 2006 Hyundai Azera. Click image to enlarge |
| First Drive: 2006 Hyundai Azera First Drive: 2006 Hyundai Azera First Drive: 2006 Hyundai Azera LimitedManufacturer’s web site Hyundai Canada |
Review and photos by Chris Chase
In the beginning, Hyundai’s first foray into the luxury segment was not the Genesis, but the Azera. This well-appointed sedan was to the Sonata what the Toyota Avalon is to the Camry: a step up for buyers looking for something slightly more than a typical family sedan, without paying upscale brand prices.
At its introduction in 2006, the Azera replaced the low-tech XG 350 as Hyundai’s flagship model. It was based on the Sonata, but boasted a 3.8 L V6 engine (263 hp/255 lb-ft of torque) paired with a five-speed automatic transmission.
In base trim, the Azera came with niceties like a sunroof, windshield de-icer, six-speaker stereo, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats and automatic headlights. A move up to the premium trim added leather seats, power-adjustable pedals, electric rear sunshade, rain-sensing wipers and a six-CD stereo with upgraded speakers.
 2006 Hyundai Azera. Click image to enlarge |
In 2007, the trim levels were renamed GLS and Limited. The GLS gained a leather interior, while the upscale Limited was set apart by wood-trimmed steering wheel and door pulls, chrome exterior trim, power-adjustable steering column and power-folding outside mirrors.
Changes were minimal in 2008. For 2009, the Azera was offered in a single trim, and got small cosmetic changes. Hyundai discontinued the Azera after the 2009 model run.
Natural Resources Canada’s fuel consumption estimates for the Azera were 12.2/7.8 L/100 km (city/highway). Former contributor Jil McIntosh tested a couple of Azeras – a 2006 and a 2008 – in which she averaged 14.2 and 9.4 L/100 km, respectively.
Hyundai issued a technical service bulletin to address this suspension problem in 2006 and some 2007 Azeras (build dates between December 05, 2005 and February 26, 2007).
 2006 Hyundai Azera. Click image to enlarge |
I found a couple mentions of Azeras needing engines replaced for excessive cylinder wear that causes – or is caused by – “piston slap”. The main symptom is a ticking noise heard when the engine is cold. Another potential cause is a bad timing chain tensioner (as discussed here), for which a TSB was issued.
Cracks in the dashboard around the passenger airbag are common, according to this discussion and various comments made in the Azera reliability section at TrueDelta.com.
There are other trim-related complaints too, like broken exterior door handles, power seat controls (which, apparently, can be very expensive to repair out of warranty) and an under-engine splash shield that falls off easily.
