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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  Not happy at first! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Phill - March 7 - 2:22 pm

  My opinion of Hyundai shifted from very postive to less than happy within three weeks of buying this car. This was due to experiencing starting difficulties with the Azera which the dealer was unable to diagnose since the on board computer did not show an issue. I was confidently told by the dealer that this was the only problem that an Azera had displayed in the whole country! However, after several days of in-shop time and frantic calls to their HQ a fix was discovered and for the past month the car has performed flawlessly. I am now approaching complete satisfaction with the vehicle. A very nice car. Docile enough around town but nimble enough for rush hour freeway driving.

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  Somewhat Disappointed - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Robert Goodwin - March 5 - 2:36 pm

  Very comfortable car with excellent vision and fantastic price & value. I average 18.5 MPH. I have experienced an oil leak and starter motor problems at 5000 miles. The dealship service has been excellent but did not expect these problems given the rave reviews by other owners.

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  Awesome Automobile - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Ed B - March 4 - 7:58 pm

  This is one excellent automobile, the sound system is the best stock system I ever had in a automobile. the ride and comfort are great.the build quailty is excellent I traded a 2006 vw passat (piece of junk )for this car and it was the best move I ever made.I absolutely love this car.

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  Hyundai #9 - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Jeff - February 26 - 3:19 pm

  Excellent quality and value for the dollar. Performs well in town and on the highway with great MPG. Styling and options equal to BMW and Lexus. Turns peoples heads and they ask "What kind of car is that"? This is my ninth Hyundai and I love-em.

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  One of the finest cars for the price! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By carfanattic - February 26 - 1:06 am

  I traded in my 2004 Honda Accord EX V-6 for the Hyundai because it looked as if it would be a good buy. I was skeptical, but having it now for a little bit, I can say it was the best move Ive made! I have a Mercedes sitting next to it in the garage, and the Hyundai gets more WOWs by my friends! The ride is unbelievably smooth in the city, its quick on the highway, the interior is comfortable beyond belief, and very refined for a foreign car. I would have never thought that a Hyundai could be so good! I have owned a Nissan Maxima and Toyota Avalon, and I would recommend the Azera over those two very similar vehicles!

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  Inherited Azera - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Dave - February 20 - 2:48 pm

  I inherited a black Azera Ltd from my mom. She asked me about Hyundai before she bought this & I told her that Id rented a Sonata & thought it was a great value. This Azera easily surpasses the Toyota Avolon that I test-drove. The fit and finish is comparable to my partners Mercedes and Lexus. Some early reviews complained about uneven gaps in the dash, hood, etc. I compared mine and theyre all within 1/16th of an inch, which I consider excellent. My only complaints are why only a single-disc CD player and why no plug for an MP3 player (it only accepts MP3 discs)? Oh, also, the manual shift will not allow you to hold it in gear to the redline, shifting early at about 6500 rpm.

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  Azera, the Lexus beater!! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By mayorjim - February 14 - 3:33 am

  I once owned a Lexus RX 300 and I can honestly state that the Azera beats that Lexus hands down. The engine is so quiet that twice I tried to restart the car because I thought that the motor was not running, wrong!! I do not think that they can make a more luxurious interior than the all leather interior Azera. The fit and finish is perfect, no blems, tight seams, very high quality materials. The suspension soaks up road blems and you get the sensation of riding in a limosine. The 10 speaker radio is a real killer. Such other extras as rain sensing wipers, electric rear window sun screen, auto on headlights, heated seats, the list goes on and on. This car has everything you could want. Buy one. I havent even mentioned the great warranty, 10 years and 100,000 miles.

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  Surprised!! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Sky - February 12 - 5:43 pm

  Got Limited Today and so impressed. 3.8L powerful engine enough for sports car like driving. Wood trim interior feels like 50k luxury car. Can beat tons of standard feature with this price. Totally surprised Hyundai can build this quality cars. Satisfied

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  Solid Value - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Steve F. - February 10 - 9:42 am

  Bought my new 2006 Azera Limited several months ago. So far, build quality appears to be excellent. No major or minor quirks of any type. The 262-hp engine is fast, but with slight lag when hitting accelerator.

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  Great car for your money - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Pete - February 6 - 2:46 pm

  After owning toyotas all my life I never thought that I would make the switch to a Hyunday. Great price for a vehicle with everything in it. The only thing missing is the NAV. Thanks for not coming down on the price on that Camry prestige.