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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  Great car-Poor MPG - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By PoppyJ - September 21 - 7:47 pm

  This is one great car except for the city MPG which I am getting only 13-14 mpg. On a trip to the Hyundai factory in Montgomery AL. I averaged 27MPG which is respectable. That plant is really something to see and worth the 650 mile trip each way. My poor gas mileage is on file with my dealer, Maybe I have a lemon which I am following up on.

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  Excellent value & quality for the money - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Ellen Clark - August 23 - 3:19 pm

  Good daily driver that is also good highway traveler. SHIFTRONIC transmission make driving in mountains of Colorado and Utah a pleasure and prevents overheating brakes. Engine, transmission and mechanical perform well in 110+ degree desert heat. Paint has held up well in cloudless sunny skies of Arizona. The battery needed replacement after 2 years, the coolant tank cracked (but did not leak) and the dash top cover cracked, and all were replaced free under warranty by dealer. The seat, foot pedal and steering column adjustments combined with the integrated memory system easily accommodates out 2 drivers who have an 8 inch height difference. This Azera is 3 years old and has 30,000 miles

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  2007 Azera - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Chuck Leonard - August 10 - 3:53 pm

  This was the the first truly new car we every purchased. We really like the cars exterior green color and light beige leather interior. The car performs very will and we get about 26.5 MPG on the highway The biggest problem I have with the and maybe I should say the tires that came on it, is road noise. at 17,000 miles the dealer Car City St Joseph MO replaced one the tires but that really did not solve the problem. Now at 30,800 miles the dealer is saying the tires are cupped. Telling me its my fault for not rotating then every 7,500 miles.

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  problems - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By steve - July 26 - 8:37 pm

  i have 45,000 miles on the car. overall, i like it very much. three problems i have had and other customers according to the dealer. the rear electronic window shade motor broke. the dash board has split around the passenger airbag twice now, and some problem with the timing chain recently which causes a rattling noise during a cold first start. all of these were politely fixed by the dealer, no questions asked. my car has consistently got 24.3 mpg, according to the computer.

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  Nice car for a nice price - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By CarFan - July 8 - 10:39 pm

  Purchased used from dealer (executive car with only 22K miles) It was extremely well taken care of and looks and drives brand new...still smells new! It now has almost 30K and Im still pleased with it plan to keep it a long time. I get lots of compliments and now that I have one Im starting to notice them on the road more. You cant beat it for the price...however the Genesis is very tempting.

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  warranty issues - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Lee F - July 6 - 1:53 pm

  The 2007 Azera appears like a great buy due to the features and warranty. However, the car seems to be built with cheap questionable parts and design. Weve had trouble with door locks, airbags, and accessories. All were under warranty. Then the engineer covers under the car actually came off while we were on the highway -- huyndia is not covering it. So, buyer beware.

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  Its the little things..... - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Lars - June 15 - 10:08 am

  Awesome car when it comes to horsepower, handling, and comfort. Sketchy when it comes to overall integrity of the car. Little rattles everywhere! One major metal to metal noise under the car that I can hear through the console that is driving me nuts and my dealer cant seem to hear it! Checked a TSB and found that mine had a "fix" for such a noise but it didnt help it at all. My dealer seems lost and now wont agree that there is a noise! Taking it to another and it gets fixed or it goes.

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  Great Car with a MAJOR safety flaw - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By ricwhite - April 4 - 11:53 am

  I purchased my Azera in mid-March after much research. The Azera is a quality car with features found in cars costing thousands more. However, recently released crash test results put the Azera below most sedans in several safety areas. This is very discouraging -- especially considering all of the saftey hype that surrounded this car. Another disappointment is fuel economy. I average about 20 mpg (70% city 30% highway). The performance is great. Superb ride and feel. Accleration and brakes are excellent. It is a very comfortable car with good handling. The exterior design is not breathtaking, but above average. The build quality appears great. Overall, very impressive.

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  Still a "WOW" - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Julien - March 18 - 9:23 pm

  This car has the quality, reliability and performance of a Lexus for thousands less. In 3 years, weve changed the oil and 1 light bulb. Thats it! It goes like stink (that might explain the gas mileage), does it quietly (allowing us to truly enjoy the cars great audio system) all the while feeling secure (even our son loves how the car handles). Incredible Bang for the Buck. 3 people have bought an Azera on our recommendation and love their car as much as we do. Hyundais Best Kept Secret.

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  Anyone else have this issue?? - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By Ron - March 13 - 6:34 am

  All features work well and car handles well. I now have about 13K miles on the car and the front rotors already show signs of wear. The dealer indicated that this was due to the hardness of the brake shoes. It would look as though the rotors would already need to be turned. Has anyone else had this issue? Gas mileage is less than impressive.