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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  Another Cracked Dash - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Not happy! - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I was a big advocate of my Hyundai azera. I didnt complain about having to wait 6 months to correct the recall on the front seat belt. I didnt complain when the dealers were telling every owner they needed to change the interior air filter? I didnt even complain about the dash cracking. But when I found out that it is a design flaw with the passenger air bag and that hundred of 06 and07 cars have the same problem. That Hyundai changed the style because of the design problem in 08. And, that I cant even get it repaired because of the liability. I complained to Hyundai consumer affairs---they blew me off and wont even return a call!

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  Azera junk! - 2010 Hyundai Azera
  By jimt1939 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I sent a review the other day and I have since heard from Hyundai customer service. Nothing has changed. They still sell junk and call it quality. The selling dealer is no better. I will not buy another or even keep this one. Bad tires ( Michelin ) terrible ride. Road noise is terrible. Don`t forget you do not need Miller Hyundai in vestal New York. And you do not need a Hyundai from anywhere.

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  Still the best value in the land - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By Ed - September 21 - 2:00 am

  Still the best value. Bought my Azera only six months ago and already put 12,000 miles on it. Its a dream. What a value for the bucks (less than $20K). And I always get looks and comments. Minor annoyances: drivers seat doesnt go back far enough bumps are over exaggerated. But all in all its more than likely the best car Ive ever owned (and Ive owned about 15). Nothing to think about. If youre looking for a great car at a great price - Azeras your only real choice. Im even thinking about getting another one.

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  Great car - 2011 Hyundai Azera
  By arthur - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Had a 2006 new azera and loved it. traded it in at 40,000 miles for the 2011. and i love the 2011 even better. took a 160 mile trip and averaged 30.2 miles per gallon. i have the nav. package and xm Sirius radio. everything is working beautiful. Im just surprised there arent more being sold. i must admit i came close to buying the 2011 sonata but went back to the azera and am not sorry although the sonata was just as beautiful.

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  Azera - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By Dave Stoltz - September 19 - 2:00 am

  My wife is the major driver and she loves the car and the features like heated seats etc. After correcting a tire problem the car is once again riding very smooth with good handling capabilities.

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  Nice car! - 2011 Hyundai Azera
  By Jack - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Just bought this car. Havent driven much yet, but so far, we love it! It is very stylish, and I like that I havent seen another on the road. Roomy, fun to drive. Lots of pick- up. Mine is loaded, so all the gadgets are very neat, especially the pop up rear window shade!

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  Replaced Michelins with Bridgestones - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By sgtusmc73 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  OEM Michelins with lots of rubber were driving me nuts with their noise. Replaced them with Bridgestone Turanzas Serenity. Holy Crapola! What an upgrade in so many ways it drives like a new car. No more noise and hippity hopping down the bunny trail anymore. And the car drives like it is on a track, unbelievable. Got the tires out the door for $400. Great deal great tire finally great handling and cruising and silence - blessed silence. Those Michelins were driving my buggy. Those are the only Michelins I have ever had on a car and they will be the only ones. SemperFi

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  Excessive road noise inside - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By CALIFGUY - August 22 - 4:39 pm

  Ive had my 2008 Azera for 9 months, and have noticed the road noise inside the car to be very loud, compared to the 2006 Azera I still own, and my wife drives. I have adjusted the tire pressure on the Michelin tires, and still see no improvement. Both cars have the exact same tires, and maintain the same tire pressure. The dealer says "it is what it is", and couldnt explain why both cars would vary so much in road noise. I still have 1000s of miles wear left on these tires, and hope when the time comes to replace them, it will make a difference

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  Poor Quailty vehicle no care fromHyundai - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By Steve - August 21 - 7:26 am

  Guess the frustration is everything gone wrong seems to not be able to be repaired or not covered under Hyundai warranty. In 2 years CD has gone out, not under warranty, head gasket blew, not has a battery discharge short they cannot find and been in shop for 4 times same issue for a month. Hyundai wont return calls to me to discuss the issue and shop says they know it has a problem but dont know how to repair. While I enjoyed this car at once as a company I now have to give Hyundai an "F" for consumer assistance and standing behind their product. They are not a brand on my do not buy list for any reason.

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  As Good as a Genesis - 2011 Hyundai Azera
  By Jim Exum - August 20 - 5:31 pm

  This car is better than a German and much less expensive with a superior warranty. Very elegant.