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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  Much more than what i expected.. - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By jeff - February 3 - 1:35 pm

  i changed to this car from Accord...of course cannot compare this car to Accord which i really hated. the word for this car is "Awesome." My fiend who owne BMW rode my car and spoke out "damn quite"..I really love this car...Recommend to give it a shot, and compare other competing cars, and then you realize what i am talking about..

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  Finally a car I feel like keeping - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Stealthbear - January 31 - 1:13 am

  First I felt like the dealership really wanted my business which when visiting Toyota and Nissan was not the case. After I test drove the Azera the only thing left to sell me on was the color. The car has been everything I had hoped for. I have yet to take it in for anything other than the 3000 mile oil change. I often take it on a drive from Portland to Seattle which is about a 3 hour drive. Even though Im over 6 tall I feel comfortable the entire trip. The infinity sound system is great and the car is totally quite at freeway speeds. If I had drove an Azera after buying an Avalon I would have felt total ripped off.

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  Great to have - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Dong Ki Cho - January 27 - 6:16 pm

  Good car to drive. Decent to handle. Ive heard that there is a rear camera and a nevigation system available. I cant wait to have them on my car.

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  Definitely in a class by itself - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Mud - January 25 - 10:18 pm

  Ive driven a lot of cars over the years. Among them, Citroens, Alfa Romeos, BMWs, Mazdas, Volkswagen Phaeton, and Rolls Royce (no, I never owned a Rolls). The Azera is one of the finest cars Ive ever seen or owned. Hyundais build quality is as good as anyones. When you factor in the warranty, why would anyone spend more money for a Toyota, Honda, or anything else? It will out accelerate everything in its class, and has very good handling and ride. It also has gobs of room. The styling of the Azera is also first rate - not flashy or edgy, but somewhat conservative in a way that will allow it to remain stylish for many years. In my opinion, you cant go wrong buying an Azera.

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  All this for just that? - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By James B Beavan III - January 22 - 11:06 am

  This car is totally loaded and I only paid $25300 in January 2007 for it brand new with the Ultimate package. The Azera is very beautiful from the outside and has a lush interior with wood grain throughout even in the rear. There is tons of room up front and in the back for 6 foot+ occupants. This car has so many features and my only complaint is the gas mileage and lack of pedal feel in automatic mode. However, when using the auto-shifter you can definitely have more fun during acceleration. This car is very comfortable and definitely blows away the bloated in price BMW/Mercedes/Lexus/Acura cars that it was trying to emulate. Hyundai is no longer a follower, they are now a leader!

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  Bravo Hyundai - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By tinydog1 - January 19 - 12:23 pm

  Have owned my Azera for 2+ months and I am happy to report it has performed flawlessly. I love everything about it, looks, inside and out, excellent build quality, great performance, super quiet and great ride. I find it to be a great touring car. Excellent feature content on Ultimate package for the price.

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  Go Ahead - Compare - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Jill - January 18 - 3:25 pm

  I cant say enough about my first Hyundai. Drove Avalons for 10 years then when ready I compared Avalon with Azera cost less & has a better warranty. I LOVE my Azera. It rides as nice & easy as a Lincoln or Caddie has a powerful engine, comfortable seats, easy to reach dash controls.

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  Im in love! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Aloha Robin - January 18 - 3:46 am

  I had just bought the 2006 Accord Ex and was happy, but kept seeing the Azera commercials on TV... just thought I would go see it at the dealership, well, I traded in my Accord and bought the Azera Limited off the show floor! I absolutely love everything about it! It has great performance, gorgeous sexy styling, and all my friends are envious. I am a realtor, and this sure impresses my clients! It is my dream car for half the price of a Mercedes or Jaguar! You need to get one!

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  Luxury sedan for less ! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By paris - January 13 - 11:51 pm

  Azera is fun to drive very powerfull Engine - 3.8L v6, ...spacious ....very nicely and neatly designed Interior ....

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  great car for the money - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By tony - January 9 - 4:00 am

  this car is good looking and well built.ride is similiar to my cadillac. actually has some better features than the cadillac such as adjustable foot pedals and foldback outside mirrors. quite impressive for a$30,000 car.