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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  Hit and Miss but still a great value - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By campoly - July 16 - 11:30 am

  Some love the suspension-some hate it. Im one of the latter. The suspension was good for the first 3-5K then started to feel wore out. Hyundai replaced the shocks and it felt good for another 5K but now back to feeling wore out. Hyundai issued a TSB knowing that the shock were crap but the replacement shocks are still crap. The suspension is noisy and the car wallows and bounces over less than perfect pavement-makes for an annoying ride. Hyundai USA CEO was quoted as saying the Azeras suspension was designed with the Korean market in mind. They should have researched US drivers preferences before marketing in US. This car has a lot going for it but the suspension is not one of them IMHO.

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  2009 Azera Limited - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By Steve P. - June 1 - 12:37 pm

  Just got the 2009 Azera Limited two days ago, thus far I am pleased with my decision. Being an old mechanic I had a hard time making the decision to buy a Hyundai. I always told my customers to buy Toyota, Honda, or Nissan, but after doing some research and driving the car I will add Hyundai to my list of cars I recommend. I was considering the Toyota Avalon Limited, but for about $6,000.00 less I got a comparably equipped Hyundai. The only difference I noticed was the Avalon had a quieter ride, but not enough so to justify the price difference.

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  A shadow in the night - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By HTEXAS70 - May 30 - 3:30 pm

  Have you ever been outside on a hot July summer night. The street is warm, and the wind is at a stand-still. Then all of the sudden a car whisp by and you dont even see it. That is what happpens when the new Hyundai azera comes through. People dont know what happened. The design is one of a kind. It has a 3.8 liter, or 3.3 liter. Enough hps to throw your head back. The leather is smooth. Really if it had a Honda or Toyota tag, the dealership could not get enough models in stock. So I recommend this car. You shoul go drive drive.

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  poor fuel performance - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By mathew7 - May 2 - 11:08 am

  This is an excellent car as a whole . Great radio . Rides smoothly and has excellent pickup. Automatic climate controls work nicely. I have had this car since Nov 07 and have driven 4700 miles since then.

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  hyundai is the way to go! - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By george hurowitz - April 26 - 3:03 pm

  I traded my 2004 Maxima with only 27,000 miles for the 2007 Azera limited w/ultimate package in August, 2007. My purchase was based on the features included with the car, especially 8 airbags! The Azera outshines my old car in everything wanted or desired in an automobile. The turning radius is unbelievable compared to my trade-in. My wife loves the way the Azera handles, as I do.

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  Better than expected - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By BILL IN SO. CALIF - April 26 - 12:19 pm

  Had 13,000 when purchased. Complained about possible suspension issues, Hyundai replaced all 4 struts and shocks. Had some minor problems that were taken care of under warranty. Mileage has been very good, well over 25 mpg. Had a Toyota Avalon and Mercedes e class, but this is much better car for the money. I am 6,4, but have plenty of room. I get a lot of "what kind of car is this", it looks great. Will be anxious to see the new Genesis.

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  Hope they can fix or wont buy another. - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By D. Hughes - April 24 - 3:28 pm

  Impressed by the fit, finish, and options for the money. Didnt like the way the transmission shifted from day one. Under light throttle at 20-30 mph it cant seem to decide what gear it should be in. Also, torque converter lock up frequently wont release under load on a grade without first forcing a 5-4 downshift. More recently, I have been experiencing an intermittent but pronounced bucking/jerking under light load at 25-40 mph. It appears to be related to torque converter lock up problems. Engine is noisy (probably piston slap) until fully warmed up. Suspension transmits a lot of noise over rapid bumps such as rail road tracks or rough pavement. Tire noise is apparent on smooth roads.

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  Stiff Seats - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By JamieR - April 21 - 12:22 pm

  I bought my Azera last spring after researching a number of comparable models. I chose the Azera because of its Consumer Reports ratings compared to other similar models, and the value for all the goodies I wanted. My only complaint is that the seats are incredibly uncomfortable. I thought the seats would soften up but after a year theyre just not any better. I found my MPG got much better after my 15 month tune-up when they did the injector service. Im now getting about 24-25mpg, with close to 28-29 if I do nothing but highway driving.

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  Very poor instrument panel poor fuel - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By BERNARD HAUSFELD - April 12 - 12:20 am

  The instrument panel lighting is so poor in sunlight cant see odometer or trip meter or Cruise set indicator. Tires have vibration. Poor fuel 23 mpg. Transmission does funny things, as if it does not want to release when coasting. Should have bot another Buick Lesabre, 27 mpg over 68,000 miles.

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  Azera Vibrations - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By MXV4hater - March 25 - 10:50 pm

  The Azera has a vibration issue related to the 17" Michelin MXV4 tires. Michelin dealers wont replace the tires even after 2 dealers found problems with them, because they didnt sell them. Hyundai wont replace them (300 miles on the second set. Two sets vibrate!)and customer support wont discuss it beyond saying its Michelins problem. 17" low profile tires require nylon that remembers the flat after parking especially in cold temps. Shipping from Korea really puts a flat spot in them that wont come out with driving. Tech bulletins reveal the problem, but Hyundai will not resolve it. Very poor customer relations from Michelin and Hyundai. Demand non-factory tires before buying.