Product review (5 stars): Mine Works Fine
I have been using my washer for almost 7 months.  This is the precise model that I have, except mine is black.  I have not had the problems others seem to have.  It has only had an unbalanced load (UL) three times in that period, and each time, adjusting the clothes solved the problem.  Below is the review I originally wrote for the machine, updated by these comments.  It is still relevant in my case.

I will agree unconditionally that Whirlpool's customer service is CRAPPY.  I tried contacting them several times (email and phone) for a part that I couldn't find for the matching dryer (to convert it from natural gas to LP gas) and NEVER got a response.

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November 10, 2006

This little wonder is as wonderful as Whirlpool ("WP") keeps insisting.

Now let me first say that every washing machine I have ever owned has been a WP - so there is some loyalty there. But bias aside, this machine delivers.

The 'space age' console that lit up like a Christmas tree was impressive enough, but WP added ease of operation. Use the pre-set wash cycles (turn the knob) or modify each to your liking (press the up and down buttons at each selection) - poetry in motion. One CAVEAT - I have not yet tried to programme a delayed wash, so I don't know how easy that is. The instructions in the manual seemed simple enough though.

LARGE TUB: The stainless steel tub is deceptively large. When I first looked in I noted the absence of the agitator but still I thought it wasn't as large as had been advertised. Then I put in what was in my old machine a "medium" load. My medium load became an extra small. What joy!

WATER SAVING: They do not lie! No more clothes swimming (pun) in water. This washer 'measures/weighs' the clothing (ain't technology wonderful?) and adds just enough water to the clothes to clean them. I was counting the savings (and apparently saving a tree in the Amazon) as I sat in fascination and watched my clothes wash. (Love the see through lid by the way).

CLEANING RESULTS: Clean the clothes it did. My whites were clean and fresh.

LOTS OF CYCLES: To suit every need. The BULKY ITEMS cycle is a gem.

LID LOCK: The lid locks as soon as you press the Start button. You can pause during any cycle by pressing the Pause/Cancel button once (twice will cancel the wash), then pressing Start to continue.

FEATURES: Too many to adequately expound on here. I love the THREE DISPENSERS - detergent (only high efficiency liquid or powder), liquid bleach and fabric softener. The end-of-cycle ALERT is indispensable and can be turned off, soft or loud. The machine is QUIET. Capital QUIET. Amazingly QUIET! (which is why you really need the end-of-cycle alert). The DRAIN AND SPIN cycle is great for those times when you start a wash and can't finish. The CLEAN MACHINE cycle - also a keeper.

The machine has a pleasing design and despite greater capacity and features, seems to take up less floor space than my older model washer.

I personally suggest using a surge suppressor with this washer simply because so many of the features are computerised and it is a large investment (would be a shame to watch it go down in flames).

I haven't had it long enough to comment on energy savings, but for every other reason cited above (and more), I fully recommend this washer.