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:

• 

  Azera Problems - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By LTG3122 - February 20 - 1:45 pm

  Gas mileage less than 12 mpg city told car should have at least 10K miles before you get good mileage. Had car in 3 times told everything normal, "thats what you should expect". Combined city/highway only 17 with >50% expressway. Minor items: accelerator very sensitive on starting doesnt shift to highest gear til 40 mpg (told normal) keys bump against steering column no coin holder for tolls, parking meters light beige interior shows dirt readily.

• 

  Quick Initial Review - long term to come - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By INCOGNITO78 - February 5 - 3:57 pm

  I just bought my Azera back in December of 2007. I (like many other owners) researched car after car, month after month, & I finally decided to go with the Azera. It represents a good value for the dollar & a seemingly reliable & quality car. Though Ive had it for roughly 2 months now - I have over 4000 miles on it (mostly if not exclusively highway) and Ive become quite accustomed to my car. Though it needs some improvement to its fuel economy - I have to admit that it has gotten better over time (in the beginning averaged 19-20, now averaging 22-28). It does have good power but is slow to down shift (unless you use SportShift). Could use an improvement in handing BUT its sound

• 

  Impressive Hyundai - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Kevin - October 10 - 10:56 am

  Ive owned my Azera almost 9 months and have enjoyed every minute. I was prepared to buy an 07 Sonata but after test driving some leftover 06 Azeras on the lot, I was hooked. I ended up paying about $1200 more than I would have for a new Sonata and got a heck of a lot more car. People cant believe its a Hyundai. Its not a tight "sporty" ride. Handling is a bit drifty, but its a bigger, softer car. BUT, with 263 ponies under the hood, this car is NOT shy. Styling is sharp and contemporary. Not one "cheap" element to this vehicle. I just dont understand why Hyundai has so heavily marketed the Sonata when this gem is out there. Just test drive it!

• 

  M.P.G. Disaster - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By mister bob - September 20 - 3:03 am

  I have my new Azera about 5 weeks now. Im retired so I dont do alot of driving. Its a good thing beacuse so far the gas mileage is horrible. On my second fill-up I put 19.6 gals. in the tank after going 271 miles. You do the math. I hope after the break in period my mileage will get better. I traded in a Cadil. Deville that got better MPG than that. Otherwise the car delivers all that was advertised so far.Would have traded sun shade for tilting down mirrors. They spoiled me.

• 

  Fast, but you pay for the power - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By fishingsocprof - September 15 - 1:46 am

  We have put about 26K on our 2006 Azera SE. Bought it for about 22K. Lots of zip but overall gas mileage right about 21.5. Have had some issues with it (a/c compressor overvoltage, rear windows not going down, crack in dash) but dealer has been very good about fixes. As with most dealers, service dept tries to make a lot of money. Saying that I had to flush and fill transmission at 30K to keep warranty. 175 dollar deal. Easy to change trans fluid yourself on this car. Finally pinned them down and flush/fill not required to meet warranty, just drain and refill. Keep receipts for trans oil, of course and use special Hyundai oil like the book says.

• 

  I highly recommend this car - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By John - September 13 - 8:18 pm

  For the money, this one of the finest cars that I have ever drove. The vehicle has everything at your fingertips and all the controls are easy to figure out WITHOUT reading the owners manual. This car has the Camry, Accord & Impala beat. Fuel mileage 29-30 mpg @ 70mph....very good for a vehicle of this size

• 

  Hyndai Azera - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Lynn Norsworthy - August 21 - 10:03 pm

  The first 2 months, 2000 miles, it drove and idled extremely smooth. A vibration or shake started at about 2 months. This has progressively gotten worse. The tires have been balanced twice and rotated once. Still the shake or vibration continues. It is in the steering wheel, the seat, and the floor board. The dealership says that it is driving normal. It also has started idling rough. Although it only started this about 2 months ago, the dealership says it, too, is normal.

• 

  Buy for price, keep it for quality! - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By HJones - August 2 - 1:21 pm

  The Azera Limited, in Ultimate trim, is more comfortable than my previous Avalon and cost $7k less. Quiet, smooth, and powerful with maximum safety equipment - cant beat for anything but resale value.

• 

  My bad: its NOT all that - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By honestbroker1 - July 28 - 11:08 am

  I was very enamored in the first month, but its not so great after-all. Two warranty repairs needed in under 9000 miles taking 5 trips to the dealer to fix them. Dealer lacked parts for both repairs, even though there was a TSB on the second one. Dealer did not go the extra mile for me when I needed them to, resulting in additional time living with a broken rear sunshade stuck in the up position (and a dangerous, distraction while driving since the car always tried to lower the sunshade, then raise the sunshade when shifting into R and then D...a LOUD horrible noise). I am going back to Toyota (no warranty repairs, not even in 110k miles) or Mazda (no warranty repairs in 45k miles).

• 

  Nice...but still need improvement... - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Tom Kim - July 17 - 11:18 am

  I been drive azera for little over a year. very nice car for money, but still need improvement, such as performance, gas milage, interior lay out, etc. Before i buy this, i did alots research... azera is best car for 30k and under, but doesnt feel like or compare to lexus nor infinity. im happy with azera for now, but in future i may trade in with lexus GS...