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:

• 

  Best Car Ive ever owned - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By EGKG - April 25 - 11:29 am

  Previously owned a Pontiac Bonneville, didnt ever think I would find a car as comfy as my Bonneville, but this car has surpassed it in the Comfort Zone! I test drove 7 different cars before I drove this car, and it was by far the best!! The steering is so precise you feel like its doing all the work for you! The power side view mirrors the heated seats with lumbar support for the driver and passenger, the adjustable pedals, the auto settings for the mechanical steering wheel for 2 different drivers,the back seat has great leg room, I just cant say enough about how much we are enjoying this car!! This is definitely a Luxury Car!!

• 

  A finer car than I imagined - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By David Dahl - April 21 - 5:56 pm

  I was looking for a comfortable, quiet good handling car, and the Azera exceeds my expectations. On two recent longer trips the mileage was between 27 & 29 mpg, which for a 3.8 liter engine running on regular fuel is very respectable. Wish the "around town" mileage were a bit better (at around 22+). The quality and features are outstanding and are the equal or better than cars costing several thousands more. Great power, great sound system, comfortable seats, and good visibility. Hope Hyundai retains the Azera along with the new Genesis. I can certainly heartily recommend this automobile.

• 

  This car cant be under $28000.00 - 2010 Hyundai Azera
  By Chip - April 16 - 6:53 pm

  Had this car for past 4 month. and the car drives like it my wifes LS430. I love the handling and ride quality. But best thing about this car is it only cost me 1/2 of my wifes car. PRICE! Its like Korean, it takes over every thing. TV,DVD,washer, almost every thing at our house is Korean company (Samsung or LG). Bottom line is Hyundai finally got it right and I"m sold.

• 

  Real value - 2010 Hyundai Azera
  By New Bethesda Owner - April 5 - 4:02 pm

  Bought the black on black. Looks very good inside and out. Drives like a very high-end luxury car. I am very satisfied with my purchase at less than $26,000. Unfortunately, I already got two small scratches down to the metal. I dont know if its the paint quality or just fate. Seats are very plush at first, but I found I needed to shift my weight around after about an hour of driving to be comfortable. I dont recall doing this in other cars.

• 

  Unhappy Owner - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By Mike - March 16 - 2:11 pm

  I bought this car used Aug 09. Had 28k miles on it. It has developed a quite load ticking in the engine. Worse on cold days but can be heard always. Tried twice to get dealer to fix under warranty. They refused. Said until something breaks theres nothing they can do. What good is a warranty if they wont honer it. I actually am starting to hate this car. Its has a noisy, jittery ride. I just have a feeling in another 20k it will be a hunk of junk. I will get rid of it somehow this summer when it warms up and the ticking sound is not a obvious.

• 

  Great Car, Great Value - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By lwilder - March 6 - 11:31 pm

  I have own this car for a few months and have really fallen in love with it. The luxury and quality can not be beat for the price. It is very comfortable with plenty of leg room. This car is very responsive.

• 

  Very Happy - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By Joe in NJ - February 14 - 11:00 am

  I bought an 08 Azera Limited yesterday so this is my initial review. Im very impressed with the cars ride, overall quality and appearance. I bought it with 16,500 miles. I paid $17K + my 2002 Sonata that was essentially a write off. Im very happy with the deal I made. $17K for a $30K+ car is awesome. Its comfortable, SAFE and classy. I dont see any reason to pay the premium for other brands. This is my 3rd Hyundai and there probably will be a 4th.

• 

  Very Good but no Great - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By shagnat - February 9 - 10:28 am

  This is my first Hyundai. I had done loads of research before purchasing this car. Ive been a Toyota man for 20+ years and it was difficult to change brands. The low resale value of this cars helped me to purchase the Hyundai. Im not sure if I regret this decision or not, but, time will tell. I dont believe it is the same quality as Toyota, but, its close in many areas. The performance is excellent, gas mileage is very good for 263 hp. Seating comfort is a little lacking due to very short seat bottoms. Many many lxury features, but, they havent changed much at all since 2006. Needs a major updating.

• 

  Phillys Finest - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Vics Azera - February 3 - 6:00 am

  I drive an 06 Azera Limited with Ultimate package. Mines is silver with black leather interior with an upgraded wood kit through out the vehicle. I love just about everything about my car.

• 

  Yin and Yang - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Mole - February 2 - 5:58 pm

  Great car for the money. Looks and sounds high-end. Great engine, nice stereo, acceptable mileage, very quiet inside, transmission is fine. Suspension is rough over bumps yet not firm in the corners. Rear sun shade is nice touch, until it broke (fixed under warranty). Rear mirror fell off. Big car but seat doesnt go back far enough. Trunk does drip in water when opened but that doesnt really bother me. Great trunk w/cargo net & split folding seats. Good in stop/go and on highway. Leather isnt super supple, but is durable. No problems with build quality, rattles, or peeling trim. No mechanical problems. Lots of safety features.