Product review (5 stars): QUIET - WHEN BALANCED!!!
As there is no need to repeat the positive comments made by the other 5-Star raters from this AND OTHER sites (with whom I totally agree), I'll just give a couple other comments/observations.

First, regarding the "noise": When I initially read these complaints - here and other sites (prior to purchase), I instantly thought, "Every washer I've ever owned makes that noise when the contents are very unevenly distributed". So I bought this model (based on the positive reviews); and I am  s-o-o-o-o-o glad I did. Although NO washer I ever owned/used has been "SOUND-FREE" (SILENT), this one is quieter than ANY of the others - no "NOISE" - well, at least for the first 3- 4 days! Then there it was - a very LOUD THUMPING SOUND - "NOISE". This was my opportunity to test my theory. About 30 seconds or so earlier I had lifted the lid during the spin cycle; and apparently dislodged some items from their balanced positions. When I lifted the lid and saw that this, indeed, was the case, I simply rearranged the items (as with previous machines), closed the lid, and VOILA - problem resolved - back to quiet operation!!! Also, sometimes when tub is not centered, noise can occur - with ANY washer.

Second, I DO wish there was a TRULY HOT WATER option! This washer adjust water temp by alteranating hot with cool or warm to obtain what IT senses is the IDEAL temp for each load - based on the user's setting selections; however, I must admit that my "WHITES" DO get really clean. So I guess it's not a real issue!

SUMMARY: Not too fancy and/or expensive! Excellent basic washer (with some nice features - i.e. "extra rinse"cycle)! Does what it's suppose to do - gets laundry clean; and, does so superbly well! QUIET - WHEN BALANCED! I am extremely happy with this washer; and, would GLADLY recommend to my friends!!!