2008 Hyundai Azera

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By  Marty Padgett, Executive Editor

2008 Hyundai Azera GLS
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The car enthusiasts on staff at TheCarConnection.com searched the Web for the latest road tests on the 2008 Hyundai Azera. This comprehensive review brings you the conclusive opinions from those stories and the opinions of TheCarConnection.com’s editors, along with all the comparisons and details you need to make a perfect new-car choice.

Likes:
- Roomy back seat
- Lots of available features
- Powerful V-6
- Light-touch controls

Dislikes:
- Lots of airbags, but not class-leading safety
- Fuel economy lags class
- Cushy “handling”
- Anonymous styling

The 2008 Hyundai Azera is a front-wheel drive sedan with a large interior, somewhat lazy handling, and oodles of features.

The Azera GLS gets its power from a 3.3-liter V-6 that produces 234 horsepower, while the Azera Limited has a 3.8-liter V-6 that makes 263 hp. A five-speed automatic incorporates Shiftronic for manual gear changes. The 3.3-liter engine hits 18/26 mpg, while the 3.8-liter achieves 17/26 mpg.

All 2008 Azera sedans get eight airbags and active head restraints. Even so, the Azera has four-star front impact crash protection and five-star ratings for driver-side impact protection, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Azera has an impressive 44 inches of front-seat legroom and more than 38 inches of legroom for rear-seat passengers--as much as (or more than) some traditional-brand luxury cars that can cost twice as much. The big size plays a role in its handling, which is characterized by light steering, lots of wheel motion, and plenty of body roll. It's how big cars used to handle, and while it's not sloppy, it's almost devoid of any sporting feel.

The styling is anonymous but competent. It gets better inside, where the 2008 Hyundai Azera sports features like a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, an electrochromatic mirror with compass, HomeLink garage door opener, and power driver and passenger seats. The Premium package on the GLS includes leather heated seats and a sunroof, while top-of-the-line Limited models get 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, heated front seats, wood trim, a power rear sunshade, a sunroof, and an Infinity audio system. A test car provided to TheCarConnection.com showed some obvious gaps between interior trim pieces, but the materials themselves were of good quality.

Available options include a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescopic steering column, integrated memory system, power-adjustable foot pedals, rain-sensing wipers, and an LG navigation system. Bluetooth connectivity is absent, though.

The Bottom Line:
The 2008 Hyundai Azera gives the Korean automaker a legitimate full-size sedan, with plenty of power, features, and room, but not much excitement.

Other Choices:
If you like the 2008 Hyundai Azera, also consider:

- Toyota Avalon
- Buick LaCrosse
- Mercury Sable
- Ford Taurus
- Chevrolet Impala

This class of front-drive, full-size sedans puts all its chips on great interior room and strong V-6 power, not to mention safety. The Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable are essentially the same car with different looks; both sport V-6 power nearly equal to that in the Azera, plus available all-wheel drive. The Buick LaCrosse is powered by a V-6 and has a little less room than the other cars here, but its smooth powertrain and improved styling make it worth considering. The Chevrolet Impala leads sales, and its roomy backseat and big V-6 give it competitive performance, while the Toyota Avalon has an enviable reputation for quality behind it.

Buying Tip:
The 2008 Hyundai Azera is a sedan in the traditional sense. If you value handling over interior space, you might be better served by a Hyundai Sonata, which has good but not cavernous rear-seat room. The Azera doesn't come with an all-wheel-drive option, so northern drivers may want to look at the Taurus/Sable or even the Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger instead. The base Azera is a strong value for shoppers who don't require a leather interior or fancy options.