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 41 through 50 of 251.00

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  Santa Fe regrets... - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By garbal - July 1 - 9:50 am

  Until recently I loved the Santa Fe, great gas mileage, great looking, good performance... until last year... things started failing, the axles broke... yes broke, within the axle boot, something let go, vehicle wouldnt move. 1 month later, the wheel bearing went, most recently the engine failed... everything within the engine, there wasnt much left of the engine, the service guy said it "grenaded". This left us stranded in the middle of nowhere without a warning. No strange noises, no tell tale warning signs of impending failure... nothing. Shut it off normally then went out to start it and nothing... this thing was seized up, the engine would not turn at all... Now it sits in the shop..

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  Great car for the money and tough - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By william - June 25 - 10:36 am

  Only problem we have ever had was the visor breaking, other than that nothing. We do change oil and do all the pm to the car. The dealer has been great to deal with as well. Just like with anything take care of it and it will take care of you.

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  LOVE My Hyundai!~~!~~ - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Boobearzoo - April 20 - 10:00 am

  This car has been so reliable and so wonderful. It has not loosened up or turned into a rattle box. I have had very little go wrong with it and it is silly things like a switch light. It is the MOST incredible vehicle EVER in the snow. NOTHING got in its way!!!! I would buy another one without a doubt!

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  Bulletproof! - Eulogy to an Old Friend - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By lindabinca - December 21 - 5:08 pm

  Just sold my 02 GLS V6 Santa FeAWD a few days ago.(Feb 2012). I was 2nd owner. It was HANDS DOWN the best car Ive ever owned, When I sold it it had 246K!! miles on it, and get this - not a SINGLE rattle or loose panel, etc. inside. Completely amazing.Unheard of for me who had always owned Fords. YES I had to repair the engine, tran. etc along the way...but what a trooper! I hesitated before buying it-semed too utilitarian - grew over the years to totally respect its design integrity and heartiness. Went shopping for another-an 07 90k yesterday to replace it-what a DISAPPOINTMENT, SO cheaply made. Might just have to scout around out there for a low miles02 again.What happened Hyundai?

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  Question on cargo area - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By cargo man - August 16 - 10:00 am

  Can you help? I noticed the rear seats do not fold down flat leaving a significant angle to that portion of the cargo area. Is that normal? Im still in the shopping stage and this concerns me. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

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  Santa Fa - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By gus - June 23 - 3:40 am

  Nice SUV for the money. It is a little slugash and geared real low. Over all a very good SUV.

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  ALREADY BITTEN - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By texanboy - May 22 - 2:00 am

  At about 1500 miles on the car, it broke down.Dealer replaced IDLE PULLEY. At 3000 miles, broke down again. IDLE PULLEY again. Whats up with that? Running good after that. Now at about 4000 miles.

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  GREAT car for the price - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Tony in Northeast PA - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive only owned Honda cars in the past, but I decided to take a chance on the "new and improved" Hydundai back by the great warrantly. Im glad I did. This is a great car, especially for the price. Lots of room for the family, lots of features. I had to take it back to have some chipped paint fixed and Hyundai fixed it right away for free. If the car continues to run well and the warranty is as good as it sounds, I may be a convert from Honda to Hyundai!

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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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  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.