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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  Hyundai Got it Right - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Acura Owner - August 31 - 4:10 pm

  Do a lot of highway driving in my job. Had 2004 Acura TL which was a nice car but needed to get it replaced. Wanted sedan with good build quality and driving performance, but also good warrenty coverage. Purchased a Hyundai Azera Limited with Ultimate package and could not be more pleased. Intial quality was excellent and better than my experience with my old Acura and it handles great on the highway. I have no problem passing slower traffic since the engine has more get up and go than my old car. So far, an excellent buy.

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  3rd gear ??? - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Watash - August 27 - 11:40 pm

  At nearly 50,000 miles, I can give a fair evaluation. My Azera has snappy acceleration that requires you to pay attention. The pro review that said they got 17.7 mpg is way off base. He must have done his review driving around in 3rd gear. I get 26 to 28 mpg combined mileage, about half city and highway. I am an All-American, but I love just about everything about this car. Easy on tires? I am just about to buy the first set of replacement tires, going to get 235s this time it will be even better. This car will not disappoint someone who wants a very smooth ride. Its quick, very comfortable with a big trunk for all my things, and a ton of very usable features...Ed

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  A cheap Lexus! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By livewiremd - August 26 - 12:18 pm

  I have had this car for over 2 years now and am still impressed. I am also surprised that I see so many Sonatas on the road and so few of these! I was afraid to gamble on Hyundai after a bad experience in the early 90s but the warranty sold me. The first year warranty seems to replace ANYTHING (I didnt need to use it) and the roadside assistance package cant be beat. This car has a nice but a bit conservative look. The led tail lights make things stand out some. This car has a lot of power and it is easy to be going close to 100 without even feeling it. The car does have a little soft ride and corners a little sloppy for my taste but it is an impressive car overall.

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  A Great Discovery - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Charles Gordon - August 13 - 7:26 am

  Ive owned my Azera just over a month now and Im finding new things to rave about everyday. Wow! Im glad I found this car because I had never looked at a Hyundai before. Im glad I didnt waste my money at buying a Toyota Avalon. This car is just as good or maybe even better. It drives and feels like a Deville for soooo much less money. A lot of new customers are going to Hyundai to look at the Azera -- its a winner by all standards. My neighbors cant believe its a Korean car, and I can either. I think Ill run out to the garage and take another test drive. Wow!

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  Fantastic - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By gail horwitz` - August 11 - 6:03 pm

  This is the first Hyundai I have ever owned. I first saw it on a TV commercial and fell in love with the look. I love driving it, it is so comfortable. Love the fact that the seats are heated all the way up the back, no coats needed.Just love everything about it, and have gotten many compliments on it. Check this one out its worth it.

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  A fond farewell to my Azzie! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Adrian - August 11 - 6:01 am

  With a bad hip from my 1st. sedan in a very long time, Im getting back to a small SUV, with more of a straight-up sitting position, the 4-cyl. H-Tuscon will prolly be my next vehicle. With average 24 mpg on my Azzie, I cant complain at all. This was my first luxury sports sedan, driving ~2500 miles monthly for a supermarket chain, all over 5 counties in Tampa bay area. The overall comfort, power to pass/merge, and styling are its strong points, not to mention pricing when comparing other imported large sedans. Got a sit-in recently in their new Genesis, very nice. But on this even larger car, they dont offer the power folding mirrors, my favorite cool-gizmo!

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  High Quality Car - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By Andy - August 7 - 7:03 am

  I bought my 2008 Hyundai Azera in June of 2008. And so far with about a month and a half of driving the car, I still enjoy the ride and its features. It took me a while to find out all the features it had. The ride is smooth and the comfort is great with leather seats. I really enjoy the LG Navigation system, this way I wont get lost anymore. There were a number of reviews I read before and after buying the car, and overall they speak well of the car, however they point a little about the steering. I find the handling and steering to be fine. I guess the only thing I could complain about is that there are a few squeaks and rattles from the car when going over bumps, which is annoying.

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  Avid Over Azera - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By M. Newhouse - August 2 - 3:39 pm

  I was very skeptical about buying a luxury Hyundai, but Azera has surpassed all of my expectations. The ride is powerful, sporty and yet comfortable. The seats are amazingly comfortable and memory seats make it easy to switch drivers. Fuel economy is very good for a large car: 22-24 city, 27-29 highway. Service has been excellent so far. We compared ride to Avalon and found this less floating and more sporty. You feel like you have a fast car, but very good at holding road and over bumps. Great car- big surprise.

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  His Seat Dont Fit - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By MaryLou - August 2 - 1:26 pm

  I bought this car and I love most everything about it, but I have a problem. My husband hates my drivers seat, he can not get it to go back far enough. I took it to the dealer, two times and they say its just the way it is, but after reading all the reviews, no one has complained about the seat, so that tells me, my dealer just blew me off or my husband is the only man who cant fit behind the wheel. I like this car and most everything about it, but I dont want to do all the driving, when we go on a trip. Can someone help?

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  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