Does the CVT have a torque converter?

[mrpj]

Not heard or read of any problems with Toyota cvts yet.
Those who criticise them have quite probably never driven one. Used because they are far more efficient than a "conventional" auto. In fact the official fuel consumption figures have the CVT achieving a better mpg figure than a manual. See 1st line of post no. 9.
I'm getting a consistent 50 miles/(Imperial) gallon.

[bronsin]

Originally Posted by mrpj

Not heard or read of any problems with Toyota cvts yet.
Those who criticise them have quite probably never driven one. Used because they are far more efficient than a "conventional" auto. In fact the official fuel consumption figures have the CVT achieving a better mpg figure than a manual. See 1st line of post no. 9.
I'm getting a consistent 50 miles/(Imperial) gallon.

I think one thing an auto trans can do better than a CVT is handle more hp. Yes? No?

Toyota engines and transmission on average last longer and are more reliable on average than other brands in my experience. But there isn't enough public experience with CVTs to reach a conclusion as to their life. Its possible the engineers who test them know. I think I remember automobile writers saying when they came out that they wont last as long. But then again, many of these same people think a 9 speed auto trans gets better mpg than a 3 speed.

[kimona]

Originally Posted by mrpj

Not heard or read of any problems with Toyota cvts yet.
Those who criticise them have quite probably never driven one. Used because they are far more efficient than a "conventional" auto. In fact the official fuel consumption figures have the CVT achieving a better mpg figure than a manual.

I drove the Honda Fit CVT... and it was an absolute dog! The Nissan Versa Note CVT was even worse. I drove the Toyota Corolla LE CVT and it was a far better driving experience than either the Honda or Nissan. But, the Corolla L with 4-speed automatic performed so much better than LE with the CVT, and that was the single most important reason I purchased the L model. Yes, the LE got a little better gas mileage, but the price differential and driving experience wasn't worth it IMHO.