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 - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Linda - October 12 - 3:20 pm

  I have had this vehicle one month and really love it. We have driven the car to Maryland and back and to PA and have gotten excellent gas mileage. It is also a very comfortable car to drive. I love all the conveniences that this car has. Also like the sleek lines in the body. Would highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Impressive Hyundai - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Kevin - October 10 - 10:56 am

  Ive owned my Azera almost 9 months and have enjoyed every minute. I was prepared to buy an 07 Sonata but after test driving some leftover 06 Azeras on the lot, I was hooked. I ended up paying about $1200 more than I would have for a new Sonata and got a heck of a lot more car. People cant believe its a Hyundai. Its not a tight "sporty" ride. Handling is a bit drifty, but its a bigger, softer car. BUT, with 263 ponies under the hood, this car is NOT shy. Styling is sharp and contemporary. Not one "cheap" element to this vehicle. I just dont understand why Hyundai has so heavily marketed the Sonata when this gem is out there. Just test drive it!

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  Updated Review - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Carolina Bob - October 6 - 4:23 pm

  I now have 5,000 miles on the car and have made several trips of 125 up to 650 miles. Everything is perfect about the car, except the ride over mildly rough roads. It bounces and the car ends up with excess body float combined with sharp wheel motion on anything less than perfectly smooth roadways. That sharp wheel motion isn’t soaked up by the suspension it’s transferred to the cabin in the form of impact harshness. It bounces up and down on anything other than perfectely smooth pavement. Hyundai is replacing a lot of shocks, but that really isnt solving the problem. Plan to have mine replaced under warranty and hoping for the bes Fantastic car in all respects except for ride.

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  I love my Azera - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Ken - October 5 - 4:35 pm

  I bought this car from auction with 12300 miles. Ive driven it from Kansas to Canada, and loved every minute of the trip. We got about 28 mpg on the interstate, and about 27 over-all on the trip. Im 6 and about 220 lbs, and find the car to be very comfortable, something I was worried about. I cant believe how quiet it is, whether on the road, or just idling in the driveway. The sound system is quite nice, and the driving controls are very handy and easy to get used to. Ive owned two Lincolns and would rate the Azera right with them for much less money. It beats the Accord I owned by a mile. You might not want this car if you care what other people think.

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  GREAT CAR - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Drifter - October 2 - 6:48 am

  Ive had my Azera now for 6 months and have had no problems not even minor. The fit, finish and curb appeal is awesome. I get more compliments from strangers and friends than I can even count. I will continue to buy from Hyundai since they have the best cars at the best prices. No Toyota, Nissan, BMW or Mercedes of equal size can compare in my opinion.

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  Amazing Azera - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Captain - September 30 - 12:40 am

  This is my 35th car in 75 years. I have had all kinds from Model As to Lincolns. The Azera tops them all in every except fuel economy.

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  M.P.G. Disaster - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By mister bob - September 20 - 3:03 am

  I have my new Azera about 5 weeks now. Im retired so I dont do alot of driving. Its a good thing beacuse so far the gas mileage is horrible. On my second fill-up I put 19.6 gals. in the tank after going 271 miles. You do the math. I hope after the break in period my mileage will get better. I traded in a Cadil. Deville that got better MPG than that. Otherwise the car delivers all that was advertised so far.Would have traded sun shade for tilting down mirrors. They spoiled me.

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  Fast, but you pay for the power - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By fishingsocprof - September 15 - 1:46 am

  We have put about 26K on our 2006 Azera SE. Bought it for about 22K. Lots of zip but overall gas mileage right about 21.5. Have had some issues with it (a/c compressor overvoltage, rear windows not going down, crack in dash) but dealer has been very good about fixes. As with most dealers, service dept tries to make a lot of money. Saying that I had to flush and fill transmission at 30K to keep warranty. 175 dollar deal. Easy to change trans fluid yourself on this car. Finally pinned them down and flush/fill not required to meet warranty, just drain and refill. Keep receipts for trans oil, of course and use special Hyundai oil like the book says.

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  I highly recommend this car - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By John - September 13 - 8:18 pm

  For the money, this one of the finest cars that I have ever drove. The vehicle has everything at your fingertips and all the controls are easy to figure out WITHOUT reading the owners manual. This car has the Camry, Accord & Impala beat. Fuel mileage 29-30 mpg @ 70mph....very good for a vehicle of this size

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  best of the best - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By B Walker - September 12 - 6:34 pm

  The Azera is the finest car we have had it bows my Infiniti away in all areas. We have had many Luxury cars and never thought we would buy a Hyundai. One test drive and it was over. No problems at all execellent gas millage. Puts Cad. Lexus,Infinity,Buick and all other cars we have had to shame.