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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  wont start - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By judy - June 19 - 1:08 am

  I was very pleased with this car at first. After 4 months, all of a sudden the car wouldnt start. The A/C also wasnt working right. The dealer kept it a week . They replaced a switch for the a/c & another switch for the neutral disable . Well, about a month later, its not starting again. Im very discouraged.

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  Poor company response to safety defect - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By sedan - May 25 - 6:09 am

  The head lights are of poor design and make driving the car unsafe at night. I drive emergancy vehicles and have been trained for over 26 years. This car makes it so you over drive your headlights at night and is unsafe. The company response to the problem is very poor and not owner friendly. They do not seen to care about the safety of their buyers.

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  Noisy Front Strut - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By earllex - March 19 - 11:00 pm

  My vehicle has a noisy right front strut, that is quite noticeable on bumps and rough roads. 2 attempts by dealer to correct has failed. Attempting arbitration to resolve issue.

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  Not happy at first! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Phill - March 7 - 2:22 pm

  My opinion of Hyundai shifted from very postive to less than happy within three weeks of buying this car. This was due to experiencing starting difficulties with the Azera which the dealer was unable to diagnose since the on board computer did not show an issue. I was confidently told by the dealer that this was the only problem that an Azera had displayed in the whole country! However, after several days of in-shop time and frantic calls to their HQ a fix was discovered and for the past month the car has performed flawlessly. I am now approaching complete satisfaction with the vehicle. A very nice car. Docile enough around town but nimble enough for rush hour freeway driving.

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  Surprised!! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Sky - February 12 - 5:43 pm

  Got Limited Today and so impressed. 3.8L powerful engine enough for sports car like driving. Wood trim interior feels like 50k luxury car. Can beat tons of standard feature with this price. Totally surprised Hyundai can build this quality cars. Satisfied

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  Azera- Things to be aware of...... - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Hyundai Azera - December 17 - 6:30 pm

  The headlights have a very dark line and I think very limited range on the headlights. I noticed this when I test drove the vehicle. The dealership raised the headlights to what they said was the proper level. After purchasing the car I noticed that the lights were set too high and people were flashing the high beams at me. I had an independen garage check the the lights and they had been set too high. In other words, I was mislead. In addition, the car doors do not lock automatically. This was something I didnt notice in the test drives. Even the cheapest cars have this feature for security. I also find it annoying that you cannot charge a cell phone without the engine running

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  Great value, great styling - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By DoctorPhil - January 5 - 9:36 pm

  Very nice car with a lot of standard features. Huge trunk for golf clubs. I especially like the center console and how it doesnt restrict my right knee as I am 6-2". This car is well crafted although there are some annoyances. Even with Mercedes, you dont approach perfection until you cross the 50K mark. Strong engine. Lack of little issues like mysterious rattles and squeaks, etc. Also, there are not 10 of them next to you at the stop light!

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  my hyundai review - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By chris - September 15 - 1:10 am

  this car is a great car to go and drive for work around towe etc long drives tend to become longer than they should i have 2 children and its just not roomy enough

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  What - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Fitzgerald - October 27 - 8:03 pm

  Performance, ride, quality, design, warranty and features are all good reasons to own this vehicle. While we have only had it a short time the warranty alone is a good reason to buy this car.

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  love it - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By tom b - July 4 - 1:40 pm

  Ive had the car for less then two weeks-fun to drive-more room then my lincoln in the back seat -more then enough acceleration-handels very well- good price for the quality and features-getting 17 mpg around town- but ive been a little heavy on the pedal-because it quick and fun to drive. Very glad that I purchased the car-Never thought I would own a hyundai-compared it with an avolon.