CVTs

[iwrock]

Been driving around a new Nissan Murano rental for a few days, and while it is an OK car, the CVT transmission sucks. Feels like a broken automatic because it never, ever shifts.


Anyone like these or have a car with CVT?

[Jim B.]

So now it looks like I won't be upgrading my '08 Outback for a new '10, they all have the CVT...

[450slcguy]

Originally Posted by iwrock

Been driving around a new Nissan Murano rental for a few days, and while it is an OK car, the CVT transmission sucks. Feels like a broken automatic because it never, ever shifts.


Anyone like these or have a car with CVT?

I driven several small Jeep and Dodge cars with CVT. Horrible would be a compliment. Probably the worst driving experience I've ever had, and that includes a friends YUGO back in the early 90's.

[KarTek]

I wonder if it's more the perception that something is wrong and it seems to be slipping? My friend had an old Honda Odyssey FL350 with CVT and it was pretty cool. You could floor it and the engine would wing up and hold RPM while the buggy would just shoot forward and continue accelerating.

It did feel really weird like something was slipping though.

The most promising CVT is coming out from Allison. Something like a "toroidal" drive system or something like that. Supposed to be able to transmit a ton of power.

More here:

http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009/03/allison-transmi.html#more

[450slcguy]

Originally Posted by KarTek

I wonder if it's more the perception that something is wrong and it seems to be slipping?

That perception is more than enough for me to despise them.

[Hatterasguy]

Drove one in a rental once, felt like a slipping auto. No thanks.

[TX76513]

Had a Dodge Caliber rental with CVT and actually thought the tranny was shot.

[KarTek]

I guess if you're used to a boat or a snowmobile, it wouldn't be too odd...

[DieselAddict]

I think it's all about not being used to it. I'm not particularly fond of them, but they drive OK to me and it is a kind of interesting experience. I'm not sure if I'd want one, but I'm pretty sure I could get used to it. No hard or slow shifts to worry about or modulator to adjust, that's for sure. My key concern would be durability. Are these more or less durable than traditional automatics?

[Medmech]

Originally Posted by KarTek

I guess if you're used to a boat or a snowmobile, it wouldn't be too odd...

or golf cart.

[KarTek]

Originally Posted by Medmech

or golf cart.

Yeah, that's right, Gators, 4-wheelers, lots of stuff has them now days...

[pawoSD]

I was weirded out by the high-stall torque converter I put in my SD recently when I first drove it, now I am used to it...you can still sorta feel the shifts, especially if you are pushing it, but under moderate load the engine just goes to 2200-2500rpm and stays there while the car magically ramps up to 30--40--50-60-70...etc....weird. It does give much more off the line power though, being able to jam on it and have 2500rpm torque and HP available from a stand still is awesome! It EASILY burns out and looses traction in the wet though, gotta be careful.

I would not want a CVT.....I would only consider one in a diesel vehicle where the engine ran at optimum power/torque. Imagine driving a cummins powered vehicle or a CDI MB with one of those.....400lbs+ of torque right off the line and all the way up to speed! That'd be awesome!

[Fulcrum525]

Are you in Texas again?

[C280 Sport]

Originally Posted by iwrock

Been driving around a new Nissan Murano rental for a few days, and while it is an OK car, the CVT transmission sucks. Feels like a broken automatic because it never, ever shifts.


Anyone like these or have a car with CVT?

Had one on a lease for my summer home. Bad car I think. Too many blind spots for me. The lease just came up about 1 week ago or so. Now looking to replace it with another car.

[Ara T.]

I like them. No unnecessary shifting. For a sports car though nothing beats a stick shift and clutch.