Hyundai Azera vs Toyota Avalon vs Ford Taurus vs Chevrolet Impala

willie11

We purchased our 07 Azera Limited in December of 06 and love it. No problrms at all. Drove it to Florida from Wisconsin and it was an excellent ride down. Looking forward to driving it back in two weeks. We also were interested in the Avalon Limited and just could not justify the price difference. I will admit the Avalon is a very nice vehicle but Azera musc better value and just as nice.

motownusa

Agree with the other posts that the Azera is a lot of car for the money and you get a car that is almost as good as the Avalon plus better warranty to boot. The only negative thing I can think of is that you will be driving a Hyundai and a lot of snobs still look down at them as inferior piece of junks.

snakeweasel

The only negative thing I can think of is that you will be driving a Hyundai and a lot of snobs still look down at them as inferior piece of junks.

I have found that those snobs that look down on Hyundais as inferior pieces of junk are usually driving BMW's or MB's that usually need to be in the shop for repairs every other month. I have found that these people usually spend a lot more in one visit to their mechanic than I have spent in driving 141K miles in my "inferior piece of junk".

captain2

there is no way that the Azera is within 2 mpg of the Avalon - FE and power both increased (in 2005) from what you may have experienced in your older Av - suggest closer to 4 or 5 mpg - based on the 27 I actually get overall, and published tests by CR and others. But, no matter, only a difference of a few hundred dollars a year in fuel costs, about enough to cover the extra interest you would pay on the extra few thousand financed for the Avalon.

jaymagic

Perhaps, I am now getting a pretty consistent 23 in all around driving (28 on hwy), so if you getting 27 that would make it 4 mpg. By the way, are you using regular or the recommended premium? i know it will run okay on regular.

captain2

honestly, I do run the 93 octane - but not because of FE. I spend the extra 20 cents for a perceived power benefit. Of the 2 or 3 tanks of regular I've put in the car over 45k miles, have not noticed any difference in FE with the 'cheap' stuff.

pigmy

Both my older Toyotas use premium gas. The new 07 Azera uses regular according to CU but I find no info on this on the Hyundai website. I checked with Click and Clack (Tom and Ray Magliozzi) and they tell me running regular gas in an engine tuned for premium will damage it over time. I don't know if the opposite is true but I would check with an authority. You might be wasting gas and money both. BTW I am not a soft driver and have never failed to achieve the EPA mileage ratings on a new car. Until the 80,000 mile timing belt change I got 28mpg in the Camry but now get 24 to 26 - convinced they did something to it. We get 20-21 consistently in the Highlander which just went through 90K maintenance.

jaymagic

The Azera manual specs 87 octane (regular). Here in Denver due to the altitude, we get 85 versus 87 octane as our regular gas. Going East, that changes somewhere in Kansas.

jaymagic

LOL, You may want to rethink that as we head up to $3+ a gallon, even for regular.

I have heard on the Avalon's that the premium fuel does add a couple of ponies via the recognition of the vehicle management system (chip).

I have been reading that the current engine in the Azera is capable of 300+ ponies and might be used as an optional engine in the 2009 new Equus (or whatever they call it) RWD Hyundai. I suspect they will use a V8, but nice to know I could wring out some more HP if I ever wanted to spend the time and money.

snakeweasel

there is no way that the Azera is within 2 mpg of the Avalon

According to the EPA the difference is 3. So using the minimum margin or error 2 is possible by EPA standards. Now going by what users posted on the EPA website the difference is 1 MPG.

joe97

The base engine will be the 3.8L Lambda currently in the Azera, with the new Tau 4.6L V8 serving as the range topper. The name is still unknown at this point but we'll have a better idea at some point down the road, right now everyone goes by its codename "BH"

Also in the pipeline, there is the "VI" (Equus replacement) which is (even) more luxurious than the BH (Dynasty replacement), so I am told. And HG as the next-gen Azera/Grandeur.

quietpro

V-8 and RWD may just get me in a Hyundai. I don't have any problem with the brand. I was impressed with Hyundai when I was living in Korea in '94. Twelve years have only added to that perception.

dborth

In '04 or '05, Hyundai USA copped to mis-stating advertised hp. Penalty was a $25.00 debit car and a warranty extension. Small price to pay.

They should skillfully do so again with their new V8/RWD. 375 sounds about right.

joe97

To be fair, Hyundai hasn't been the only company to have mis-stated its horsepowers. Those weren't exaggerated - just a small overstatement - the engines and performances remain the same.

Hyundai has estimated the Tau 4.6L V8 at a conservative 340hp (from one of its recent concepts). I say conservative because the Lambda (3.3/3.8) V6s can be tuned to around 300hp.

jaymagic

Toyota and other got hit as well. The Avalon had to have its HP numbers lowered.

drdonrs

Aha, that is the essence of the choice! Badge snobbery. I came out of several years of Accura TL's (we leased 2 at a time)and had 6 of them. When my TL came off lease I did a lot of research and bought my 06 Sonata LX6. In August my other TL came off lease and that was my wife's car. She was very adamant that she was not keen on driving a Hyundai and she was not comfortable in the Sonata. I tested the Avalon, rode in a friend's Lexus ES and drove my son-in-law's BMW, as well as trying the new TL. Without telling my wife I purchased our 06 Azzy Limited in pearl white. When I gave my wife the keys to try it out it was "love at first sight". She now says it is the most comfortable car we have ever had, and it is. However for me my Sonata is great to drive but our Azzy is our "family" car. We are both senior citizens so no kids to "schlep" around. In my eyes the Azera is an incredible car at a price point that is hard to beat. The only negative that I might have is that the engine does "suck up" the gas. That being said, the car is powerful, smooth and has impeccable manners. I always see people looking to see what it is and I smile to myself because I can "visualise" their thoughts, "that's a Hyundai?"
Anyone thinking about getting one, just do it!

captain2

around here (SE Texas) there is almost always a 20 cent difference between 87 and 93 octane - and we are also handicapped by 10% ethanol - which effects price/FE negatively. So on a percentage basis the extra cost of premium lessens as prices (currently $2.40 for regular) inevitably go up. And yep, there is a small HP difference and yep, the engine will 'adjust' itself to what kind of gas it 'sees' and is already available in 300+ hp versions in the IS350, with some computer reprogramming and an extra set of injectors (the 2GR-FSE) although in this version the engine does require premium. It is easily the most advanced and economical V6 out there, and is rivaled only by some of BMWs straight sixes in terms of technology. The best part of the Avalon is under the hood.

chilliwack

And who cares what people think. That is a handicap in my opinion. I chose the Azera because it was very roomy and did not constrict my right knee (I am a big fella), the sound system rocks and the trunk is huge. Plus it looks sweet. Tested the Avalon, but a bit pricey, the BMW is sweet, but I could only afford "Leatherette" and single CD and shift trans as everything is "A La Carte". Forget 2006 Infinity G35. Just not very well done. My spouse would not go for the Mitsubishi EVO :P I have 2 teen boys and the legroom in the back seat of the Azera was unmatched except for cars like the Avalon. The Chrysler dealers weren't budging on the 300C's either, although I have some great showroom stories about that. And the Maxima interior left a LOT to be desired, even though it has a great power plant. So let the poor snobs drive their tiny MB230 or whatever. I don't care. :shades:

jaymagic

Now that Hyundai has just added the GLS low end model to the Azera line up and upgraded the radio package in the Limited's Ultimate Package, I am guessing that it won't be long before they add a "Touring" or sport model, like Toyota has done with the Avalon.

Azera owners know the engine has plenty of power, so it wouldn't surprise me to see them have a sport sedan model with more of a sport suspension, a few tweaks to the engine management system (plus premium fuel) and a few interior changes. Not really an "M" model, but just a little more aggressive than the current models. And, a little more expensive, say $29,500 list (w/o options).

captain2

Agree, a good idea for Hyundai as many of the cars in this class do a 'sport' model, like the 300, the Maxima SE, the Avalon Touring you mention etc. etc. One of the things that I didn't like too much about the Azera is that it is 'too soft', more like a Buick and for that matter the other Avalon trims. An Azera 'Touring' could eliminate some of those objections for those of us willing to trade off feeling bumps for a little more feel. A few more HP might help - but I'm not sure that it needs to cost more - the Avalon Touring keeps those driver oriented options like leather, HID lights, suspension upgrades etc. but is priced below the 'blinged' XLSs and Limiteds. Best thing that Toyota ever did to the Avalon (other than putting that engine in it) - offer something to those that are not quite ready for isolation chambers and made it appealing to buyers a whole lot younger than me!.

dborth

"Now that Hyundai has just added the GLS low end model to the Azera line up"....marketing 101, good-better-best. If it wasn't for the FWD format, they could drop a v8 in the Limited "Sport / Touring", but we know that is a seperate RWD product line upgrade in the not to distant future.

jaymagic

They don't really need to put a V8 in the Azera, from what I have read, the current 3.8L engine can be bumped to 300+ and frankly, that's a lot of ponies as we are headed back to $3 per gallon gas (FOR REGULAR).

dborth

Sadly, $3.11 (regular) yesterday at Costco. Seems to be climbing daily.

bigpaul35

The way I see it, Avalon has much more versus the Azera: more room overall inside the cabin than Azera; lighter weight by 250lbs with a longer body length; wider wheelbase; faster 0-60 time; much better safety rating; slightly better fuel economy; with comparable engine performance. Bottom line, you have to be happy with what you drive and we all will have differing opinions. I liked the Avalon over the Azera for the reasons above when I was looking and purchased last fall.

captain2

I'm relatively sure the prototype is built on a different platform/chassis - even larger and heavier. Likewise, as in many RWD sedans, interior space efficiency might be compromised. Ever sat the the back seat of a Crown Vic, for example? It is not nearly what the FWD Avalons/500s/Azeras have. It may be possible to FWD the V8 much in the same way that GM has in the Impala/GP, but the extra weight of the V8 along with torque steer become problems not to mention FE - which has not really been a strongpoint with Hyundais to this point anyway. 300 hp or so would be nice on any of these cars, but maybe a bit much if the buyer is also looking for some decent FE (and a slightly more driveable car). The Azera, as it is, will run with things like Avalons and Maximas - how much more do we need?
The RWD Chrysler 300C has apparently the most overrated FE in this class, and I'm pretty sure that the FWD Impala SS is not a whole lot better and is a difficult car to keep in a straight line.

jaymagic

I am not so sure about more overall room inside the cabin or the faster 0-60 time. I have seen reviews on the Azera everywhere from 6.2 to 7.1. I know the Avalon has had similar clockings to the Azera depending on who was doing it.

I do know the Azera has the far lower price and better warranty. But, you are correct that we all have differing opinions and needs and as I have posted here before, both Avalon and Azera owners should be high fiving each other versus virtually any other similar car. Lucernes, Taurus, 300's, etc.

dborth

To each their own, and obviously you are a happy camper with your decision. For me, the price difference was a no brainer. Ching-Ching.

willie11

I was looking at Avalons and Azeras last December and decided to buy the Azera. Interior room is 106 cubic inches on both. Better gss mileage on the Avalon but much better price on the Azera and better warranty. To me it was a no brainer...a very happy Azera owner. Both are very nice vehicles.

captain2

and just to think - it hasn't been that long since a Toyota buyer and a Hyundai buyer - were different kinds of people. My, how far Hyundai has come in a short period of time?

joe97

I don't know if I would agree the statement about Avalon having much more versus the Azera. Aside from some of the absent features in the Azera, the inteior volume is the same per EPA; CR rated the Azera more sastifying and reliable; AutoPacific too. The comparable models of the two has about 5K difference.

Bottom line, both the Avalon and the Azera are good vehicles, and I wouldn't mind taking either. They each excel in their own areas.

jaymagic

LOL, it seems both the Avalon and Azera owners are pretty damn happy with their choices. There will be owners in both groups who probably did get a lemon or one with issues, but by and large the vast majority of Avalon and Azera owners are very satisfied. I was looking at the topic of this group again and see that it includes 500 (now Taurus) and Impala owners.

I am still waiting for impassioned praise from either of them versus either "A" List cars.

snakeweasel

Interior room is 106 cubic inches on both.

106 cubic inches? sounds very cramped to me.

barnstormer64

I am still waiting for impassioned praise from either of them versus either "A" List cars.

Apparently you haven't been paying much attention.

quietpro

We Impala/500 owners can't do any better job of convincing you guys that we made a better decision than you will of convincing us otherwise. Those of you who realize that different people have different priorities probably get it. As for me personally, Toyota lost me with the salesman's smart@[non-permissible content removed] attitude. He didn't need my sale and he made no secret of it. Unfortunately for Hyundai, they are sold at the same dealership and the salesman didn't show me anything more than what I asked for (Sonata). I didn't know about the Azera so of course, I didn't get the opportunity to see one. As far as I'm concerned, the "foreign" crowd can keep their products. I'm perfectly happy with "American" and they fit my preferences better as well. I've never cared for snobbery so I may never bother with Toyota until after they peak. Hyundai still has a shot, though.

barnstormer64

As for me personally, Toyota lost me with the salesman's smartass attitude.

You noticed that, too, eh?

dborth

My Azera salesman was a dumbass, knew nothing of the lease deal last October for the '07's that just arrived. I was prepared on the front side and helped him along. Soon after delivery I found that dealers service department was eat up with dumbass too. Today, that dealer is history with weeds instead of cars on the lot. They lost the franchise.

rpfingsten

You think your Azera salesman was a dumbass... The first Toyota dealership I pulled into when I began shopping for a car...the salesman comes up to me as I'm getting out of my old car and asks can he help me? I reply, yes, I'd like to see your Avalons...he gets a puzzled look on his face and then asks me just as serious as he can be,,,, Avalons? who makes Avalons? I kid you not... that dumbass didn't even know his product line....suffice to say I just said "never mind".. got back in my car and drove to another Toyota dealership across town. Incredible.

Roland

cobrazera

Sad to say, but many auto sales people should be selling refrigerators and tv sets instead of cars. Few are auto enthusiasts, do not bother to read car magazines in order to keep abreast of their own products as well as the competition, and are lazy to boot.

floridabob1

It still amazes me how little the salepeople and service advisors know about their products. There are exceptions, but the numbers are few.

captain2

think that the auto 'enthusiast' is a dying breed - and even more so, as cars, particularily in this class, are viewed by many buyers as 'appliances'. This will get worse as more and more technology is employed to relieve ourselves of many of the driving exhilirations. And it's really too bad, we are in an era right now when these cars have more generally more power and are more economical then ever before.
as far as dealer salesman go - in general, always been 'the scum of the earth' IMO - and even worse when the buyer is trying to buy something that is in high demand, a curse that usually afflicts a more educated 'enthusiast'. If I'm shopping Toyota or Honda especially, I expect to meet several 'asses', but I'm certainly not going to change what I think I want to buy just because I finally found a courteous butt kissing salesman!

hjc1

Those inept sales people came from Best Buy & Circuit City :=) I guess I have been very lucky. I have purchased 4 new cars since moving to Wisconsin and found those sales people to know their stuff...good prices no haggling and good service. When I purchased my 07 Azera
Zimbrick Hyundai was top notch pro's

captain2

found those sales people to know their stuff.
the way it should be, of course - if we are out spending 20-30k, shouldn't the salesman understand the differences, advantages and/or disadvantages between let's say the Avalon, Azera and even quietpro's Impala? That, I think is hard to find and would contend that the majority of those 'career' sales pros tend to gravitate towards the premium brands and not usually places like Hyundai dealers.

hardhawk

I enjoy knowing far more about the products than the sales people. They figure out pretty fast that I know what I am talking about. My favorite dealer told my wife that they don't "sell" me a car. I come in, tell then what I want and how much I will pay, and we are done. In fact, they often call me to find out what is new or coming next from their manufacturers so they have a clue. I get great care and attention because I am a no effort buyer for them. I order my cars and pay invoice less any incentives or mfg to dealer cash and they make a fair profit and I get a fair deal. My sales guy lives in the small town where I live and takes my car in for service at the dealer, which is 15 miles away, leaving me his demo for the day. It does not get any easier than that. Could I beat them down a little more on price? Probably, but it is worth something to me to have a great relationship with the dealer and get treated fairly. I won't put up with jerks or idiots at the city dealerships as they are far more work for me.

captain2

agree wholeheartedly about the 'city' dealers, that seem always to have the novice salespeople and some sort of perception that whoever they are dealing with don't have IQs that even approach their body temperatures.

fezo

"106 cubic inches? sounds very cramped to me."

Ah! So you've made it out of the box, eh?

quietpro

My Chevy dealer knew everything there was to know about the Impala and he had a genuine sense of pride in the car. While it may not have been the most glamorous of the bunch, it was the best fit for me. When I did manage to stump him on a feature of the stereo, he went the extra mile and supplied me with every available piece of documentation.

While a knowledgable salesman won't talk me into an inferior product, an ignorant/arrogant one can surely talk me out of one (or at least convince me to look at another lot).

cobrazera

Interesting that we haven't gotten any feedback from salespeople after this dissing. IMO it confirms that they are playing video games on their office computers instead of researching places that pertain to the products they sell.

dborth

My dummie salesperson didn't know about the '07 factory lease deal at the time or the $500 loyalty (wife's '02 Santa Fe) Fortunately, his sales and finance manager did. After the deal dummie begged me to let him fill out the follow up Buyer Survey form, so he could get his "spiff."

pat

Let's be careful of making sweeping generalizations. We have some CarSpace members who do sell cars and who are very helpful around these parts. Yes, these stereotypes exist for a reason, but the salespeople-members I see around here are not like that.

In any case, let's don't wander too far off-topic with this, okay?

dborth

I am not sure a half dozen or so comments is a "sweeping generalization", but you are the HOST.