Are CVT Transmissions Really That Bad?
Posted Sunday, Jul 05, 2026
Buy Like a Pro | Bernard Motorcar Company
If you’ve spent any time shopping for a used vehicle, you’ve probably heard someone say:
“Never buy a car with a CVT transmission.”
As someone who buys, inspects, repairs, and sells used vehicles every day, I can tell you the answer isn’t that simple.
Like most things in the automotive world, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.
First, What Is a CVT?
CVT stands for Continuously Variable Transmission. Unlike a traditional automatic transmission that shifts through fixed gears, a CVT constantly adjusts its gear ratio to keep the engine operating efficiently.
The benefits include:
- Better fuel economy
- Smooth acceleration
- Lower engine RPMs while cruising
When designed well, a CVT can provide many years of reliable service.
So Why Does Everyone Hate Them?
One word…
Nissan.
To be fair, Nissan isn’t the only manufacturer that has used CVTs, but they are the company most responsible for the bad reputation.
Many Nissan models built during the 2010s experienced higher-than-average transmission failures, and word spread quickly across the internet.
Once that happened, people started assuming every CVT from every manufacturer was junk.
That’s simply not true.
The Truth Is…
Some CVTs have been excellent.
Toyota has built reliable CVTs.
Honda has built reliable CVTs.
Subaru has had good success with proper maintenance.
Even newer Nissan CVTs have improved significantly over earlier generations.
The transmission itself isn’t automatically the problem.
The design, engineering, maintenance, and how the vehicle was driven all matter.
Would I Buy One?
Absolutely…
Depending on the vehicle.
At Bernard Motorcar Company, we don’t refuse to buy or sell a vehicle simply because it has a CVT.
In fact, we’ve sold plenty of them.
What matters to us is:
- How the vehicle drives.
- Its maintenance history.
- Its condition.
- Whether we’d feel comfortable selling it to our own family.
If it passes those tests, we’re comfortable standing behind it.
Here’s My Advice
Don’t buy a vehicle based solely on what you read in a Facebook comment section.
Every manufacturer has made great transmissions.
Every manufacturer has also made bad ones.
Do your homework.
Have the vehicle inspected.
Buy from someone who actually knows what they’re selling.
That’s far more important than whether the transmission has gears…or doesn’t.
Buy Like a Pro
At Bernard Motorcar Company, we believe an educated customer is our best customer.
Our goal isn’t to pressure you into buying a vehicle—it’s to give you the same honest advice we’d give our own family.
Every week we’ll share real-world buying tips, insider knowledge from the auction lanes, and practical advice we’ve learned from buying, repairing, and selling thousands of vehicles.
Buy smart. Ask questions. Buy Like a Pro.
— Brian Bernard
Bernard Motorcar Company
Proudly serving Conway, Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest, and the entire Grand Strand.
