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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  2007 Azera - Best All Around Value - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Yaz Era - June 22 - 8:39 pm

  The car is quiet, refined and quick. Interior space (front and rear)is equivalent to a large car but handling and extrerior dimensions are more like a midsized car. Braking is impressive and the Michelin tires on the Limited provide strong grip when cornering. Much more fun to drive than Buick Lucerne and Toyota Avalon, but always comfortable. Overall fuel economy @26 mpg. Also looked at Acura, Jaguar, BMW and Buick.

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  Better than a Lexus ES350 - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Maximus - June 20 - 8:53 pm

  Yes, this is not a Lexus. But it is better than a Lexus ES350 in terms of overall quality and value. The price is about $12,000 cheaper than a comparably equipped ES350 but quality is equivalent or actually better in some areas. For example, the ride is not floaty as ES350 since the Azera provides a firmer (better road handling) yet very comfortable ride. Inside the cabin is quieter than the ES350 (closer to the LS430) since I could hear my wrist watch ticking at 65 mph on a hwy. Azera has a bigger interior space than the BMW 760i. It is a true luxury at a very humble price.

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  Better than Lexus, Infiniti, Acura, et. - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Belton Bob - June 20 - 11:57 am

  Looks, rides and feels like a luxury car. Others look like made over versions or their regular brands and they are small inside. Getting about 3 MPG less than I did with a Camry V6-and that is great for this size car. It is a better designed car than Lexus or Infiniti. Compares very well to Lexus LS and Infiniti M. Dealers want to sell the cars, whereas above want to get as much money as possible out of you. Paid far less than TMV or even Consumer Reports bottom line-and still got a much better car. Friend says it rides better and has more front seat room than his Mercury Marquis. It does seem to create a lot of brake dust, but only has 1700 miles on it. Best not considering price.

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  wont start - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By judy - June 19 - 1:08 am

  I was very pleased with this car at first. After 4 months, all of a sudden the car wouldnt start. The A/C also wasnt working right. The dealer kept it a week . They replaced a switch for the a/c & another switch for the neutral disable . Well, about a month later, its not starting again. Im very discouraged.

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  Great Ride - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By snapper - June 12 - 3:21 pm

  This is one great car. Who would have thought that Hyundai would produce such a fine luxourious automobile. My wife who dislikes cars and has never complimented a vehicle in her life even said to me "I love this car it is comfortable,and snazzy". I was impressed with all the safety features 8 air bags, ESC,ABS,EBFD, and to top it off I got mine for under $24k

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  Update of Winner in Columbus, NC - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Update of 4/22/07 - June 9 - 6:06 pm

  I submitted my first review on 4/22/07. I have just finished a trip of 600 miles round-trip. The car performs better then I first reported. The is NO front end "floating" on the highway as I experienced with my 2005 Avalon. The Azera tracks and stays on the road. It is one terrific car.

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  The Azera Experience - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By guestnurse - June 7 - 1:09 am

  I had never heard of this car but drove by a dealership and saw it sitting in the lot and I loved the sleek design and styling. I stopped to look and at first thought this is way too expensive for me. I loved it from the minute I sat in the very comfy leather seat. The best thing about it to me are all the features and how comfortable the seats are and the smooth ride. I am a new owner and hope that my experience with my Azera is an enjoyable one.

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  Poor company response to safety defect - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By sedan - May 25 - 6:09 am

  The head lights are of poor design and make driving the car unsafe at night. I drive emergancy vehicles and have been trained for over 26 years. This car makes it so you over drive your headlights at night and is unsafe. The company response to the problem is very poor and not owner friendly. They do not seen to care about the safety of their buyers.

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  Northwest Opinion - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Sid - May 20 - 9:21 am

  Always fun to drive. Plenty of pep and a comfortable ride even for a 6 1" 190 lb guy. I enjoy all the "bells and whistles" with my Limited. A rear window shade is an unusual and useful perk. The electric operation of side view mirrors is excellent.

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  So much for so little - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By mechanic80 - May 20 - 7:36 am

  Less than a year ago I was carying on about my new KIA Amanti... that was than and this is now. The Azera is perhaps the best blend of quality, style, execution, performance and value ever offered to the American public. (a little over the top? I dont think so!) A handsome automobile, roomy and comfortable for thousands less than other makes that only meet, not exceed these levels of build-quality and manufacture. An awsome car that Im proud to own.