2008 Hyundai Azera Review

The 2008 Hyundai Azera has received some nice upgrades from last year's model. The GL trim now comes stock with 17 inch alloy wheels and both trims feature improved suspension. The Limited trim also receives a nice variety of additional improvements including: side mirror mounted turn signals; a power sunroof and a premium audio system. Note that the SE trim has been discontinued.

The smooth-running 3.8L 263hp V6 of the Limited trim delivers power, speed and dependability to get you where you need to go every time. The GLS trim features a 3.3L 234hp V6. The innovative interior is both spacious and hip featuring straightforward, strategically placed controls. Azera earned a "Good" crash test rating for frontal crashes and an "Acceptable" score from IIHS for side impact crashes. MSRP totals $24,600 which stuns the class competition which averages a hefty $44,084. Both trims come stock with a 5-speed automatic overdrive transmission.

City-rated fuel economy also smashes the competition of the large car class on this 2008 Azera measuring 18 mpg to their 15.72 mpg. Horsepower and torque are not the Azera's strong points; it presents a rating of only 234hp to the average competition's 305.49. Torque ratings are 226 lb-ft as compared to the average comp's 311.81.

Standard features on both trims include: power locks; power windows; air conditioning, CD player; power seats and driver, passenger and side airbags. ABS braking, traction control and stability control systems are also stock on both. The GLS has an optional sunroof that is not available on the Limited trim. To compensate, the Limited comes from the factory with leather seats which are only an option away for the GLS.

Both trims of this 2008 Isuzu have 4 doors and seat a maximum of 5 people comfortably. The Limited is able to be fitted with a customized NAV system, but the GLS lacks this feature. The Azera blows the competition out of the water with its warranty package. The basic warranty is good for 60 months or 60,000 miles. The powertrain warranty holds out for 120 months or 100,000 miles and the rust warranty is good for 84 months or unlimited milage - pretty cool.

Consumer Reports gives the 2008 Azera an overall test score of 83 - an impressive number. The overall consumer satisfaction rating stands tall at 9.9; people really seem to love these vehicles. And why not? The Korean-made 2008 Hyundai Azera delivers just about everything that anyone could wish for in a new large car: classy looks, dependability, safety, performance and a modest price tag. It is definitely one to consider, and one to beat!