Product review (5 stars): I'm a front load believer : )
Perhaps the reason for all the negative reviews is a front load learning curve problem... this is my first front loader, and the transition from water-soaked top load agitator washing is apples and oranges.  No, it doesn't use a tub full of water, float the clothes and beat them to death.  On my first front load, my clothes and towels smelled dirty and felt like cardboard after the washer/dryer cycle.  Here's what will give you front load success.  Switch to powder detergent (HE only) for a short time -buy a small box- and don't use more than line 1 on the scoop for any load.  The powder is more forgiving if you use too much detergent, which is exactly what I was doing.  You CANNOT use the amount recommended on the detergent container.  Less water = less detergent.  DO use fabric softener, half capful.  Don't be afraid of gumming up your machine or other horror stories.  The high spin speeds render clothing less than desirably soft, although dramatically cut down drying time!  In the dryer, use MEDIUM heat and your MOISTURE SENSOR, which works very well (I have the matching dryer).  The towels I thought I had ruined by blasting them dry on high heat and a timed cycle are now soft and fluffy again.  My whites have NEVER been so white, and I do not use bleach.  I also do not use vinegar that so many seem to swear by in the rinse cycle.  I use the Normal cycle for most loads and use HOT for whites, STEAM for extremely nasty items (anything sweat or dirt-soaked), and WARM for everything else.  Cycle time is around an hour except for steam, about 1.5 hours.  Dry time is 45-55 minutes for HUGE loads.  My laundry is sweet-smelling, clean, fresh and soft again.  I'm never going back.  My water bill is down $10 a month and I've reduced my loads from 10 a week to 6.  I've run the clean cycle once and just got the reminder to do it again, which I do while I'm sleeping. I clean the detergent drawer and leave the washer door open when I'm done for the day.  Bottom line - if your stuff stinks, you're using way too much detergent. Be patient - it's going to take several powder loads to get rid of all the excess that's stuck in your clothes, but you will win in the end : )