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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  Looking at another Hyundai - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Bob i - July 24 - 12:16 pm

  I cant count the number of time Im asked about the Azera Limited by strangers. In parking lots, gas stations stop signs just everywhere. The last one was at a gas station. The guy even asked to sit it in. Beautiful was his comment! Couldnt believe it was 2 years old. Loved the whole car and was going to visit a dealer soon. I love the features inside, attention to detail is equal to those other high-end cars. Power when you need to pass. My son played with the auto shift. Cool he said! Nice wide stance, if looking for a sporty ride not this car, its a comfort car. Keep it maintained properly and it will go way beyond 10 yrs/100,000 miles.

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  Update - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By Steve P. - July 20 - 11:26 am

  Just a quick update since my post of 06-01-2008. I am still happy with my decision. I have since had the chance to take the car on a thousand mile trip. The car rode very well and my MPG was 26 @ about 80 to 85 miles per hour. So thus far the car has worked as advertised, I am very pleased.

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  I really like this car! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By sundevils - July 17 - 4:03 pm

  I bought my Azera Limited w/ Ultimate over Memorial Day weekend and I am really liking this car. Between the Azera, Avalon, Camry, and Accord I kept coming back to the Azera for its tremendous value. As one who keeps cars for about ten years the possible low resale value doesnt bother me. My quibbles are minor: 1) the owners manual is very poorly written; 2) the steering wheel audio controls are insufficient, I want to be able to change stations and tracks from the steering wheel; 3) there is no bluetooth availability; 4) there is no navigation system availability I rated fun-to-drive a 9 but I have no beef with this car - I didnt buy it for a "fun" ride.

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  Hit and Miss but still a great value - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By campoly - July 16 - 11:30 am

  Some love the suspension-some hate it. Im one of the latter. The suspension was good for the first 3-5K then started to feel wore out. Hyundai replaced the shocks and it felt good for another 5K but now back to feeling wore out. Hyundai issued a TSB knowing that the shock were crap but the replacement shocks are still crap. The suspension is noisy and the car wallows and bounces over less than perfect pavement-makes for an annoying ride. Hyundai USA CEO was quoted as saying the Azeras suspension was designed with the Korean market in mind. They should have researched US drivers preferences before marketing in US. This car has a lot going for it but the suspension is not one of them IMHO.

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  best deal - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By matt b - July 16 - 4:49 am

  I spent a lot of time on line researching the purchase of a second car. Hyundai warranty is very persuasive. Had all the intentions of getting a 09 sonata limited with the navigation option. After a very satisfying demo of the sonata, I made the mistake of sitting in a 2008 leftover azera. This car wowed me right away. After some negotiating, I was able to purchase the azera limited, with the ultimate nav. Option for an " out the door " price of $27,500. This made it about $2,500 more than the sonata, and it is very well worth it. It is a beautiful ride, and you really need nothing more.

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  45,500 Miles Not A Problem - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Silver Azera - July 10 - 4:28 pm

  The Hankook tires will just about make my next 5,000 miles which will be my first big investment in this car- new tires at 50K miles. Rain, sleet, snow and clear skies, the car handles well and is comfortable for both front and rear passengers. Ive had the dealer just perform oil changes (wiper blades at 40K)and rotated the tires. No other maintenance required. The body finish has held up well and the car looks brand new coming out of the car wash. Everyone who gets in cant believe how comfortable it rides, quiet and roomy. Overall this has been one of the best cars I have bought.

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  What a great car!! - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By Paul J - July 10 - 8:22 am

  We went to the Hyundai dealership to look at the Sonata and while it is a great car, was not big enough for our family. We the looked at the Azera and drove it. We found that the car drove and ran excellent. More power than the Sonata, and my 61" son can sit behind me in the back seat and still have leg room. The car rides excellent, looks great, and gets decent gas milage, considering its size and horsepower output. At many thousands of dollars less than the competition, this car sticks out as an EXCELLENT alternative. The warranty doesnt hurt anything either!

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  Very pleased - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By hank2230 - July 9 - 11:23 am

  We have had our Limited less than three months. With only 400-500 miles on it we took it from NE ohio to West point NY. Actual gas mileage was 29.4 MPG. With 1500 miles we took it too Michigan and actual miles were 34.6 MPG. Needless to say we are very pleased with the car and its performance. This car handles very well on the highway and has lots of power when needed.

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  Not Bad on Winding roads - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By vito9999 - July 4 - 7:03 am

  Comute 50 miles to wrok in my Azera, was a little scpetical about upgrading from a Sonata. I do not miss the Sonata. The Azera drives better and has more acceleration than my old 79 Z-28. Yes I am that old. Even better I work for Toyota and buy Hyndai.

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  2007 Limited - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Labrat - July 3 - 3:09 pm

  Now have over 12000 miles with no problems or complaints. Completed a 5000 mile trip in May and averaged 26.5 mpg using air 90% of the time and highway speeds around 80mph. Ran up to 500 miles some days and never felt fatigued. Great passenger comforts and enough luggage space. A wonderful auto for the money. Beats my previous Caddy.