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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  Best value for the Money - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By TASI - August 14 - 10:33 pm

  After several researches and comparisions and of course test drive comparisons with other cars in this class, Hyundai Azera came out on top. Lots of amenities that are standard with the Azera you would have to pay hundreds more with other cars in its, IF its offered. Bottom line is best value for the money without sacrificing quality. Good job Hyundai. Keep it up. Never considered a Hyundai before until now.

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  Owners Manual Inaccurate - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By 1st Hyundai - July 21 - 10:43 pm

  The automobile has nice appointments for a car in this price range. The interior looks as good as any premium auto I have seen. The care drives capably, but does not have a very sporting character. I wish the suspension was a bit tighter. My biggest problem to date is the ambiguous owners manual. It states in the manual that the outside mirrors should automatically drop when the car is placed in reverse. The dealer told me the manual has a misprint. Part of the reason I bought the car was for this feature. This disappoints me, because no one at Hyundai can tell me why this is the case. I believe this should have been included in the features on the car, but due to budget was delet

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  I expected more for the price!!! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By CLG - June 27 - 10:43 am

  I was really looking forward to this model coming out but must say that I am now disappointed in the overall package. Paid MSRP which is a crime itself but I was eager to buy. So far gas mileage is a dismal 19 mpg city/hwy mix. Suspension is flimsy and floaty, doesnt handle corners very well. I should have paid a little extra and bought a TL instead. Live and learn, live and learn.

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  WOW - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By windycity7 - May 19 - 5:50 pm

  Love these forums. i was looking at the Lexus ES330 or Toyota Avalon when these boards highlighted the problems with the Toyotas and kept comparing it against the Hyundai Azera. After driving it against the Lexus and Toyota, it was no contest. I am the very happy owner of the Hyundai Azera Limited after being a Loyal Volvo owner. This car is so luxurious, too bad people still perceive Hyundai as low quality - but I expect that to change very quickly in the next few years! Also, buying was so easy and no high pressure salesmen - i had an internet manager (woman) and a salesperson (woman).

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  2006 Azera Performance review - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By vjk6666 - May 13 - 7:40 pm

  Azera is an outstanding combination of luxury, performance, styling and quality. In almost 6 months it is still thrilling to discover new capibilities that this vehicle has.

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  Well Satisfied - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Ron DeVice - May 11 - 1:56 pm

  Very satisfied. I got the light tan interior. Floor mats are too light colored & get dirty very easily. The mats are low quality Carpet.The mileage estimates are disappointing.I drive mostly in city & only get 12.8 MPG> (Very Disappointing from what they advertised ???.Its an excellent car, for the money.Hyundais warranty is great & my wife has an Elantra which we are very happy with.

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  Love My Azera! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By larry - April 30 - 3:56 am

  Ive had my Azera Litd. since June 15 and love it. It was difficult to find the color I wanted. But I eventually got what I wanted--venetian blue with tan leather interior. Car is soooo quiet and comfortable to sit in. Only drawback is lack of fuel economy. Ive been averaging just 17-18 mpg over several tankfulls of gas, even with some highway driving. With mixed driving, I thought Id average around 22-23 mpg. Very disappointing, especially with gas prices as high as they are. At least the car runs on regular gas.

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  Azera is terrific - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By starman253 - April 22 - 3:13 am

  The Azera is a great car in the following areas: The car is very quiet, the engine is smooth and powerful, the interior is top quality. The car is very enjoyable to drive. So far the fuel economy is what I expected (19 MPG in city driving), I have had brief experience with highway driving - got 22.8 MPG on its first long drive (300 miles round trip).

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  Best Car Ever - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Colin MacLean - April 15 - 4:56 pm

  This is the necest car I have ever owned, without the headaches.

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  More than competitors - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Patricia - April 5 - 6:16 am

  This is a cheap Lexus ES330. I already owned ES330 2004. I cant find defects compare to ES330. Cheaper but better than Camry or Passat. Good equipment make me comfortable when I driving. If you want to choose Azera, be sure to choose Limited with full option.