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Subaru Outback vs Ford Freestyle

134 messages,  Last post on Feb 27, 2007 at 4:06 PM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Ford Freestyle, Subaru Outback, Car Comparisons, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 13 of 14

#115 of 134 Re: CVTs [caliberchic] by mmccloskey

Feb 12, 2007 (1:55 pm)

Replying to: caliberchic (Feb 12, 2007 11:32 am)
Good to know there is another vehicle with CVT. I understand the upcoming Lexus LS600h will also have a CVT. Obviously Toyota is aware of the CVT's merits since they will be offering it in their flagship model as well as several current hybrid vehicles. Too bad Ford is dropping the CVT - it is much more expensive than a conventional transmission and Ford probably doesn't want to invest the money in adopting the current CVT for the new 3.5 engine that will go into the D3 trio for 2008.
 
Regards -
 
M. J. McCloskey

#116 of 134 Re: CVTs [mmccloskey] by stevedebi

Feb 12, 2007 (5:00 pm)

Replying to: mmccloskey (Feb 11, 2007 7:05 pm)
"I was commenting that the Element and Civic Hybrid had CVT's, not that both were Hybird."
 
Nope, the ICE only Civic and the Element have conventional 5 speed automatic (or manual) transmissions. So far as I know, only the Hybrid has a CVT.

#117 of 134 Re: CVTs [stevedebi] by mmccloskey

Feb 12, 2007 (5:15 pm)

Replying to: stevedebi (Feb 12, 2007 5:00 pm)
Sorry to have provided erroneous info about the Honda Element having a CVT when is doesn't. I do know the Civic Hybrid has a CVT as my brother owns a 2006. The favorable experience I've had w/my 2005 FS has made me somewhat of an advocate regarding the CVT - too bad Ford is doing away with a great transmission.
 
Regards -
 
M. J. McCloskey

#118 of 134 It definitely makes sense (CVT) by paisan

Feb 12, 2007 (5:36 pm)

If you think about it, the engines can be tuned for a narrow range of high performance since the CVT keeps it in a narrow power band. Similar to but opposite my boats that have only a 1 speed transmission. The good thing on those is with a BBC you have torque from 1100rpm up to redline at 5500-5600.
 
-mike

#119 of 134 Re: CVTs [mmccloskey] by barnstormer64

Feb 12, 2007 (8:24 pm)

Replying to: mmccloskey (Feb 12, 2007 1:55 pm)
Obviously Toyota is aware of the CVT's merits since they will be offering it in their flagship model as well as several current hybrid vehicles.
 
In a hybrid, you pretty much HAVE to use a CVT. Whatever tranny you use, it has to work in reverse as a generator.
 
I'm not aware of any hybrids without a CVT (are there any?), and I would assume that's because it's much simpler to use the CVT in this kind of application.

#120 of 134 Re: CVTs [barnstormer64] by ateixeira

Feb 13, 2007 (9:16 am)

Replying to: barnstormer64 (Feb 12, 2007 8:24 pm)
Yeah, the Insight came with a manual.
 
I realize CVTs are becoming abundant, but I'd judge each particular one on its own merits.
 
After all, Ford builds several wonderful and reliable 4 speed automatics, but the CD4E shared by the Contour and some Mazda models was just a lemon. It was a matter of when, not if, they would fail.
 
All transmissions of the same type are not created equal, so we should not expect the same from CVTs.
 
-juice

#121 of 134 Re: CVTs [mmccloskey] by stevedebi

Feb 13, 2007 (1:38 pm)

Replying to: mmccloskey (Feb 12, 2007 5:15 pm)
I too, am a proponent of the CVT. Great idea. The Nissan Murano has a high horsepower / torque with a CVT, so I suspect it was possible for the 2008 FS to use a modified CVT. I imagine they cut it for budget reasons.

#122 of 134 Re: CVTs [stevedebi] by xwesx

Feb 19, 2007 (2:22 pm)

Replying to: stevedebi (Feb 13, 2007 1:38 pm)
All this support for CVT piqued my interest to the point that I figured I would at least try it. I contacted the local Ford dealership to schedule a test drive just to get a seat-of-the-pants feel for the CVT and associated reactive AWD, and to test its ability in steep hill start and climb situations similar to that observed previously, etc. The dealership never returned my phone message - there is some great service! But alas, I am holding out hope. I will try again and see what happens. Maybe they are reluctant since I told them up front that I am not in the market to buy. I know a few roads near the dealership that should give it a good workout.
 
If the CVT was not problematic in and of itself, it really seems like a poor choice to nix it outright so soon after implementing it. I have read that it was, but the experiences here dispute that. If Ford is manufacturing the units itself, then the investment is probably not even paid off yet. If under contract, then it is was probably a 3-MY contract they are choosing to not renew. When was it first introduced, 2005?

#123 of 134 Re: CVTs [xwesx] by barnstormer64

Feb 19, 2007 (5:35 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Feb 19, 2007 2:22 pm)
Maybe they are reluctant since I told them up front that I am not in the market to buy
 
Yep, that mighta done it.

#124 of 134 Re: CVTs [xwesx] by ateixeira

Feb 21, 2007 (9:53 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Feb 19, 2007 2:22 pm)
I test drove one and the CVT didn't stand out. In fact at the time I didn't even realize I was driving a CVT, and that's a good thing.
 
-juice

Messages Page 13 of 14

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