Which Washing Machine do you prefer? Top Load or Front Load?

When you are shopping for a new washer you have two basic models to choose from: Top loading or Front loading. Most washing machine manufactures are flooding the market with the front loading machines. Top loading machines are few and far between.

My Mother-in-Law is a die-hard top load washing machine fan. She says, "Those front load washers just don't look as if they'd get your clothes clean." Her premise is you throw your clothes in, the tub spins, and water showers them. In a top loading machine the tub fills with water, suds up, and gyrates your clothes clean.

I've seen how each machine works. I get it that you put dirty clothes in and get clean clothes out. If you were re-doing your laundry room today, which style washer would you buy and why?

(Image Public Domain, Wikipedia Commons)