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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  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

• 

  very loud road noise - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By David - July 26 - 10:35 pm

  I never expected to buy a new car and can not hear the radio for road the noise. We talked to the dealer about the problem 2 or 3 times. Funny they say they have not heard that before. We found a talk site on cars and guess what that was one of the biggest complants with the Azera. I do not think it is the tires. I think it has no insulation or sound deading in the car and also has a bad suspension under the car. The bad part is once you buy or lease this car they or done with your concerns. Beware David

• 

  After 3 new Hyundais..This is my last - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By hydman - June 24 - 11:00 am

  Windows go down instead of up... Dealer cant duplicate. Trip odometer resets itself. Dealer cant duplicate. Radio has no volume. Dealer cant duplicate. Mirrors self adjust. Dealer cant duplicate. Hood latch doesnt work. Dealer says you have to play with it. Air intake for electrical component cooling in rear wheel well... 5 miles on a dirt road clogs filter... Dealer says car not meant to be driven on dirt road. Tsb on rear sunshade says replace known defective gear... Dealer says not covered under warranty. Lack of concern by Hyundai consumer affairs. 100,000 miles on santafe... No problems 50,000 miles on elantra... No problems 70,000 miles on azera... Nothing but problems.

• 

  Just a nice face - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Ronald - April 20 - 7:58 pm

  I am getting about 20.5 mpg in city driving,slow to down shift. On mildly rough roads this car is a handful, even after the dealer replaced both front shocks, I still feel every bump in the road. I also own a 2004 Sonata, however, I am going to get rid of this heap ASAP

• 

  Had enough of it - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By azera - March 14 - 3:41 pm

  Like other reviewers have said, all I ever hear from the service dept. is "that is normal". The transmission in this car is terrible. It never knows what gear to be in. It has slipped on many occasions especially after getting off a highway onto city streets. The service dept. even told me that if my wife drives different than me than the car will not learn how to shift properly!! Who would make a car like that? My wife will not even drive it any more, she hates the transmission that much. Too bad because most everything else is good. Getting rid of it soon.

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  Dead Battery - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Dennis - January 31 - 7:01 am

  Gas mileage is terrible. No front seat drivers side leg room. Not a car to drive if you are over six feet tall. Battery drains after 3-4 days of being parked. Hyundai says that is normal(?) Transmission never knows what gear it wants to be in. No reason to buy this car as long as they are building Accords and Camrys.

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  Terrible Fuel Milage - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By HB - January 25 - 1:09 pm

  EPA ratings must be a joke to the Koreans. A loaded truck will get better fuel milage than I am getting with the Azera with 6500 miles on it. I have also had to get the rear window shade repaired. The dealer had to order parts, it would seem that since they have had so many with problems they would just stock parts to repair them.

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  Somewhat Disappointed - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Robert Goodwin - March 5 - 2:36 pm

  Very comfortable car with excellent vision and fantastic price & value. I average 18.5 MPH. I have experienced an oil leak and starter motor problems at 5000 miles. The dealship service has been excellent but did not expect these problems given the rave reviews by other owners.

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  Solid Value - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Steve F. - February 10 - 9:42 am

  Bought my new 2006 Azera Limited several months ago. So far, build quality appears to be excellent. No major or minor quirks of any type. The 262-hp engine is fast, but with slight lag when hitting accelerator.

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  the worst car I have - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By John - April 21 - 4:00 am

  The worst car I have. Lots of friends dont recommand me to buy Korean car, it is my bad because I dont listen to them. I drove Honda accord and toyota camry before. Those two japanese hehicles can perform a lot better than this stupid car.