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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  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.

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  I LOVE IT - LOVE IT - LOVE IT! - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By LadyLindaK - March 19 - 5:53 am

  This car is amazing! I have a 1999 tiburon - which I love. That was the best car I have ever had - so I knew I wanted another Hyundai. I was looking at the sonata - then I spotted Azzy. There was no going back! The price - for all the features was terrific. I did look at the Genesis - just for fun - but to tell the Truth - I still preferred the azera. I have had no problem with the suspension. Best of all-this is a car that "fits" me. The controls for the seats - with a memory is amazing - and the pedals move too! I dont have to try to get my seat perfect time and time again after "he" drives it. "He" insists he loves his ugly Chevy truck - but he jumps in my car every chance he gets!

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  Still a "WOW" - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Julien - March 18 - 9:23 pm

  This car has the quality, reliability and performance of a Lexus for thousands less. In 3 years, weve changed the oil and 1 light bulb. Thats it! It goes like stink (that might explain the gas mileage), does it quietly (allowing us to truly enjoy the cars great audio system) all the while feeling secure (even our son loves how the car handles). Incredible Bang for the Buck. 3 people have bought an Azera on our recommendation and love their car as much as we do. Hyundais Best Kept Secret.

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  Bought another Hyundai. - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By Scott - March 18 - 8:58 pm

  This will be my 3rd Hyundai. My Son drives my old 2003 Sonata with 160K on it. I traded my 07 Santa Fe AWD for this car as I commute to work almost 100 miles a day and need better MPGs. I didnt need or want the Limited as the GLS have all the options I preferred. I have owned it only a couple days and the mileage is 25 mpg but that is a lot of highway. I expect even better once the car is broke in. If you are looking for an Azera, the deals are out there. I got about 5K off the MSRP.

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  time for a new one - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By ralfyb - March 18 - 5:05 pm

  I now have 42000 on my 06 azera and am going to get a 09 I was going to trade it in but the value is terrible I do not understand this car had 2 problems a broken head rest clip and a seat switch they really should value this car more they have made a lifetime Hyundai buyer out of me I plan On keeping my 06 and letting my daughter use it why should i give up the 100000 Great car keep up the good work

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  a good car but not up to luxury quality - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By walter - March 16 - 1:39 pm

  I have only 10,500 miles on this car I find it Nice to drive but not up to the standards I was expecting. The gas mileage is disappointing but does fall within Hyundais spec when using gasoline without ethanol which lowers the mileage by around 3.5 mpg. I find the wind noise a little excessive. Handling is great it is hard to clean the paint. I have problem with slight shake while car is cold goes away as soon as engine warms. The am radio has very very limited reception dealer says this is normal. Overall I find the car not worth the price. I have driven many cars many thousand miles I rate this one average. Walter

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  2006 Azera Ltd... we like it! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By CarBuff - March 16 - 11:41 am

  Fast, fun to drive. Excellent build quality and a lot of room both in the rear seat and the trunk! Gas mileage is not good enough in todays market. I get about 21 city and about 25 highway. I have also had some electrical issues with seat belt light coming on and headlights flickering. Overall a great car for the money.

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  Anyone else have this issue?? - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By Ron - March 13 - 6:34 am

  All features work well and car handles well. I now have about 13K miles on the car and the front rotors already show signs of wear. The dealer indicated that this was due to the hardness of the brake shoes. It would look as though the rotors would already need to be turned. Has anyone else had this issue? Gas mileage is less than impressive.

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  Lots of research paid off - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By Dick - March 9 - 6:09 pm

  From the initial test drive, the car didnt inspire a lot of "oh-wow!" comments, but it was an interesting design. Seats leave a little bit to be desired in terms of thigh support, and the leather stitching on the black (gray) leather is ugly. But, I basically love this car. Bluetooth works great. Trunk size is very good. I have some problems with the transmission at slow speeds, as I drive the Washington DC beltway each day. But, overall I would definitely buy this car again. Without doubt, this is one of the greatest values available.

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  1st Years Fun Azera Diving Experience - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By l ken keys - March 7 - 4:07 pm

  This past years 15,000 mile driving experience has been extremely enjoyable in our new azera ltd/ultimate. It gives great performance on regular gas. It included a 4700 mile trip of the maritimes (24.6 mpg), a 2667 mile trip to Baton Rouge, la. ( 23.8 mpg), and a 1961 mile to branson, mo. (22 mpg). On regular gas, the 5 speed automatic transmission, plus the dohc 3.8 liter al block v6 was much lighter on the front end, and performed better than the supercharged 3.8 cast iron block (premium gas) 1997 olds lss (4 speed automatic) car it replaced. In over all fact the much more completely featured azera was purchased in current dollars for less than my cost for the (new) 1997 olds. Great buy for the money.