Hyundai, buddy. Hyundai.

It's time for a new car. For most of my adult life, I've been a loyal owner of Jeep Grand Cherokees. Jeep is in my blood, and I think there's a lot of truth to the saying, "It's a Jeep thing... you wouldn't understand." For a while, I considered getting a Jeep Wrangler, but with the need to make driving trips to customers in Ohio and Kentucky, a Wrangler just isn't practical. Right now, I need a "big boy" car.

I looked at a variety of sedans including the Acura TSX and TL, Infiniti G, Lexus IS, Toyota Avalon, and even the Saturn Aura. I especially like the Acura TL Type-S although, personally, I find the price a little hard to swallow. After a lot of looking, reading, talking and driving, I made a decision that surprised even me. I've chosen a Hyundai Azera Limited as my next vehicle.


I happened to rent an Azera for a couple weeks last fall, and I found the car to be an incredible pleasure to drive. It's fast (0-60 in 6.5 seconds), roomy (more interior space than a BMW 750i or Mercedes S-Class) and easy on gas (19 MPG city, 28 MPG highway). Since there are no substantial changes to the 2008 model, I've decided on a new 2007 Hyundai Azera Limited Ultimate in silver with black leather interior. In addition to the usual amenities found in the "luxury entry" class, the Azera Limited Ultimate has some amazing features, including eight air bags (front, rear and side curtain), rain-sensing wipers, rear power sun shade and Premium Infinity Logic 7 surround sound audio system (this bad boy has an in-dash 6-disc CD changer, 12 speakers, subwoofer and a 605-watt digital amplifier). Woo hoo.


Another reason I chose the Azera is that the standard Hyundai warranties are great, especially compared to many other auto makers. The Azera includes several warranties:

• Bumper-to-bumper: 5 years / 60,000 miles
• Powertrain: 10 years / 100,000 miles
• Corrosion: 7 years / unlimited miles
• Emissions performance: 8 years / 80,000 miles
• 24-hour roadside assistance: 5 years / unlimited miles

With an MSRP of $31,300 the Azera Limited Ultimate model I want is a good bargain, but not a great one. However, Hyundai has a $3,000 rebate through March, and the dealers are anxious to move the remaining 2007 models off the lot. Luckily, I have located several Azeras in Ohio and Kentucky that match my want list, and I'm currently negotiating price with the various dealers. Based on the quotes I have so far, I fully expect to pick up the Azera I want for more than $6,000 below list price. Of all the vehicles I considered, nothing comes close to matching the Azera's features, performance and price.

Below are some video reviews of the Azera. If you watch them, you'll likely notice a common theme... the Azera doesn't fit what many people think of when they think of Hyundai.

Below are some additional videos featuring the Azera, as well as a couple of commercials.