2002 Hyundai Santa Fe Review

The handsome, versatile Hyundai Santa Fe has been a hit since its introduction as a 2001 model because it's affordable, roomy, well-equipped and unusually stylish for a sport-utility vehicle. Santa Fe sales jumped to 31,142 units during the first five months this year from about 19,000 in the same year-ago period, partly because this sport-ute is a bargain. Even the base $17,199 model has standard items such as air conditioning, AM/FM/CD player, heated power mirrors and power windows and door locks. Hyundai has outgrown its marginal old reputation and now is generally accepted as being a pretty good vehicle producer, although its products still aren't as refined as popular ones from Japan.

For those who turn up their nose at the Hyundai nameplate, the aggressive South Korean automaker points to its generous 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The 2002 Santa Fe models get refinements and equipment upgrades. All models now have four-wheel disc brakes for superior stopping. And power door locks and body-colored mirrors and door handles are standard for all models. The base Santa Fe now has standard side cladding and a richer sound quality for its stereo system.

Higher-line models get stereo systems upgraded from AM/FM/ CD units to AM/FM/CD/cassette. Upgrades to the top-line LX include anti-lock brakes with traction control, automatic temperature control and heated front seats. The LX costs $21,799 with front-drive and $23,299 with the Santa Fe's all-wheel drive system. It reacts as road conditions demand and was developed by Austria's highly regarded Steyr-Daimler-Puch civilian-military outfit. The Santa Fe has a carlike feel partly because it's loosely based on the Hyundai Sonata auto platform. The base four-cylinder model has front-drive, while the V-6 GLS and LX offer front-drive or the innovative all-wheel drive system. That system has no levers or buttons to push but lacks low-range gearing for rough off-road driving. For that, get something like a Jeep.

Engines are sophisticated. The base models have a 2.4-liter, 149-horsepower four-cylinder that works best with the standard five-speed manual transmission. It's also offered with a responsive four-speed automatic that works best with the 2.7-liter, 181-horsepower V-6. No manual gearbox is offered for the V-6, but the automatic transmission has a manual-shift feature. The V-6 is the best Santa Fe engine unless most driving is done in town because this vehicle is fairly heavy at approximately 3,500 pounds.

The V-6 loafs at 2,500 rpm at 65 mph and provides decent 65-75 mph passing times with just a driver aboard. It's rather small, so lots of revs are needed for the best acceleration. Estimated fuel economy isn't bad for a roomy compact sport-ute. It's 20-21 mpg in the city and 27-28 on the highway with the four-cylinder and 19 in the city and 23-25 on highways with the V-6, depending on if it has front- or all-wheel drive.

Steering is precise, with a fair amount of road feel. The all-independent suspension delivers a cushy ride. This is no ferocious BMW X5 sport-ute, but handling is decent--as is braking. The Santa Fe is unusually attractive for a sport-utility and has a curvy wraparound dashboard that would look appropriate in a sporty car. However, the grade of interior materials is average. The ignition switch is on the dashboard, but is too close to the steering column to be as convenient to reach as it should be. Although occupants sit high in the quiet interior, it's easy to get in and out--although rear door bottoms should be a little wider.

The broad front bucket seats are very supportive and the easily read gauges and large, nicely placed controls get above-average marks. There are plenty of storage areas, including front and rear door pockets, and front cupholders can hold large beverage containers. The rear seat is especially roomy and has a fairly soft middle section to allow comfortable seating for three adults. Also, the 60/40 split rear seatbacks recline. The large cargo area has a low, wide opening, and the entire rear seat easily folds forward to increase cargo capacity. The tailgate, which has a flip-up window, is equipped with an especially large handle that lets it be quickly opened and an interior recessed area that helps it be promptly closed.

The hood utilizes hydraulic struts, instead of an old-fashioned prop rod, to hold it up. Fluid filler areas are easily reached, although the big plastic engine cover looks ungainly. The Santa Fe has firmly put Hyundai on the sport-utility vehicle map in a short time, further enhancing its competitiveness in America.

HYUNDAI SANTA FE

Prices
$17,199-$23,299
Likes
Stylish. Roomy. Carlike. Long warranties.
Dislikes
Average interior materials. Rather narrow rear doorways.