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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  Better than expected - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By BILL IN SO. CALIF - April 26 - 12:19 pm

  Had 13,000 when purchased. Complained about possible suspension issues, Hyundai replaced all 4 struts and shocks. Had some minor problems that were taken care of under warranty. Mileage has been very good, well over 25 mpg. Had a Toyota Avalon and Mercedes e class, but this is much better car for the money. I am 6,4, but have plenty of room. I get a lot of "what kind of car is this", it looks great. Will be anxious to see the new Genesis.

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  Hope they can fix or wont buy another. - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By D. Hughes - April 24 - 3:28 pm

  Impressed by the fit, finish, and options for the money. Didnt like the way the transmission shifted from day one. Under light throttle at 20-30 mph it cant seem to decide what gear it should be in. Also, torque converter lock up frequently wont release under load on a grade without first forcing a 5-4 downshift. More recently, I have been experiencing an intermittent but pronounced bucking/jerking under light load at 25-40 mph. It appears to be related to torque converter lock up problems. Engine is noisy (probably piston slap) until fully warmed up. Suspension transmits a lot of noise over rapid bumps such as rail road tracks or rough pavement. Tire noise is apparent on smooth roads.

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  "Azera" Best Buy in its Class - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Eric Conova - April 24 - 12:33 pm

  Extremely smooth drive...plenty of interior room, even for my 64" frame...features that are standard would be optional in other models in the same class...milage off a little, however, for its size, averaging between 18 and 25 mpg...the smartest buy Ive made in many years...

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  Stiff Seats - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By JamieR - April 21 - 12:22 pm

  I bought my Azera last spring after researching a number of comparable models. I chose the Azera because of its Consumer Reports ratings compared to other similar models, and the value for all the goodies I wanted. My only complaint is that the seats are incredibly uncomfortable. I thought the seats would soften up but after a year theyre just not any better. I found my MPG got much better after my 15 month tune-up when they did the injector service. Im now getting about 24-25mpg, with close to 28-29 if I do nothing but highway driving.

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  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

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  Loving It - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By JayMagic - April 19 - 2:33 am

  Cant say enough about my 07 Azera Limited with Ultimate package. Unbelievable in terrible snow storm (Denver blizzard). My mileage, with regular unleaded, has been in the 23-24 range around town. (about (2K so far). Great power, very quiet, love the power side folding mirrors for my garage. MANY luxury features. Its getting comments like "very swanky" from the parking valets. My only regret is that Hyundai had not yet started started delivery of Azera/s with XM radio at the time I got mine. I understand the ones produced after the first of the year will have that too, on top of a great Infinity radio, amp, and speakers. Could not be happier.

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  Awesome Ride - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Andy - April 17 - 7:51 pm

  Best car for the money. First foreign car I have owned. I purchased a limited in December of 2007. I got the golden beige. My wife liked it so much we bought her one. She got the XM steel Gray. I have almost 7000 miles on mine. Best car I have ever had! Very quiet. Plenty of power. Infinity sound system rocks. I had all the tires aligned and ha nitrogen put in them. No issues with the michelins. Drives like a dream. My wifes car is a program car with 22k miles. She loves it. The entire buying experience was unbelievable. Great experience with dealer. The entire sale was negotiated over the phone. I truly believe that the azera is the most car for the money on the road today!

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  08 Azera - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By dwengier77 - April 15 - 9:35 pm

  I love the car. Drives really smoothly, and has great acceleration. All the safety features are great, because I pick up my kids from school, so now I can feel more comfortable knowing that they are more protected. Looked at the Avalon, maxima, acura tl, and merc. C300 series. For the price I got the most with the azera and I have the safety net of the 10 year warranty. Definitely give it a test drive and it will be on your short list as well.

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  Azera Rocks - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By lhalstrom - April 13 - 4:00 am

  Had it for 2 days and it drives like a dream. The gas mpg seem to be doing better than advertised too. On a short trip through the mountains on the freeway, the display said my average mpg was 33.3.

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  Very poor instrument panel poor fuel - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By BERNARD HAUSFELD - April 12 - 12:20 am

  The instrument panel lighting is so poor in sunlight cant see odometer or trip meter or Cruise set indicator. Tires have vibration. Poor fuel 23 mpg. Transmission does funny things, as if it does not want to release when coasting. Should have bot another Buick Lesabre, 27 mpg over 68,000 miles.