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 1 through 10 of 251.00

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  Power and Transmission - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Smokeyridgerunner - December 22 - 10:00 am

  First it was not the engine I was told I had, it has a 173 hp. The lights dim when I turn the AC on. Whe making a turn the automatic transmission does not shift down to the next lower and when I press the gas it drives really slow until I make up the speed to shift to a higher gear. Sometimes it just jumps into passing gear and you would almost run into the car in front of you. If anyone is having these problems let me know because Hyundai said the auto is ok.

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  pleasantly surprised - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By russ - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for my wife to drive around in. the air cond/heating is fast and efficient as is the pickup in it. I was a little disappointed in the legroom as Im 61" and am used to the legroom in my fullsize pickup but when I put the seat back tilted a bit, it works out fine for a trip. The cargo space and style are also very nice and we get compliments on it all the time. I

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  very satisfied - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By john smith - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Whats all this talk about not enough power?? Compared to most of the rest of the world we Americans are sooo spoiled. In most other places this vehicle would be considered very peppy. It is certainly adequate for me. Only complaint is not enough room for long legged drivers. Live long and prosper!

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  Love My Santa Fe - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Leslie - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Santa Fe for 3 weeks and am still in love with her. It has easy access to air conditioning and radio controls and the ability to shift manually. The Santa Fe has beautiful lines and styling and has a very smooth ride. I tried the Honda CRV and the Toyato Rav and they didnt hold a candle to the Santa Fe in terms of looks, standard features, roominess and price. The 5 year/60,000 mile warrenty was a great added feature. Beats them all.

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  Love My Santa Fe - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By leslie - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Santa Fe for 3 weeks and am still in love with her. It has easy access to air conditioning and radio controls and the ability to shift manually. The Santa Fe has beautiful lines and styling and has a very smooth ride. I tried the Honda CRV and the Toyato Rav and they didnt hold a candle to the Santa Fe in terms of looks, standard features, roominess and price. The 5 year/60,000 mile warrenty was a great added feature. Beats them all.

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  I started with 14 Choices - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By tweiler - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I started with 14 small SUV choices several months ago and I never would have thought that my final choice would be a Santa Fe. I let the data drive the decision and the overall winner was a Hyundai. I couldnt be more satisfied with the vehicle. Hyundai has redeemed itself.

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  Very satisfied Santa Fe owner - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Kesayne Green - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Very nice vehicle. I think its one of the best Ive own so far. I get a lot of compliments on my car. I chose white because it is hard to detect dirt.

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  Delighted - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By FloridaTom - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Why is this SUV such a secret? I researched SUVs in this category for 2 months and although I have had my Santa Fe for just a week, I couldnt be more thrilled with every aspect. What a night and day difference between my trade in (Explorer). The dealer was awesome, significantly beating all other quotes. My Sante Fe is second generation 2002 so the clock is on the dash and the back seats folds with one hand (two complaints I read about). Im glad I bought mine before the secret gets out; this SUV is loaded with value.

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  owner - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By fred kritz - August 21 - 10:00 am

  it is a great vehicle fun to drive great gas milage, the dealer was not the greatest to work with. they did not know how to do the paper work for out of state purchases, had to call the motor vehicle department in arkansas to get them to give me the the paper work. it was a fight believe me. i won the war. ftk

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  The opposing view - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Cheryl P. - July 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle after reviewing many and after feeling that "I would never buy one of those foreign pieces of crap!" The reviews from in-persons and through the computer have been incredible and I had to test drive for myself! I was EXTREMELY impressed with the handling, the standard features, the roominess, the looks and the warranty so much that after the test drive, I bought that "piece of crap!". Everyone that Ive taken with me to drive or ride cant rave enough about the handling and how comfortable it is.