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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  Everytime I see a 5-series, I snicker! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By JonR - March 11 - 2:56 am

  If youd told me a month ago I was going to buy a Hyundai, Id have laughed. That was before driving the Azera. Wow. This car is absolutely loaded with almost every feature you could wish for. And it drives beautifully. All for $20,000 less than a BMW 535i. I drove the Bimmer, and although the handling was tighter, it really didnt excel in any other way. The Azera is just as stylish, roomier, smoother and doesnt have the awful i-Drive system. The Limited with the Ultimate package is a steal at the same price as a Camry or Accord. And throw in the warranty for what I think is a no- brainer. The car is elegant, responsive, fast when you need it to be and build quality is superb.

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  Great Car - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Walt K. - February 1 - 12:06 pm

  Had a Cadillac for 9 years, but decided to get a smaller car and engine. My wife and I were surprised at the roomy interior and the excellaration when needed to pass, for a V6 it did great.

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  Great value, great styling - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By DoctorPhil - January 5 - 9:36 pm

  Very nice car with a lot of standard features. Huge trunk for golf clubs. I especially like the center console and how it doesnt restrict my right knee as I am 6-2". This car is well crafted although there are some annoyances. Even with Mercedes, you dont approach perfection until you cross the 50K mark. Strong engine. Lack of little issues like mysterious rattles and squeaks, etc. Also, there are not 10 of them next to you at the stop light!

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  fun to drive - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By robert - December 12 - 7:36 pm

  traded in my 2004 xg350l for the azera limited. got the car black with black leather interior and tinted windows. love the look and feel. has some much more power than my xg. I tend to forget how quick the car is. ride is smooth,braking is excellent. Interior looks and feels like luxury, especially for the low price.

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  Get One Before Everyone Has It!! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By PCLIII - December 3 - 7:10 pm

  I set out to find a vehicle that was inexpensive by todays standards yet comfortable, safe, reliable yet fun to drive. I found the Azera. Quick off the block, very spacious, comfortable to drive. Responds very well and a sharp looking car inside and out. The leather is supple, controls are easy to reach. Why spend the money on the hood decal of Mercedes or Lexus, this car is fantastic. Bravo Hyundai and thank you.

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  I hate this car - 2013 Hyundai Azera
  By Jay Skousen - November 10 - 4:28 am

  This is probably the 15th car I have owned and I have had only a few clunkers, but this one takes the cake. It is not the "big" issues, I have not had any mechanical issues, but it is the little things. If I can recall them, they are: > The placement of the power seat controls are on the doors near the C(?) pillar so that in order for either the driver or passenger to recline the seat or move it all the way to the rear you have to maintain a sit up until the operation is done. Ditto when you want to return the seat to its normal position, a sit up is needed. > The GPS is difficult to program, and it has a tendency to take you on strange routes, going from our home to my daughters in Dallas the last 20 miles it had us on narrow two lane roads when there were major 4 lanes and decent two lanes available, and it would have been shorter, faster. Even on moderately near destinations, 50 miles or so, it has a tendency to misdirect you right as you near the destination, it has had us turn West when we should have gone East on X road just a half mile from the destination. A terrible terrible system. It does not show the roads you are coming upon either. I suppose it does tell you many POIs such as rest areas, but I would have had to take out the manual to find out how, gads this bloody thing has at least 3, yes 3, manuals! The piece de resistance though is that in most cars with the GPS factory installed have a hood surrounding it so the glare from the sun is minimized. Not this car, there are times during a sunny day one cannot see the display. > The sound system has an awesome sound I believe it has 12 speakers, an infinity system. BUT, it is not intuitive on how to program stations you want to save. It is nice to be able to save, what is it 18 stations per band, BUT, when you push the steering wheel control to move to the next station it only allows the six stations shown. To get to the others you have to take your eyes off the road to select the next 6 and so on. On my GMC it flows from channel to channel and once you have gone through all the channels you can reverse. I will say though, the saving grace is the voice command. It works well. (I never did figure out how to instruct it to get directions via the GPS, I only used it to find me a station to listen to). > I have heated and cooling seats in the front and to heater work fine, but after the first summer season the cooling seats for the driver were minimally effective, I could live with it, but when I first got the car it made me cold, not now, though I am comfortable but gee. > I lived in the Detroit area for nearly 40 years and learned to drive there. I was livid to find out that I had wheel locks placed on the car. Not one, not one person I know anywhere has lost a wheel to thieves, not in Detroit or here in Ohio where I now live. The key was gone when I first went for a rotation and was asked for the key, I was nonplussed. I had to order a key for $15, and could not buy new lug nuts as in the infinite wisdom of Hyundai the lug nuts are not a standard size I had to have the dealer replace the lug nuts for another 20. This is not an option I would tout if I were them. Can you imagine your spouse having a tire issue anywhere and not being able to take your wheel/tire off because it is locked? Whew! > It seems to that Hyundai has an issue wherein you press on the gas and the car thinks for 3-4 seconds before it responds. Drives me nuts, and of course the dealer comes back, "it is normal we find nothing wrong" I compained 3 times. I have driven for nearly 40 years and have owned multiple cars and vans. My brother worked at GM in engines as an engineer, this is not normal. I am not a fool. I expected this to be the last car I would buy as I am now in my 60s. but I am going to get rid of this damn thing and buy something else. I am sure there is other issues, for instance I do not like the keyless entry and start feature, but my wife does. The big issue for me is that when I am exiting the car and press the lock button if I am still coming out it will not lock. I dont like that, but my wife has no problem so i mention it but it really is not too big an issue.

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  Good for the buck - 2013 Hyundai Azera
  By Seth Duncan - November 4 - 9:58 am

  I love the curves of the car. I love the many options that it came with as standard. I love the price and the power train warranty. The audio is terrible though and the ride a little bumpy. I am getting about 16 miles to the gallon instead of 20 for city driving. Will keep an eye on that especially as I have it on ECO.

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  What a wonderful surprise - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Don Hooton - October 30 - 9:10 pm

  I never thought Id be driving a Hyundai. But, I walked into the dealer, took one look (and drive), and fell in love with the Azera. Ive had it for 8 months now - I have NO regrets! Plenty of power, smooth (quiet ride), not one problem.

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  Quality Ride at Value Price - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Dave - October 11 - 6:03 am

  Quality finish and added value is what this car is all about. My version is the Limited Edition with Ultimate Package. High points include plenty of features and quite ride. Power with the V-6 is good and theres plenty of interior room for 4 adults. Great car and with the warranty, you really have a confident feeling of making a great purchase.

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  Flagship of cars under $30K - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Gidz - September 19 - 11:16 pm

  I love this car. It has so many standard features that you wont imagine in any car under $30K. I highly recommened this car.