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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  the worst car I have - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By John - April 21 - 4:00 am

  The worst car I have. Lots of friends dont recommand me to buy Korean car, it is my bad because I dont listen to them. I drove Honda accord and toyota camry before. Those two japanese hehicles can perform a lot better than this stupid car.

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  Hyundais Homerun --> The Azera! - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Susan - March 19 - 6:13 pm

  Hyundai hit one outta the park w/ the Azera! It is stylish, comfortable and reliable for very little cash! Ive had mine four days, and Im enjoying every minute in the vehicle. The fit and finish are superb. It handles with minimal float around corners. The cabins quiet ... and the sound system is decent.

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  Classy Car - 2016 Hyundai Azera
  By Oceana7754@gmail.com - March 16 - 6:42 pm

  Great performance. Plenty of room for occupants to stretch legs. Smooth ride. Good value and looks and feels classy.

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  best bang for the $$$ in the entry-lux - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By JCM - March 7 - 10:33 pm

  An Avalon w/ a Camrys price tag. I got may Azera Limited brand new for under $23K. Cant beat that! Not a MB, Jag, or BMW but feels and look luxurious. Individuality (uniqueness) , Not many of them on the road........... Definitely not a Bellybutton (everyone has one) like the Camcords.

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  excellant value - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By zachary - March 7 - 12:40 am

  In the past I have only driven large luxury cars. Driving this car is pleassurable. It is smooth, fast and easy to manueverI was a litle disappointed in the gas milage.

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  Great Buy - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Bob - December 31 - 12:40 pm

  I bought the Azera after owning an 04 Lexus ES330. The Azera has more HP and features and rides almost as well. I do a lot of hwy driving and find the Azera just as comfortable and in some cases more enjoyable than the Lexus. For the difference in price there is no contest. When I show my friends, they all say Wow. They didnt know that Hyundai built an upscale car. One friend is even buying the Azera.

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  What a car for the money - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By wkarbiwnyk - November 11 - 11:16 am

  Handles nicely, power when you need it. I am a big person and found the interior very roomy both getting in with easy, and although it is a center console, I found seating roomy. Havent taken a long trip yet to see how fuel efficient it is on the highway, perhaps this weekend. My wife was glad to get away from premium fuel. Bought the extended bumper to bumper warranty, so now I have a 10 year plus the dealer is a short drive from us. I got tired trying to deal with american car sales people, seemed to greedy. So far happy with the car.

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  Good Car! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Butch - November 9 - 7:16 pm

  Its just a good car to drive every day. Before we bought this car my husband and I wanted to buy a BMW (5series)but we test drive the AZERA first and we fall in love how comfort it was when you drive itself. Not only we saved a lot of money for not buying a BMW but but we felt that we drove a car that drive more than a BMW. Price itself was a good catch for us. Were very happy about it.

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  First 1000 miles - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By mjclements48 - October 31 - 4:00 pm

  Fantastic automobile! Overall driving experience is one of pure enjoyment. Sound system is among the best, seating support and comfort what one would expect for this level of auto. Tranmission could be better tuned, seems to hunt during down shifting. Six speeds would definitely be better here.

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  Better than we expected - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Terry Coleman - October 28 - 9:10 am

  We purchased our Azera mostly due to the value it seemed to offer compared to an Avalon. We have not been dissapointed so far. It rides beautifully. We have not driven the car long enough, but we feel mileage is not as good as it is advertised. I was skeptical to purchase the Azera - due to Snub Appeal - but now that I have it, Im proud to have the same features as my neighbors and have saved us some money. I just hope it holds as well as our last car, which was a Honda. We were extremely happy with the reliability of the Honda and hopefully will be equally happy with the Azeras performance.