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 31 through 40 of 251.00

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  Mixed reactions - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Phil - September 19 - 2:56 pm

  This vehicle drives well. It accelerates well from a stop and has a fair amount of power in its engine. Fuel economy is about 20 MPG in the city and 27 on the highway. The ride is comfortable and reasonably smooth. However, maintenance is difficult for this vehicle. You must remove an intake manifold from the engine in order to change all spark plugs. The front suspension is set up so the ball joints and control arms are held in place against the weight of the car, so that it will collapse if one breaks, we recently found out the hard way. It will cost about $800 to fix this. Reliability and maintenance are sometimes issues for this vehicle.

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  I love my Santa Fe - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Whip-it - May 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Sante Fe for about 7 months now and I love it!!!! For the money not only is it stylish but roomy and it has luxury items in it too. When I drive it I feel special. I have over 10,000 miles on it with 3 long trips. If someone is interested in a small SUV than I would recommend the Sante Fe.

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  Good car but not a great one - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Luigi - April 7 - 2:03 am

  The interior comfort and the ride is very good for a low priced mid-size Crossover/SUV. Ample power. Good traction. Decent cargo space, although the rear seat fold-down configuration is burdensome compared to other makes. Reliability is fair. I had to replace parts on this car that I never had to replace on any of my Nissan vehicles (Ive had 9 of them!). And my dealers service is mediocre compared to Nissan. There really is a difference in quality, and I think Nissan is worth the extra money. Considering a Rogue, Murano, or Mazda CX7 when I replace this Santa Fe.

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  Been good to us - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Romic - January 12 - 10:40 pm

  Purchased new in Sept. of 01 and overall have been very satisfied. We purchased the extended warranty for a very affordable price and has paid off for us. The 2.7 V6 has plenty of power for a vehicle as heavy as it is and fuel mileage is reasonable at 20 mpg. avg. We have had a few mechanical issues covered mostly under warranty. Both front axles cracked and were replaced, a strange squealing noise from the rear that the dealership fixed but seems to reappear from time to time, the rear hatch door handle release latch sticks in and the door will not latch shut if you dont pull it out by hand. Radio goes on and off itself. This SUV is GREAT in snow with full time 4wd. Were keeping it

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  will miss ya baby - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By macbratt68 - October 21 - 9:23 pm

  I will be trading in my 02 Santa fe to purchase a 06 Honda Element. This car has been so great I actually feel bad about trading it in. I had planned on driving it into the ground but decided to trade it in before it lost all value. Had a few bumps in begining with dealership- they never lubed on front wheel/brake and it wore out instantly. Dealer always fought over what was covered under warranty.After the first year things were great. So much room my friends were envious. At least they would have been if it didnt say HYUNDAI on the back. Cant shake that cheap stigma even though its a 22k car. Not sure I would ever buy another.

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  Santa Fe - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By G.L. - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Car is good-looking inside and out; friends look twice, then express surprise that its a Hyundai. Its highly reliable. In two years, only trouble has been a failed battery. Maintenance is inexpensive.

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  A Dream Vehicle - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By WhidbeyIslander - June 10 - 12:03 pm

  Our Santa Fe is, without doubt, the best vehicle we have ever owned. Until recently, when a dragging brake manifested itself, there was not so much as a rattle in the car. The Santa Fes handling is outstanding though the car is a bit underpowered. Service has been beyond excellent at Bellingham Hyundai. The longer we have the car, the more we like it. Fit and finish is superb. About the only improvement which Hyundai could make would be to increase the gas mileage.

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  Very good vehicle - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By rguyah - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I was surprised at how well the vehicle runs. It takes on rain, snow, and ice without hesitation. We got a lot of snow and ice this winter here in Pittsburgh and I honestly drive past people stranded in other SUVs and cars. Easy driving in very bad weather. My wife and I drove to Florida and back with it and absolutely no problem. It was a safe and comfortable ride.

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  IF this one ever dies, Ill buy another! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By LuvMySantaFe - September 15 - 4:06 am

  Dollar per mile, this is the best car I have ever owned. With over 85,000 on it already, its just breaking in. I dont think this vehicle will ever die. VERY upstanding company to deal with. Due to a misrepresentation in MPG, I got a bump on the warranty to 120,000 and $275 in dealer cash from a class action law suit! Try to get that from any other car company! If youre not into status symbols, keeping up with the Jones, or horsepower, then youll be among the intelligent, frugal, money conscience crowd. As long as Hyundai keeps up the quality and warranty levels, I will never buy anything else.

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  good value - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By economist - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Very well engineered--better than my Jimmy. Test drove a Toyota Highlander, too. Highlander had more power, space, and a luxury ride. Santa Fe had better steering, breaking, styling, and PRICE, and a solid, European sporty feel for the road. Its a perfect car for my wife. Would be for me if I werent 62", 210 lbs. Duck your head when you get in! Headroom fine once inside.