CVT trans
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 5
From: Running Springs CA
It has been used in small, four cylinder cars before, but nothing that big. Audi, Honda, Mini and a few others use them. My brother has a Honda Civic GX with a CVT and no problems so far, but that is a Honda, not a Ford. I would not buy one the first year it is out.
Jim
Jim
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
The only thing with a cvt that I trust is a snowmobile, and I still carried a spare belt at all times. I remember the Subaru Justy with the "ECVT", it was a joke. They only sold a few, and 90% of those were converted to a manual trans in about two years. Maybe they're better now, but I still have no use for one.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by daerhldgs2
I'm looking at a Ford with the new CVT trans , does anyone know about these and what is the experience so far???
Stick with the more proven and reliable 6 speed automatic. I am. We are going to order a new Montego Premier if Ford ever decides to offer ANY incentive on it. The lowlifes are giving GMrhoid Buick & Cadillac owner's a rebate if they switch to the Mercury. The ball is in their court now. I am ready to jump to another brand if Ford keeps playing games. I can no longer be loyal to a brand that treats a customer like crap.
For those two new models from Ford and Mercury I haven't seen one on the road here in the Dallas area. Dealers are saying they are selling them, but I haven't seen any. Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex area is approx. 2+ million people. Now, take the F150 or Super Duty and I see a ton of them everyday.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 279
Likes: 1
I don't see how someone can compare a sedan to the F-Series in sales...and also since when was the 6-speed auto proven? Its just as new from Ford as the CVT. AS for the Question, well I don't think Ford has been selling them long enough to determine long term reliability. Best thing you can do is look for recalls right now I guess or surf forums on the cars looking for problems as of now. A test drive couldn't hurt either. Personaly I like the new Fusion comming out....*drools*
Last edited by Fordtastic; Jan 11, 2005 at 06:43 AM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 1
From: Everett, Wa
Long term reliability is still in question. But from a performance stand point if they can make them tough enough nothing will touch them. This is just like the late 60's early 70's when auto's where first showing at the drag strip.
So far though they are being used to improve gas milage, etc. Overall though I am excited about this technology.
So far though they are being used to improve gas milage, etc. Overall though I am excited about this technology.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 279
Likes: 1
from a performance Stand point this particular CVT doesn't hold a candle to the 6-speed auto that is also offerd in these two vehicals.
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
Likes: 2
From: Montana Territory
Its all about that relentless pursuit of lower emmisions. Pretty soon it will be in everything. As for anyone that doesn't work in the engineering department at Ford, you probably shouldn't say anything, because you don't know. I did drive one of the Five Hundreds, an AWD with the CVT. Its silent, and extremely smooth.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
From: Close to Mr. Anderson
does anyone know if the ford cvt is a wet belt or a dry belt? i believe the subaru was a wet belt made by goodyear... harley/davidson seems to live by belt drive... i was never a big fan of cvt even when subaru used it. never had one. the application seems to work in low power applications...golf carts, GATORS, AMT's,etc...most of these are dry belts. i can see the big problem of dealerships sticking the customer when it is time to replace the belt...if they want lower emmissions go to a different fuel source.....stop giving consumers crap that doesnt work!!!
Last edited by termyt00; Jan 11, 2005 at 11:04 PM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 4
From: Sussex County, DE
The "belt" is made of metal. Is it just me, or does it seem like there must be an incredible amount of tension on that belt to maintain grip and transmit the power? How long can it go before fatigue becomes a factor? The theory of it's operation is quite fantastic, but I'd be afraid of it in actual operation right now. The 6 speed auto is manufactured by ZF, is it not? That sounds like a durability record to me. My question is, why can't they offer the 6 speed with AWD? I hate FWD, but would buy it in AWD, but don't trust the CVT, so it is automatically not an option. Pity, it was growing on me.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
The CVT is made by ZF, the 6 speed is made by Aisin.
The "belt" is actually a metal chain and uses hardened pad things on the ends of the links along with special oil to make them bite. The training course I took said they should last forever. Yarite
Apparently using the proper oil is absolutely critical.
The CVT feels good to drive. I'm always leary though about buying a first year anything.
The "belt" is actually a metal chain and uses hardened pad things on the ends of the links along with special oil to make them bite. The training course I took said they should last forever. Yarite
Apparently using the proper oil is absolutely critical.
The CVT feels good to drive. I'm always leary though about buying a first year anything.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 1
From: Everett, Wa
Time to educate everyone. The CVT is made by ZF-Batavia. The 6 speed is made by Aisin AW 6-speed Automatic Transmission. Both of these transmission are new to Ford. The ZF has been used by Audi.
The Freestyle out accelerates the v6 Explorer and the Porsche Cayenne V-6. Gear ratio is between 2.47:1—and a 0.41:1. It also apears that the CVT out accelerates the 6 speed and the 6 speed provides better fuel economy though I could not find any hard numbers. I did alot of searching the net to find this info. Here is one site.
http://www.caranddriver.com/article....rticle_id=8897
It still comes down in the whether the CVT will prove reliable. Only time will tell.
The Freestyle out accelerates the v6 Explorer and the Porsche Cayenne V-6. Gear ratio is between 2.47:1—and a 0.41:1. It also apears that the CVT out accelerates the 6 speed and the 6 speed provides better fuel economy though I could not find any hard numbers. I did alot of searching the net to find this info. Here is one site.
http://www.caranddriver.com/article....rticle_id=8897
It still comes down in the whether the CVT will prove reliable. Only time will tell.