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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  Disappointed - Not for Everyone!!! - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By Alex - January 31 - 4:23 pm

  1) After first week, I felt the car pulling ...took to the dealer and they aligned it. 2nd wk still pulling...took back to the dealer and they found that the left front tire was defective and replaced for free... 2) After ~13K miles vibration upon applying brake...dealer stated that rotors needed to be "turned"...I was outside of 12K miles for what Hyundai calls "adjustments" and so had to pay 3) Dashboard cracked - KNOWN PROB WITH AZERAS- this was what was stated by dealer-My car is garaged and was so very disappointed/frustrated that yet another prob-replaced under warranty 4) Loud noise in Engine. Dlr ran diagnostics & checked front end.Could find nothing wrong...hoping nothing awaits me next

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  SURPRISING - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By Steven - January 28 - 11:42 pm

  I was in the market for a 5 series BMW and decided to a take a friends advice and check out the Hyundai Azera. Very glad I did, it has all the features of the BMW with extras such as folding mirrors, telescoping pedals and steering wheel. The entry and exit from the vehicle was also easier than the 5 series bmw body. The HP on the Azera is surpasses the BMW 525 as well. Warranty was also much better. 6yrs/60K compared to the 4yrs/50K BMW. The Azera is very stable at hugs the road well on turns. OVer all very pleased.

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  Nice, no regrets - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Nick P. - January 16 - 1:22 pm

  I have had mine for 3 1/2 years and love it. So far the only problem is a crack in the dashboard,which the dealer is replacing under the warranty. My brother bought the 2007 and his dashboard also cracked in the same place, on the passenger side where the airbag is located. Many owners complain about gas mileage but for its size 22mpg combined is not bad. I would highly recommend a Hyundai to anyone, its a good car and the company stands behind all of the models.

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  Best car Ive ever owned! - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By RBuck - January 12 - 1:16 pm

  I spend a lot of time driving since I commute 4 hrs per day. Thus, I have already put 29K miles on this car in only 11 mos. I am 59 and have owned/driven a lot of cars, including some very expensive ones (both foreign & domestic). And this car is, without a doubt, "the best" car I have ever owned. Hyundai is producing some great products at a reasonable price. The closest equivalent car would be a Toyota Avalon but the Azera rides better, is more powerful, quieter, and more responsive in handling. Yet the price of an Azera is thousands less than an Avalon. Great workmanship & reliability: like I said, I have put 29K miles on this car already without any mechanical problems. Great car!

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  In the snow - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By WVlover - December 27 - 1:25 pm

  We were recently caught in a bad snow storm in MD and WVa. The Azera outperformed all the other cars on the road. It went right through those huge snow drifts, did not fishtail on slippery roads, and all in all was safe and sound. I love this car and think it is underrated.

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  Azera - Great Value! - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By tlworth - December 23 - 12:35 pm

  I needed a car that was not too pretentious, and wanted a car that felt pretentious. This one solved both items. Its a fun car to drive and I feel very safe in it. It doesnt like to go just 35 mph and loves to travel on the open highway. It comes well equipped and the fit and finish is very good. Ive had to have several minor things fixed under warranty, but that was another major selling point of the Hyundai. The warranty is the best in the industry, and Ive had great service from the dealership.

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  Mileage Update - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By JayMagic - December 22 - 4:10 am

  This is an update of a previous review. After my initial 3000 mi. oil change (to Pennzoil Synthetic), my mileage has steadily improved. I am now averaging 24mpg over the last 2000 miles (at 5000 mi now). This is all around driving city, mountains, interstate (no trip over 110 mi. total). I have had it well over 120MPH and had more than a few full throtle accerations to redline (as a aprt of the 24mpg). At first, my mpg was around 21, so fuel economy has been better than expected. I still LOVE every time I get in the Azera.

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  Extremely Good - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Mike H - December 21 - 11:56 pm

  To be honest, I initially hesitated. Now that I think of it Hyundai gets an undeserved bad reputation. Ive owned mostly Toyotas (Lexus), but decided to take the leap of faith and tried the Azera. My experience has been good, if not exceptional. There have been no problems a month in. I have several members driving the car. The power is quite good, solid braking, and I love the interior. Because of my good experience I may consider the Equus when it comes out. I understand will be even higher end. I guess that car will compete with the heavy weight luxury vehicles. It would be an injustice to not test drive this if you are looking for entry level luxury

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  Happy in New Jersey - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Happy in New Jersey - December 9 - 6:40 pm

  Fun to drive, very sturdy on the road. Fuel economy is a little lower than expected. According Hyundai, the fuel economy will inch updards between three to five thousand miles. Overall a excelent value. Considering that the vehicle which comes closest in tearms of Room, comfort, and price cost at least $7500 more.

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  Great Car - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By Bob Greene - December 5 - 11:57 am

  This may be the finest car I have ever owned. I bought fun it new during the year end closeout, and have enjoyed it since day one. The mileage I have experienced actually exceeds the EPA estimates. I am getting is in excess of 30mpg in highway driving, and the car is not yet fully broken in. It is quiet and comfortable, and is fun to drive. It has plenty of "oomph" at all speeds.