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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  Not an Avalon - 2014 Hyundai Azera
  By ed - November 4 - 5:37 pm

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  Issues with our 2007 Azera - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By daveb2323 - September 9 - 8:17 pm

  We bought a our 2007 Azera new, and have had several issues with the car. I will list only those that I consider more than nuisance value. Cracked dashboard, much like all the other customers. Sound barrier/shroud bolts under car came off like others, dragging from front to back. Latest issue is a failed rear winshield screen motor, which the dealer says has been impossible for him to fix... Car also gives off a tremendous amount of heat under the car on both sides and the rear. Overall, the car has been nice to drive but has so many what seems to be design flaws that its now clear to me why hyundai does not advertise it or give it showroom floor space.

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  Acceleration hesitation and surges - 2011 Hyundai Azera
  By geonar - December 18 - 10:27 am

  Driven 1000 miles, to dealer twice, this time 11-days and counting for this hesitation, then surge acceleration problem, when tuning and/or traveling in stop and go traffic, have to drive 1 foot on brake to control surge acceleration. Hyundai Corp Engrs working with Dealers Techs to resolve. TPMS indicator light has been on since new still an issue. Parts were obtained from Korea is concerning. Consider this acceleration problem major safety issue. Suggest if test-driving an Azera Limited satisfy yourself of the drivability while maneuvering when slightly accelerating at speeds below about 15MPH. Own a Santa Fe Limited with all options, ranks one of the best cars I ever owned, this is

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  Another Cracked Dash - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Not happy! - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I was a big advocate of my Hyundai azera. I didnt complain about having to wait 6 months to correct the recall on the front seat belt. I didnt complain when the dealers were telling every owner they needed to change the interior air filter? I didnt even complain about the dash cracking. But when I found out that it is a design flaw with the passenger air bag and that hundred of 06 and07 cars have the same problem. That Hyundai changed the style because of the design problem in 08. And, that I cant even get it repaired because of the liability. I complained to Hyundai consumer affairs---they blew me off and wont even return a call!

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  Poor Quailty vehicle no care fromHyundai - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By Steve - August 21 - 7:26 am

  Guess the frustration is everything gone wrong seems to not be able to be repaired or not covered under Hyundai warranty. In 2 years CD has gone out, not under warranty, head gasket blew, not has a battery discharge short they cannot find and been in shop for 4 times same issue for a month. Hyundai wont return calls to me to discuss the issue and shop says they know it has a problem but dont know how to repair. While I enjoyed this car at once as a company I now have to give Hyundai an "F" for consumer assistance and standing behind their product. They are not a brand on my do not buy list for any reason.

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  Unhappy Owner - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By Mike - March 16 - 2:11 pm

  I bought this car used Aug 09. Had 28k miles on it. It has developed a quite load ticking in the engine. Worse on cold days but can be heard always. Tried twice to get dealer to fix under warranty. They refused. Said until something breaks theres nothing they can do. What good is a warranty if they wont honer it. I actually am starting to hate this car. Its has a noisy, jittery ride. I just have a feeling in another 20k it will be a hunk of junk. I will get rid of it somehow this summer when it warms up and the ticking sound is not a obvious.

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  Disappointed - Not for Everyone!!! - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By Alex - January 31 - 4:23 pm

  1) After first week, I felt the car pulling ...took to the dealer and they aligned it. 2nd wk still pulling...took back to the dealer and they found that the left front tire was defective and replaced for free... 2) After ~13K miles vibration upon applying brake...dealer stated that rotors needed to be "turned"...I was outside of 12K miles for what Hyundai calls "adjustments" and so had to pay 3) Dashboard cracked - KNOWN PROB WITH AZERAS- this was what was stated by dealer-My car is garaged and was so very disappointed/frustrated that yet another prob-replaced under warranty 4) Loud noise in Engine. Dlr ran diagnostics & checked front end.Could find nothing wrong...hoping nothing awaits me next

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  Dont Believe the Hype - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By toalie - October 1 - 8:11 pm

  After 6000 miles, I have had several problems, mostly electrical. The air bags were broken 1 week after purchase, and my driver seat moves backwards while driving. The finish of the dashboard is separating around the airbag housing. The car drives well, but I fear that it will be falling apart in a few years. After this experience, probably wont buy another Hyundai.

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  shoot this car - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By hundai azera - July 21 - 6:17 pm

  I loved this car for the first two months. Since then I have had nothing but problems. So many rattles and clicking noises. I hate this car now. I have had it in the shop so many times I have lost count. I am sick and tired of the dealership telling me the car is fixed and then driving it home, the same noise occurs. I am ready to shoot it and put it and me out of misery.

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  Disappointed by the little things - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By steve in MD - March 19 - 5:45 pm

  While the fit & finish are nice, I find the front drivers seat to be extremely uncomfortable and Im only 59". The auto headlights are sensitive enough the auto windshields wipers behave erratically the heating- /A/C defaults to A/C "compressor on" and most of the settings on the trip computer reset every time you start the car. On top of that, the Check Engine Light came on after only 24 hours with the car. had it only 3 weeks but considering a trade in. On the whole disappointed by the little things.