[billmeek]

Just saw an ad on TV for the Mercury Montego. The ad mentioned that it has a CVT transmission that "You can't even tell it's shifting".

 

[Warren]

The new Ford Freestyle has a CVT tranny as well.

 

[DonRich90]

I drove a new Nissan Murano with a CVT and it was seamless. Like the Burgman, it felt a little strange at first but after a few miles it was neat - kept waiting for the shift points that never happened.
Don

 

[Rubble]

I drove a new Mini with the CVT back to back with the Superchared 'S' model. I had way more fun with the CVT and the normally aspirated engine.

 

[pauljo]

The new Ford 500 has two transmission options. A conventional automatic, but with 6 speeds - or a CVT. They also offer an all wheel drive option, but only with the CVT tranny. I think the 500, the Freestyle and the Montego are all basically the same running gear, and probably similar options.

 

[Lapine Rider]

I used to have a 1970 AMC Hornet that you couldn't tell was shifting. That's because it wasn't.

 

[Bossman]

I used to have a 1970 AMC Hornet that you couldn't tell was shifting. That's because it wasn't.

LOL :lol:

My Prius also has a CVT.

Not a bad choice each day ... 60 mpg with the cage or 75 with the scoot.

Alan

 

[lilleyen]

Both my cages (a 1999 Acura El, and a 2002 Honda Civic), shift so smoothly that if it wasn't for the change in engine sound or the needle on the tachs moving suddenly up or down, you wouldn't know for sure they had shifted.

Far cry from the detroit jobs I've owned, especilly my cute little Ford Escort wagon. Loved that car but it lurched when shifting.

CVT is probably the future for most vehicles.

 

[ABQ]

Saturn HAD a cvt for a brief time. They discontinued it because it was a problem child. To repair it they had to pull it and send it back to the factory.
Saturns are very good cars... but don't get one with the cvt.

 

[billmeek]

I'm closer to the Saturn factory than a Saturn dealer. Maybe I should get one with a CVT? :roll:

 

[pauljo]

It is going to be interesting to see what public acceptance of the new American cars with CVT transmissions is going to be. Ford corporation is putting them in brand new models, and offering them against a new 6 speed automatic, which is a decent choice too. People are used to feeling an automatic shift gears and some people will be put off by the feel of the CVT on their first test drive of one. The next question is what does it feel like? Does it have a fair amount of engine braking like the AN650, or has it been programmed to "coast" more like a conventional automatic? I really am curious, and will try to line up a test drive sometime this year. The magazine road tests will play a part also - I am sure the CVT and the 6 speed will be tested side by side for performance & economy. This may already be happening - I haven't picked up a car magazine lately.

I think that it is way to early to tell if this will be a failed experiment, or a smash hit. If initial buyer reaction to the CVT is negative, will Ford stay with it and try to win public acceptance over a longer timeframe? Will the CVT prove to be reliable right from the start or have "teething" problems?

I hope it is a winner, but I wouldn't bet the farm on it just yet.

 

[Rubble]

Will the CVT prove to be reliable right from the start or have "teething" problems?

I hope it is a winner, but I wouldn't bet the farm on it just yet.

The CVT transmission was first designed and I believe patented in 1886! There were quite a few attempts to bring them to market in Europe in the 1980's, with the biggest problem being belt life. The Subaru Justy was, I believe, the first automotive CVT marketed in North America (but don't quote me). Now we have them in Nissan Murano's, Mini's, The Audi A4, various Ford products and many more to come. I believe BMW will have one out soon if not already, Toyota and Honda have them. They are becoming mainstream as the reliability issues have been/are being addressed and they will soon have universal acceptance. I'd buy a car with one if I was in the market for a new automobile, but instead I'll buy a bike with one and in the past I've owned several snowmobiles with them.

 

[billmeek]

Many new car buyers will purchase them without a single idea what a CVT is or how it works. As far as they are concerned it's just another 'gizmo' on the car. I wouldn't put it past many of the salesmen to be using lines like, "Feel that new transmission.... so smooth you can't feel it changing gears." :roll:

 

[Rubble]

Many new car buyers will purchase them without a single idea what a CVT is or how it works. As far as they are concerned it's just another 'gizmo' on the car. I wouldn't put it past many of the salesmen to be using lines like, "Feel that new transmission.... so smooth you can't feel it changing gears." :roll:

Right, you are Bill but the part you forgot to mention is that the salesmen will sell the cars without a clue what a CVT is or how it works and they will be serious when they use that line :roll:

 

[billmeek]

Rubble,

Some of the sales guys at my local Ford dealer are pretty sharp. I may run down there and ask a few questions about the CVT to see what they do know about it. I wouldn't put it past them to know how a CVT functions since they could use it as another sales tool to inflate price of the vehicle.

 

[Warren]

I met an older gentleman over the weekend (75+) that just bought the Freestar and we chatted about it for awhile.

I was impressed with the knowledge he had about the CVT tranny that was passed to him from the salespeople.

I think they definitely know what's up with it and are using it as a selling tool.

 

[Rubble]

I apologize to the automobile sales people or anyone else I may have offended by the unfair generalized statement I made.

 

[wasions]

A friend gave me a ride in her new Toyota Prius with a CVT a couple of months ago. It was weird - but in a good way.

Steve

 

[billmeek]

I apologize to the automobile sales people or anyone else I may have offended by the unfair generalized statement I made.

Now THAT'S funny. (Apologizing for insulting car salesmen) :sign5:

 

[pauljo]

Aw heck Rubble, we've said much worse things than that about Suzuki salespeople. Can't see where auto salespeople are any different. :wink: