice. We had no trouble getting to/from work this winter in 1+ foot of snow - no need for chains at all. Unique styling makes it stand out from the competition. Lots of creature comforts standard - cant believe we went this long without keyless entry - now cant see having another vehicle without it. Great handling, comfortable driving and riding.
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Great get around vehicle - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By LynS - January 15 - 2:00 amIf your driving around town or on short excursions, it is a great vehicle to own. Drives and handles very well, good gas mileage for an SUV, has a lot of cargo room. Was hit by another car from behind and it felt like I rolled over a little speed bump -- good quality construction.
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I Love My Santa Fe - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Grace - January 8 - 10:00 amOur Santa Fe was the first Hyundai we ever purchased. I love cars and know a lot about the different car companies. Never have I been so satisfied with a car!!! It has been over a year since we bought our Santa Fe and we are still absolutely in love. I have never witnessed a car get so many compliments. And it only cost $21,000! It is more beautiful and eye- catching than other more bank-breaking SUVs and of course it is the most affordable. Three people actually bought a Santa Fe after seeing ours. We are purchasing another Hyundai this year, a Tiburon for myself. I know I cant go wrong with Hyundai! We love you Hyundai!
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Love my Crystal Blue too! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
By Vinspud - December 8 - 10:00 amWe also looked at all of the small SUVs on the market. The RAV, Vibe/Matrix, Sportage and Tracker were too small. The Highlander was too expensive. The Vue and the Liberty was rather funky looking, and more expensive than the Sante FE. And the Liberty was very hard to get into and difficult to put groceries in the back window with the tire in the way. The Escape/Tribute a little noisey and also more expensive. The CRV was rather bland looking with a tire on the back door. The Sante Fe is the right size, the right price(loaded!), the right warranty and looks great, especially in Blue!
