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2008 Hyundai Azera Quality Review

May 29, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Materials quality is simply excellent
Edmunds

Plentiful legroom
ConsumerGuide

Beige-on-beige with unexciting vinyl
Kelley Blue Book

Humongous Ikea-friendly trunk
Edmunds

The 2008 Hyundai Azera shows the Korean manufacturer coming of age with its flagship sedan. Quality continues to improve, but a few quibbles remain.

ConsumerGuide observes that headroom in the 2008 Azera "is ample despite a relatively high seating position, which combines with a lowish dashtop and large windows for fine all-around visibility." They go on to note that drivers can easily adjust their seating position "with a standard power seat, tilt and telescopic steering column, and Limited's optional power-adjustable pedals. The seats are nicely contoured for good overall support." Edmunds, though, says “one of our few complaints about the Hyundai's interior concerns the overly high seating position up front, which can be awkward for taller drivers with long torsos.”

Edmunds also approves of the overall feeling of quality, stating, "This Hyundai isn't just a hastily thrown-together collection of features--its high-quality interior materials, luxurious trappings and solid overall construction come together in a cohesive package that feels like the work of a true premium brand."

According to ConsumerGuide, the 2008 Hyundai Azera's "cabin materials are not quite to Lexus levels, but there are enough padded surfaces and carefully executed details present to belie Azera's price"; however, they mark the Azera down for its "coarse-surface tire thrum" and "wind rush [which] rises with speed."

ConsumerGuide also points out that the Limited's V-6 "emits [a] raspy growl at full throttle." Also, one test car's suspension reportedly made an occasional clunking noise. Edmunds disagrees: “Road noise is minimal even at high speeds, allowing for quiet conversations in the cabin,” they write.

Edmunds also refers to the 2008 Hyundai Azera’s "humongous Ikea-friendly trunk."

TheCarConnection.com drove the Hyundai Azera when it was brand-new, and little has changed in the past 18 months with the brand’s flagship (until the 2010 Hyundai Genesis arrives) sedan. The Azera has an impressive 44 inches of front-seat legroom and more than 38 inches of legroom for rear-seat passengers--as much (or more) room 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.

Conclusion

The 2008 Hyundai Azera matches the room of the Toyota Avalon and comes very close to matching its comfort and quality.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Materials quality is simply excellentEdmundsPlentiful legroomConsumerGuideBeige-on-beige with unexciting vinylKelley Blue BookHumongous Ikea-friendly trunkEdmunds The 2008 Hyundai Azera shows the Korean manufacturer coming of age with its flagship sedan. Quality continues to improve, but a few quibbles remain. ConsumerGuide observes that headroom in the 2008 Azera "is ample despite a relatively high seating position, which combines with a lowish dashtop and large windows for fine all-around visibility." They go on to note that drivers can easily adjust their seating position "with a standard power seat, tilt and telescopic steering column, and Limited's optional power-adjustable pedals. The seats are nicely contoured for good overall support." Edmunds, though, says “one of our few complaints about the Hyundai's interior concerns the overly high seating position up front, which can be awkward for taller drivers with long torsos.” Edmunds also approves of the overall feeling of quality, stating, "This Hyundai isn't just a hastily thrown-together collection of features--its high-quality interior materials, luxurious trappings and solid overall construction come together in a cohesive package that feels like the work of a true premium brand." According to ConsumerGuide, the 2008 Hyundai Azera's "cabin materials are not quite to Lexus levels, but there are enough padded surfaces and carefully executed details present to belie Azera's price"; however, they mark the Azera down for its "coarse-surface tire thrum" and "wind rush [which] rises with speed." ConsumerGuide also points out that the Limited's V-6 "emits [a] raspy growl at full throttle." Also, one test car's suspension reportedly made an occasional clunking noise. Edmunds disagrees: “Road noise is minimal even at high speeds, allowing for quiet conversations in the cabin,” they write. Edmunds also refers to the 2008 Hyundai Azera’s "humongous Ikea-friendly trunk." TheCarConnection.com drove the Hyundai Azera when it was brand-new, and little has changed in the past 18 months with the brand’s flagship (until the 2010 Hyundai Genesis arrives) sedan. The Azera has an impressive 44 inches of front-seat legroom and more than 38 inches of legroom for rear-seat passengers--as much (or more) room 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. ConclusionThe 2008 Hyundai Azera matches the room of the Toyota Avalon and comes very close to matching its comfort and quality.  2008 HYUNDAI AZERA STYLING | [7 out of 10] Car and Driver: "nondescript, almost generic mid-size sedan look" Kelley Blue Book: "a classy look" Edmunds: "good-looking faux wood and metallic piping" The 2008 Hyundai Azera sports an anonymous appearance that nearly clones its chief ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

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.

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See the Hyundai Azera in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

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