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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  One Helluva Car - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By sgtusmc - July 11 - 12:34 pm

  I never, never ever thought that I would buy a Hyundai. But, I did. And I am forever so glad. I have owned over 40 cars including Lincoln, Lexus, Buick, Lancia, Karmin Ghia, Oldsmobile, Ford, Volvo, etc. and by far this 08 Hyundai Azera drives circles around all of them. I traded an 07 Buick Lucerne CXS after only 9 months of shear frustration with all of the problems including a bad vibration whenever the engine was doing 1500 rpms regardless of the speed of the car. And the turning radius was horrendous. And you could not see the instrument in the daytime. And the front seat belts were nonfunctional (would not lock up). And on and on and on. This Azera was an answer to my prayers

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  Nice car for a nice price - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By CarFan - July 8 - 10:39 pm

  Purchased used from dealer (executive car with only 22K miles) It was extremely well taken care of and looks and drives brand new...still smells new! It now has almost 30K and Im still pleased with it plan to keep it a long time. I get lots of compliments and now that I have one Im starting to notice them on the road more. You cant beat it for the price...however the Genesis is very tempting.

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  warranty issues - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Lee F - July 6 - 1:53 pm

  The 2007 Azera appears like a great buy due to the features and warranty. However, the car seems to be built with cheap questionable parts and design. Weve had trouble with door locks, airbags, and accessories. All were under warranty. Then the engineer covers under the car actually came off while we were on the highway -- huyndia is not covering it. So, buyer beware.

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  I laugh at BMW buyers - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By livewiremd - July 1 - 1:04 pm

  I am a previous owner of a 2000 Dodge Intrepid ES with the 3.2l engine. For about the same price as I paid for the Trep in 2000, I have a fully loaded LE that has so far been almost flawless. Now after 50,000 miles, I am still impressed. Initially I was scared to try Hyundai after my sister owned a Sonata back in the 90s, and that car literally fell apart. This car has been rock solid and I have only had 2 issues, and all were replaced free of charge by the dealership. The fact that this car has an excellent warranty and free roadside assist sold me. The car looks classy but a bit conservative. It rides a bit mushy but my second set of tires (Goodyear F1) has improved handling.

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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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  Well Worth It - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By DoBee - June 24 - 7:26 pm

  The Azera is the best value Ive seen. Features/performance/comfort/design/rel iability/warranty/price. I just dont think you can beat the combination offered by the Azera. Heres hoping that Hyundai continues to build on this concept.

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  my korean experience - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By william rubenstein - June 24 - 4:13 am

  excellant value for the money recently took it for a 2000 mile trip wonderful car to drive long distances ,comfortable cool, fun very peppy easy on the eyes and not one in every driveway like camry or accord.

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  Great value but accelerator hesitates - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Helbling - June 22 - 5:50 pm

  Delighted overall with the car. However, the accelerator has a full half second hesitation that is not only anoying but arguably dangerous. The dealer claims this is in the engineering design and cannot be resolved. The Michelin Energy 17" tire provide great cornering and stopping capabilities.

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  Best Auto I have ever had - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By sardonea - June 18 - 11:13 am

  The Azera is a very impressive car. I purchased the higher cost Limited Edition which has all the bells and whisles available for this model. I found that the tires were over inflated on delivery and once I reduce the preasure to the recommended 30psi the ride inprovement was significant. The only other problem I have had is that the sunrooof has a slight air leak at times. Dealer has adjusted it.

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  The Best,, better choice than Lexus&BMW - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Azeran - June 17 - 12:16 am

  Azera would be your bet choice without a doubt! I have never driven any cars better than Azera. At $30K, you will have a car equivelent to $50K worth cars like Jaguar, BMW, Lexus. Just Go ahead and have a test drive, you will see what we, Azeran (people who drive Azera :-), talk about