2006 Hyundai Azera full test (Edmunds)
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http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=109613
Yes, it's another Edmunds review, and as usual, im almost a tradition-like fashion, this Edmunds review is ripe with contradictions and inconsistencies.
Here is some food for thought, the last paragraph:
"Given the choice between a 2006 Hyundai Azera Limited and a Toyota Avalon XLS, we'd take the Azera. And not just because we're the cheapskates who grabbed the discounted floor-model TV from Best Buy."
Now let me summarize what the review said. They basically really liked the Azera, and found it competing very well with the Avalon in many ways. It's a tiny bit slower to 60mph than the Avalon, but slightly faster in the slalom. The ride is just as quiet as the Avalon, but the ride comfort is not as consistently comfortable as the Avalon.
They mention that the Azera lacks a few of the Avalon's high end features and options, a nav system being a notable example. They also say the seating position is a bit weird on the Azera, but otherwise found it to be a great car. They also mentioned how much of a great value it is.
What I don't understand is that final paragraph, which contradicts most of what their review states. They say they would take the Azera over the Avalon, and it's not because of value. But if it's not for value, what other reason would they have?
Both cars have roughly the same performance, except the Avalon gets notably better fuel economy. The Azera lacks things like a nav system, or bluetooth. Both cars are comfortable, but the Avalon has a better rear seat area, with reclining rear seats and a flat rear floor, both of which the Azera lacks. They also mention all sorts of different coloured interior lighting, which does not match, and looks somewhat weird in the Azera.
So with value out of the picture, there is no meaningful reason to get an Azera over the Avalon, unless you really love the Azera's styling.
Yes, it's another Edmunds review, and as usual, im almost a tradition-like fashion, this Edmunds review is ripe with contradictions and inconsistencies.
Here is some food for thought, the last paragraph:
"Given the choice between a 2006 Hyundai Azera Limited and a Toyota Avalon XLS, we'd take the Azera. And not just because we're the cheapskates who grabbed the discounted floor-model TV from Best Buy."
Now let me summarize what the review said. They basically really liked the Azera, and found it competing very well with the Avalon in many ways. It's a tiny bit slower to 60mph than the Avalon, but slightly faster in the slalom. The ride is just as quiet as the Avalon, but the ride comfort is not as consistently comfortable as the Avalon.
They mention that the Azera lacks a few of the Avalon's high end features and options, a nav system being a notable example. They also say the seating position is a bit weird on the Azera, but otherwise found it to be a great car. They also mentioned how much of a great value it is.
What I don't understand is that final paragraph, which contradicts most of what their review states. They say they would take the Azera over the Avalon, and it's not because of value. But if it's not for value, what other reason would they have?
Both cars have roughly the same performance, except the Avalon gets notably better fuel economy. The Azera lacks things like a nav system, or bluetooth. Both cars are comfortable, but the Avalon has a better rear seat area, with reclining rear seats and a flat rear floor, both of which the Azera lacks. They also mention all sorts of different coloured interior lighting, which does not match, and looks somewhat weird in the Azera.
So with value out of the picture, there is no meaningful reason to get an Azera over the Avalon, unless you really love the Azera's styling.
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I will also add in my personal opinion, for whatever it's worth.
I've sat in and examined both the Azera and Avalon, although I haven't driven either. The Azera has a pretty good interior, but I wouldn't say it's better than the Avalon. I really liked the rear seat area of the Avalon, more so than the Azera. Also, I was turned off by the mixed exterior styling of the Azera. It looks like a Honda knockoff from the front, and a Buick from the rear, straight on and 3/4 view.
I've sat in and examined both the Azera and Avalon, although I haven't driven either. The Azera has a pretty good interior, but I wouldn't say it's better than the Avalon. I really liked the rear seat area of the Avalon, more so than the Azera. Also, I was turned off by the mixed exterior styling of the Azera. It looks like a Honda knockoff from the front, and a Buick from the rear, straight on and 3/4 view.
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Originally Posted by TRDFantasy
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Now let me summarize what the review said. The ride is just as quiet as the Avalon, but the ride comfort is not as consistently comfortable as the Avalon.
.
Now let me summarize what the review said. The ride is just as quiet as the Avalon, but the ride comfort is not as consistently comfortable as the Avalon.
.
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Originally Posted by TRDFantasy
I will also add in my personal opinion, for whatever it's worth.
I've sat in and examined both the Azera and Avalon, although I haven't driven either. The Azera has a pretty good interior, but I wouldn't say it's better than the Avalon. I really liked the rear seat area of the Avalon, more so than the Azera. Also, I was turned off by the mixed exterior styling of the Azera. It looks like a Honda knockoff from the front, and a Buick from the rear, straight on and 3/4 view.
I've sat in and examined both the Azera and Avalon, although I haven't driven either. The Azera has a pretty good interior, but I wouldn't say it's better than the Avalon. I really liked the rear seat area of the Avalon, more so than the Azera. Also, I was turned off by the mixed exterior styling of the Azera. It looks like a Honda knockoff from the front, and a Buick from the rear, straight on and 3/4 view.
Last edited by mmarshall; 03-17-06 at 03:56 PM.
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I honestly really dont like the Azera, i really do find the car all around not appealing. and the grill with the crooked "H" gotta go i think, it gives it a cheap feel i think. I dont really like the interior , mainly the dash all that well ither. sure it may have good materials, but the way its layed out doesnt look all that well to me, but i do like the steering wheel in the Azera though. I read some of the Azera's adds and majority metions that it has more passenger space than the BMW 7 series, that may as well be true but i seriously doubt that people looking for a 7-series will have the Azera in the head at the time
Hyundai is also comeing out with a re-designed Sante-Fe or w/e its called and is postioning it competitors as the BMW X5 and Lexus RX 330/350 (which ever one) still i dont think people will cross shop a Lexus,BMW,Infiniti,Mercedes & a Hyundai. But who knows someone may feel do do so and pick the Hyundai over the pre-
metioned brands
Hyundai is also comeing out with a re-designed Sante-Fe or w/e its called and is postioning it competitors as the BMW X5 and Lexus RX 330/350 (which ever one) still i dont think people will cross shop a Lexus,BMW,Infiniti,Mercedes & a Hyundai. But who knows someone may feel do do so and pick the Hyundai over the pre-
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Originally Posted by TRDFantasy
They mention that the Azera lacks a few of the Avalon's high end features and options, a nav system being a notable example. They also say the seating position is a bit weird on the Azera, but otherwise found it to be a great car. They also mentioned how much of a great value it is.
What I don't understand is that final paragraph, which contradicts most of what their review states. They say they would take the Azera over the Avalon, and it's not because of value. But if it's not for value, what other reason would they have?
What I don't understand is that final paragraph, which contradicts most of what their review states. They say they would take the Azera over the Avalon, and it's not because of value. But if it's not for value, what other reason would they have?
I've no doubt though that the 10% price difference in similar configurations impacts their findings too but I think they're saying it's not the only factor.
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It seems to me that the reviewers simply preferred the Azera's driving dynamics over the Avalon's, and since they felt that the two cars were pretty much similar otherwise, that's why they'd choose the Azera.
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Originally Posted by PhilipMSPT
The Azera is a great value. I just don't think I'd drive a Hyundai though at this time...
There is a good chance I would be driving one myself except that that Hyundai doesn't ( yet ) make the type of vehicle I'm looking for.....AWD sedans. They ( mistakenly, IMO ) limit AWD to the tall, narrow, SUV-like Santa Fe and Tuscon.
Last edited by mmarshall; 03-18-06 at 04:50 PM.
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Originally Posted by bitkahuna
Well you skipped over the things the Azera has that I don't think the Avalon has. Fold down rear seats for trunk passthrough. MUCH better warranty. Power rear sunshade? LED tail lights? I also like the fact that the interior isn't just a sea of flat silver plastic panels like the Avalon.
I've no doubt though that the 10% price difference in similar configurations impacts their findings too but I think they're saying it's not the only factor.
I've no doubt though that the 10% price difference in similar configurations impacts their findings too but I think they're saying it's not the only factor.
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But to be honest, unless a low price is paramount, I think the Lexus ES330 worth the extra money over both the Azera and Avalon...it is THAT good of a car.
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Originally Posted by mmarshall
Interesting....I've reviewed both cars myself and I came to just the opposite conclusion.....the Avalon's road and noise isolation was noticeably better than the Azera's, although except for the Avalon's NAV package there really isn't much difference between the two cars. I personally liked the Azera's interior more...especially the more realistic-looking wood paneling to that orange stuff in the Avalon and I liked the design of the Avalon's sound system more. The Azera, dollar-for-dollar, is IMO a better all-around value than the Avalon, with its lower price, comparable drivetrain, and much longer warranty.
I would personally take top Camry for 30k, with way more features than Azera or Avalon at that prices. Sure space is smaller, but question is how much smaller it is. New camry should be quite spacious at back.
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Originally Posted by spwolf
and it is always kind of pointless to compare two cars from memory. Driving them back to back is what usually works, and I think few mags had comparo already, right?