2009 Hyundai Azera
- 2008 Hyundai Azera
- Used Hyundai Azera
Based on analysis of 55 Azera reviews and test drives.
Hyundai Azera - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Hyundai Azera ranks 5 out of 9 Affordable Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 55 published reviews and test drives of the Hyundai Azera, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2009 Hyundai Azera is one of the least-expensive cars in the large car class, but offers a spacious and comfortable interior, decent performance and a longer warranty than many competitors.
The argument for the Hyundai's large car is simple: The Azera is competative within its class, is available with a ten-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and can be bought fully-equipped for under $30,000. The same can't be said of most of its competition. For many large car buyers, this easily-overlooked car may be the best long-term option.
The Azera is not a luxury car, though Hyundai once tried to market it that way. The company now has the Genesis for that, leaving the Azera as a thrifty and practical large car. Its low price makes it competitive with midsize cars like the Honda Accord and Chevy Malibu -- and though its dimensions are larger than those cars, it doesn't demand much more fuel.
For 2009, equipment has been slightly shuffled between trims. Interior lighting is now a soft blue and some formerly plastic trim is now chrome or wood. Hyundai says the suspension has been softened slightly, but test drivers don't report much significant change. An auxilary audio input jack is now standard, and the chrome grille has been tweaked slightly, but visual changes are minor.
The Azera is available in a base-level GLS trim, which is very well-equipped for a base model, and a Limited trim that adds luxury features
- "A handsome larger sedan that has scads of interior room, neat LED taillights and projector-beam headlamps firmly affixed on the Toyota Avalon and Nissan Maxima." -- Road and Track
- "Azera is one of the nicer midsize sedans on the market in room, comfort and quiet. Sadly, it's also one of the best kept secrets in that segment and beyond." -- Chicago Tribune
- "Who would have thought the company that brought us the lackluster Excel subcompact two decades ago would now be building a car to rival some of the best near-luxury sedans in America? Hyundai's evolution from an entry-level upstart to a full-line manufacturer of quality automobiles is nothing short of amazing and culminates with its latest achievement, the 2009 Azera."-- Kelley Blue Book
- "Azera delivers an eye-opening array of standard safety features while furnishing impressive room, refinement, amenities, and build quality. While this is a comfort-oriented car, Azera's indifferent ride control is a bit of a let down. Overall, however, this Hyundai stacks up well against rivals such as the Mercury Sable and Toyota Avalon." -- Consumer Guide
- "Fully loaded cars are not usually top sellers, but in the Azera's case, our test car was pretty indicative of the average purchase. It's not hard to see why, considering that for a shade under $31,000, the Azera comes packed with features found normally on luxury-branded vehicles costing thousands more. "-- Edmunds
- "Compared to not only its premium rivals, but also to entry level luxury sedans, it is a high quality bargain." -- Motor Week
Azera Performance - 7.9 (Good)
The 2009 Hyundai Azera is offered with a choice of two V6 engines. The Sacramento Bee says, "The Azera was a nimble highway performer. On city streets, it steered with ease." Some reviewers have complaints about the car's suspension, saying it transfers bumps in the road into the cabin, but not all share this opinion. continue
Azera Exterior - 8.0 (Very Good)
The Azera's exterior isn't as distinctive as some competitors, but it's attractive enough to win some praise. The Chicago Tribune says "While Toyota and Honda have gone to great lengths to ensure Camry and Accord set the benchmark for bland, Hyundai has taken pains to make Azera fashionable, from the jewel lamps upfront to eye-catching multi-spoked wheels along the sides to curvy deck lid." continue
Azera Interior - 8.3 (Very Good)
Hyundai introduced the Azera in advertisements comparing it to luxury sedans. It doesn't quite pull off the comparison, but it isn't far off. Road and Track says, "As you'd expect of a premium sedan, the Azera is opulent inside." continue
Azera Safety - 8.5 (Very Good)
The 2009 Azera earned four out of five stars in government frontal-impact crash tests and received five out of five stars in side-impact crash testing for the front seat and four out of five stars for the rear seat. Those are respectable scores, but don't match what the best cars in this class have earned. continue
Azera Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2009 Hyundai Azera reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Hyundai offers a five-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty on the 2009 Azera. continue
