Overview & Reviews

Larger and more luxurious than the average midsize family sedan, the Hyundai Azera slots between the Sonata and Genesis sedans in Hyundai's lineup. It provides impressive interior room, features and power for a price that's thousands less than many competing vehicles. Buyers who have owned a domestic full-size sedan in the past and are looking for a new vehicle will want to check out the Hyundai Azera. It prioritizes comfort, luxury, safety and value, and is well-suited both for commuting and long-distance trips.

Current Hyundai Azera
The Azera comes in base and Limited trim levels. Both are powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine that produces 293 horsepower. The only transmission offered is a six-speed automatic with manual shift control, which routes power to the front wheels.

Even the base Azera comes with keyless ignition/entry, blind-spot monitoring, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, powered and heated front seats, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a rearview camera, Hyundai's BlueLink emergency communications and a six-speaker audio system. The Limited adds xenon headlamps, power-folding mirrors, a power-adjustable steering wheel, driver memory settings, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, an upgraded surround-sound audio system and a navigation system. Limited buyers may add bigger wheels, a panoramic sunroof, rear parking sensors and window sunshades.

In reviews we've been impressed with the Hyundai Azera's overall competence. The potent V6 provides swift acceleration and good fuel economy, while the six-speed automatic provides smooth, if somewhat leisurely, shifts. The suspension is clearly tuned for optimal ride comfort, though handling doesn't suffer noticeably, as there's none of the floaty feeling one might associate with large sedans. Overall, the roomy Azera is quite impressive and is an excellent choice for a comfortable, upscale large sedan.

Used Hyundai Azera Models
The Hyundai Azera was redesigned for 2012. Compared to the first-generation Azera, it's considerably more stylish and boasts more power, as well as a higher-quality interior. Not much has changed since, though for its first two years this Azera came in only one, loaded trim level.

The first-generation Azera was produced from 2006-'11. It was generally regarded as a decent, well-rounded large sedan. There were a number of changes throughout the car's run, however, so we'd advise paying attention to specific years if you're considering one from this era. This Azera was offered in three trim levels: GLS, SE and Limited. The GLS and SE came pretty well equipped; the main options were leather seating and a premium sound system. The Limited had those features as standard, along with additional equipment. A navigation system was optional for the Limited in the car's latter years.

At its debut, the Azera GLS was powered by a 3.3-liter V6 that produced 234 hp and 226 pound-feet of torque. The Azera SE and Limited sported a 3.8-liter V6 that made 263 hp and 257 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission was standard on all Azeras.

As for changes, the GLS received more standard features in 2008 and essentially replaced the SE. Satellite radio, a navigation system and the surround-sound system also joined the 2008 features list. For 2009, the Azera's steering and suspension were revised, while different interior lighting, a new grille and an iPod/USB audio jack were welcome additions. For the final model year, Hyundai upped the power output to 260 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque for the GLS, and 283 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque for the Limited. The transmission was also upgraded to six speeds. Fuel economy was also up, so if you can swing a 2011 Azera, it's likely the pick of the litter.

In editorial reviews, we typically found the Azera's awkwardly tall seating position as one of its main liabilities. But overall we found much more praise-worthy attributes in the form of its excellent interior design and materials, refined and quiet ride, powerful V6, strong brakes, roomy backseat and value for the money.

User Reviews:

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  Id look at a Sonata - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By 2007SonataLover - June 5 - 12:43 am

  I own a Sonata. Mine went in to the shop for a recall and I got a 2008 Azera with 20k miles on the odo. It rattles like crazy and you hear the back end. The transmission is terrible and doesnt shift right. There is cheap plastic and door handles are plastic. My Sonata is so much nicer and roomier. I dont understand. Was looking forward to driving this car. Like Hyundai, but I would look at a Sonata. Mine has twice the miles and no rattles. Oh, turned the radio up so I couldnt hear the rattles and the Infinity radio is pretty bad too. This one pulls to the right, maybe its been wrecked since its a loaner car?

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  Dissatisfied - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By BJ - July 18 - 8:24 pm

  We were so excited to own our Azera until the tires went bad. We had only had the car a few months. It became very noisy. The ride is bumpy. Then the rear visor would get stuck and make the most atrocious noise. The handles fell off, the dash cracked. The battery repeatedly died for no apparent reason. The trunk is awful. It was poorly designed and rain water falls in and wets all my paper documents inside! Ill buy a Honda or Toyota next time!

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  dont buy an azera - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By eddie - June 29 - 4:08 pm

  I bought a 2008 azera on june 1st of 2009. It was a program car and had 8,400 miles on it. It cost a little less than a camry, and had a better warranty, but thats the only good part. It in no way matches the quality of a toyota camry. Ive read these reviews and have decided that they must have been written by hundai dealers. My overall gas mileage is around 18 mpg. I guess thats good if you compare it with a hummer. I took the car on vacation and the throttle sensor went out 22 times before i could get it to a dealership to fix it. The mechanic who fixed it said that he had fixed several of them, and he didnt know why they didnt have a recall on them. Im very disappointed in the car.

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  dont buy if you have an Acura - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By avis - June 21 - 2:21 pm

  I traded out of my Acura due to gas prices, on the rise, as it took premium and it was getting up in miles 94,000 but should have kept the Acura, as I miss the handling on the Acura. The Azera limited handling is unstable,and bouncy. I cannot do 120 mph comfortably, as it does not handle the curves very well. transmission has difficulty shifting at times, ABS does not work well in the snow, I slid a lot with new tires. I get 15 mpg due to my driving habits, and any one who knows how to drive, and likes to drive, will not like this car.

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  Azara Problems - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Yale Feingold - April 19 - 8:53 pm

  I am really dissapointed in this vehicle It is an overrated car with all the bells and whistles The suspension is terrible and I doubt that I will ever be able to get used to the bumping and knocking. The gas milage is very poor and i dont think I have ever gitten more than 11 miles to the gallon. The front seat sits too high. Should be able to drop lower.