The value of long-term vehicle testing was reaffirmed during my weekend with the Azera. I was impressed by the '06 model that was part of our full road test -- and although our '07 shares most of its virtues, I've noticed some quality issues that weren't apparent during a single week of testing.
-For starters, our long-term Azera has some very obvious dash/door panel misalignments...
-There's also the leather staining issue we reported in a previous entry. We've seen no improvement after three cleaning attempts, so it is almost certainly a defect. We'll likely seek a remedy under warranty at the car's 15,000-mile service visit.
-Even when the bass isn't turned all the way up (I put it at +5 on a scale of 10), the speakers reproduce lower frequency tones with much buzzing and sludginess. I would expect this in a Kia Spectra. In an Azera with the optional Infinity sound system (part of the $2,550 Ultimate Package), this poor performance is unacceptable.
-The suspension loses some composure when you travel above 80 mph and allows the car to bob up and down over highway expansion joints. One could argue this isn't a problem since most U.S. speed limits are lower than that. However, for this kind of money ($29,770), you could buy a sedan of German lineage that would feel more solid and secure during those rare opportunities for high-speed travel. I'm thinking Chrysler 300 or Volkswagen Passat.
Erin Riches, Senior Content Editor, 14,930 miles
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