2008 Hyundai Azera

*Est. $24,600 to $28,550

Pros

The Hyundai Azera receives no shortage of positive commentary in regard to its overall build quality, especially relative to the sticker price. Most sources claim that the Azera represents a niche that's traditionally lacking in the family-sedan segment: full-size comfort and premium touches at a midsize, budget-friendly price.

Cons

Some reviews complain that the frame and body of the 2008 Hyundai Azera get quivery at times, and that steering and handling aren't strong points of the Azera's performance. Gas mileage also inspires some criticism from a few sources, although others indicate that the Azera's fuel economy is about average for the segment.

Our Analysis

The 2008 Hyundai Azera is an unparalleled value, say most reviewers; it doesn't just look like a premium car with an affordable sticker price, it feels and acts like one too. The interior is spacious, and most sources also say the trunk volume and opening are especially generous. Passengers and drivers alike can enjoy a refined, cushy interior that's well-stocked with high-end features and options. On the road, the Azera delivers a comfortable ride, and road and wind noise is minimal. Acceleration and braking distance are satisfactory, and tire grip is noticeably firm. But the Azera requires more steering effort than some other cars in its class, and testers report that the suspension and body seem especially prone to shudders and rattles. Fuel efficiency isn't up to the caliber of the class leaders' estimates, either. On the whole, however, most sources agree that the Azera's assets strongly outweigh its liabilities, making this family sedan a strong contender against the pricier but top-rated 2008 Toyota Avalon (*est. $27,075 to $34,415).

The Hyundai Azera, which debuted for the 2006 model year, is the subject of good review coverage from a number of sources. Consumer Reports summarizes the results of its independent testing, and rates the Azera against similar makes and models. Consumer Guide conducts similar road tests, although results are harder to read. Motor Trend provides some excellent analysis of the Hyundai Azera's performance in both small-scale and large-scale comparison tests, though both of these features date from the Azera's first year on the market. The Car Family evaluates the 2008 Azera, grading it in relation to its peers. Editors at Edmunds.com and Car and Driver don't include the Hyundai Azera in any formal comparison tests, but both sources offer helpful, user-friendly summaries of the single-car evaluations they've conducted since the Azera's unveiling. Automotive research site Cars.com also highlights the Azera as one of its 2008 Best Bets in the "Luxury" category.

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Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Consumer Reports tests practically every car and truck available, including the Hyundai Azera. The editors of Consumer Reports provide valuable reliability analysis, based on surveys of its readers. Their coverage centers around assessments of reliability, ride quality, handling and safety.

Review: 2008 Hyundai Azera Review, Editors of Consumer Reports

2. The Car Family

According to The Car Family's four-member team of reviewers, the Hyundai Azera "is a bargain with a great warranty, nice interior and supportive engine. On the other hand, the gas mileage isn't that great and the build quality hasn't been proven over the years." Thoughtful design touches and great handling make the Azera feel more expensive than it is. Overall, the Azera gets a grade of "B," just missing a top-pick rating.

Review: The Compleat Guide to Family Sedans, The Haskvitz Family, Mar. 21, 2008

3. Motor Trend Details/Subscribe

Motor Trend's extensive testing for its annual Car of the Year award starts with an evaluation of each new and significantly redesigned vehicle available. Each model is rated on value, superiority and significance, and the cars with the highest scores proceed to the final round. The article notes that judges agreed the 2006 Azera, Hyundai's newest flagship sedan, is worthy of becoming a Car of the Year finalist, receiving high marks in all three COTY measures. Since the Azera hasn't changed significantly since the 2006 model year, this review still has some value.

Review: 2006 Motor Trend COTY Finalist: 2006 Hyundai Azera, Editors at Motor Trend

4. Motor Trend Details/Subscribe

This head-to-head comparison pits three 2006-model family cars against each other in a test of what editors term "aspirational sedans." The Azera places third here, but editors emphasize that each competitor is essentially a winner, and the Azera has much to offer anyone who's in the market for a high-quality, comfortable family sedan.

Review: 2006 Hyundai Azera Limited vs. 2006 Toyota Avalon Touring vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat 3.6L, Kim Reynolds

5. Edmunds.com

Editors here evaluate the 2008 Hyundai Azera on performance, design and safety, and include easy-to-understand analysis of the results. Ultimately, they classify the Azera as "more than just a good deal." They say it's a true premium car in every sense. Although this summary doesn't include the results of any official head-to-head assessment, the Azera is compared to its rivals informally. Editors also work in a few notes from their long-term testing of the Azera, and include this model on their list of recommended sedans.

Review: 2008 Hyundai Azera Review, Editors at Edmunds.com

6. ConsumerGuide.com

Consumer Guide road-tests just about every car and truck on the market with an eye toward ranking each one against a class average. Here the Hyundai Azera's test results reveal a score that's well above average, just three points shy of the highest in its class. Editors claim that the Azera falls too short in handling and ride control to receive either of their two official value distinctions; however, its scores in both categories are identical to the class average.

Review: 2008 Hyundai Azera Review, Editors at ConsumerGuide.com, Feb. 29, 2008

7. Cars.com

Reviewer Joe Wiesenfelder considers safety, practicality, comfort and performance when selecting the Best Bets in Cars.com's annual compilation. The attached reviews in this long list aren't lengthy or comparative, but they do present a balanced approach along with links to lots of additional information. Wiesenfelder calls the Hyundai Azera "a remarkably nice full-size premium sedan."

Review: Best Bets: New Luxury Vehicles, Joe Wiesenfelder

8. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

Car and Driver hasn't included the 2008 Hyundai Azera in comparative testing of full-size sedans, but editors do offer this standalone road evaluation they conducted following the Azera's 2006 model-year debut. Reviewer Barry Winfield echoes the enthusiasm for the Azera expressed by other sources, placing special emphasis on this sedan's smooth, pleasant ride and its impressive balance of luxury and affordability. The Azera hasn't undergone major revisions since the publication date, so this review is still helpful.

Review: Hyundai Azera First Drive Review, Barry Winfield, Jan. 2006

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