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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  Azera Rocks! - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By DAVID - February 10 - 9:28 pm

  After reading thru these forums,I decided to take one for a ride. I was hooked. I traded my beloved 2006 VW GTI which was a blast to drive, but didnt have the amenities the Limited has. First thing I did was to take it on a 8 hr. round trip to Philly thru some real nasty winter weather on I- 81. The car performed flawlessly even though it is shod with all seasons instead of winter tires.The seats,ride,power and comfort are just amazing. Also...the Infinity sound system makes highway cruising a pleasure. I will update after piling on some miles. Take one for a ride...trust me...you wont find better bang for the buck.

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  i love this car - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By giegeo - February 8 - 1:20 pm

  this car back end has more style than magmun or avalon. with all the options on the limited, and the warranty why pay more for a nissan or honda?

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  Quick Initial Review - long term to come - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By INCOGNITO78 - February 5 - 3:57 pm

  I just bought my Azera back in December of 2007. I (like many other owners) researched car after car, month after month, & I finally decided to go with the Azera. It represents a good value for the dollar & a seemingly reliable & quality car. Though Ive had it for roughly 2 months now - I have over 4000 miles on it (mostly if not exclusively highway) and Ive become quite accustomed to my car. Though it needs some improvement to its fuel economy - I have to admit that it has gotten better over time (in the beginning averaged 19-20, now averaging 22-28). It does have good power but is slow to down shift (unless you use SportShift). Could use an improvement in handing BUT its sound

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  Luv it - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Eric - January 31 - 11:28 am

  I love my Azera since I have had it, it has been great. We drive out of town a lot and it drives like a high priced car. It is fun to drive and is one of the safest in its class. I is very fast, handles great, rides smooth, and we love it.

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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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  Best Car for the Money - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By John Lee - January 17 - 5:13 pm

  I own an Infiniti FX, BMW 530, MB E320 and the Azera is quickly becoming my favorite car to drive. The interior, fit/finish, build quality, ride quality is on par with the other luxury makes I own. In fact, the Azera is faster and has a more quieter, potent V6 than the MB and BMW. The interior cabin is absolutely quiet at high speeds. I installed after market Xenons and an Eclipse Dual Din Navi, which completes this vehicle. A poster here claimed that the Azera had below average crash test numbers. That is false! Look it up yourself on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (safercar.gov) and the Azeras only been tested for the frontal test getting 4 stars.

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  Perfect if ride is fixed - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Carolina Bob - January 17 - 1:38 pm

  Updated review of Limited with Ultimate package. At over 7,000 miles and 10 months, everything works perfectly. Still has the best interior layout of any car I have looked at and exterior is very impressive. The ride is good, except over road bumps and imperfections. Even with new shocks, I still feel bumps in the car seat when I hit them. Tested 2008 Lexus LS 460 and Infiniti M35 last week and still prefer my Azera. LS rode much better and M35 was somewhat better. Fun to drive would be a 10 if ride was better. Get anywhere from 28 to 32 MPG on the interstate at speed limit plus 5 MPH. Hyundai dealership in Anderson SC has been outstanding and very cooperative.

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  grandfather car - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By saulkaplan - January 12 - 3:34 pm

  After owning a dozen new cars I finally found, in my dotage, a car that is comfortable, powerful and smooth-simply a pleasure. it lacks some of the new gadgets as back-up TV and geographic locator but look at what you get for the price of a Camry? So far, fingers crossed, its a winner.

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  Love It - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Firefly - January 7 - 12:40 pm

  We were deciding between the Hyundai Azera and the Buick Lucerne. After driving both cars and reading the reviews in Edmunds.com, we decided to purchase the Azera. The milage is as advertised as we got 29 MPH on a round trip from Phoenix to LA and back. In town we are doing 23/24. The performance is outstanding. I really have to be careful not to push it because it is so quick. The ride is smooth and quiet. The car is really sharp and we get a lot of comments on how well it looks.