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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  Im Still Smiling - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By MsAzzy - November 23 - 2:36 am

  After the issues that Ive had with my dealearship, Im still very happy with my purchase. The car rides beautifully! Although other say they get 20-23 mpg Im only getting 17.5 but maybe because of my lead foot or either an issue with the display. I tell everyone that I know that I have an Azera and they say a what??? Im in a way glad that Im not seeing myself 1000xs on the road.

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  The Azera is a great car! - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By CiceroBill - November 15 - 5:29 pm

  Having owned a number of luxery cars that were far pricier than the Azera, I really think tjhis car is a great value. The interior is very nice and upscale. The ride is soft and smooth, and this might be the quietest car I have ever driven! Plenty of power, good handling... what else could you ask for? I have read many of different reviews on the various Azera forums and have experienced none of the problems that have been discussed.

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  A Cheap BMW! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By livewiremd - November 13 - 3:32 pm

  I have owned this car for over a year now and it has been worth every cent so far. I was scared to trust a Hyundai after my sisters experience with a Sonata back in the 90s but the warranty made me take the risk. This car has operated flawlessly since ownership. Like all cars, there are good and bad but this car has been a winner. I am a previous Dodge Intrepid owner and was impressed with the quality, performance and comfort. My only gripe with this car is the shadow that hangs over the driver side low beam headlight. I have heard others complain about this and am still searching for a fix. Other than that, avoiding tickets is my main concern with this cruiser.

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  Snug as a bug in a rug - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Jon - November 7 - 8:46 am

  I was looking for a full size and safe car (grandson). Everything I read or researched said this was the car for me. I love it. Smooth comfortable ride,quiet as an atheist in church,plenty of oomph,safety cant be beat. On highways or good back roads it is a dream. Sometimes on rough roads or going over expansion joints on cement roads there is an intrusion of noise into the normally dead silent interior which usually simply engulfs you with serenity. No hint of looseness and a smooth push of power when you need or want it. I assume the safety features work as well as the rest of the car. I have zero regrets in my choice and I am sure I will like this car just as much years from now.

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  Impressive, Impressive, and Impressive!! - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Jack - November 1 - 6:03 am

  I purchased a 2007 Azera Limited with Ultimate package a couple of days ago (traded in my 2000 Camry) and have driven this car slightly more than 100 miles. But I can confidently say that this car surpasses all my expectation and cannot be compared with other competing cars in this class. This car is even quiter and more comfortable than Lexus ES 350 that I test-drove. Simply impressive. I cannot express my satisfaction enough. I have been skeptical about spending around $28K on a Hyundai. At this early stage, however, it appears one of the best buys ever in my life although time will tell more clearly. Very impressive! You wouldnt be disappointed.

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  I Love My Car... - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By nowphoenix - October 24 - 11:18 am

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. It would be "perfect" if it were a 2-seater convertible, but Im extremely happy with it. Fuel economy could be "greener" but its a big car, so... Its extremely comfy on short and long rides and my friends continually ask, "This is a Hyundai?" I really dont have any bad things to say which is rare since its my 17th car. I tend to switch cars every year or two, but can see myself keeping this one for quite awhile...at least until the new Hyundai Genesis hits showrooms! Dont smirk before you try it. You will be pleasantly surprised how nice the Azera is...especially if youre over the sky high repair bills of Mercs and BMWs.

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  Head Turner - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By TAB - October 20 - 7:56 am

  I cant drive it anywhere without getting second looks and stunned disbelief when I say its a Hyundai Azera. Its frequently mistaken for a 300 series Mercedes. When I tell questioners the features included in the Limited Series Ultra Package and "ballpark them a price" theres even more disbelief. We took a drive along Skyline Drive in VA and the handling around mountain curves was superb.

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  Great car for the price - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By DFWfrank - October 18 - 7:02 pm

  Researched for 3 months with test driving both Azera and Avalon. 18 years of Toyota ownership, the last 6 in Avalons, decided on the Azera. Felt that fit-and-finish,quietness, and power as good if not better than Avalon. Transmission and shifting was better than Avalon. We like the exterior and interior looks better than Avalon. Slight concern on reliability but with warranty not a big deal. Had to take Avalons in for reliability issues. Drive is not better or worse than Avalon just different, still very nice. We find the car fun to drive. You get a lot of features as standard features. Especially like that trunk size is 16.6 vs. Avalons 14.0. cubic ft. Would recommend.

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  Remarkable Vehicle - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Eli - October 16 - 9:46 am

  Ive owned Buicks, Cadillacs, Fords Chryslers, Jaguars, Lincolns and others. This Azera is a mind blowing find. It is a truly remarkable car at this price. Roomy, spirited, very attractive and lots of creature comforts. The build quality is superb and, unlike most other vehicles Ive found nothing for correction or adjustment. Nada.

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  My Azera.. - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By AlvSol - October 16 - 8:45 am

  One problem, a "dead battery", @ 2,500 miles.They came out within 25 minutes to jump start.I took it to dealer, and they checked it out.Found no problem. I put it on a 24 hr charger, and have had no problems since! ( This happened January, 07) Bumpy ride over rough roads. Very Quiet interior, I sometimes try to start it after its been running, due to no engine sounds inside the car. Overall, its been the "best car", Ive ever owned. Very spacious interior. (I also own a Lincoln, and a Corvette, also bought new.)