We are on our second front loader washer (and dryer)
The first was one of the first ones that came out when front loaders hit the consumer market. There was a definate water savings. We didn't have a mildew problem and the door was rarely left open. (DH with OCD problems was unable to NOT close the door.)
We just replaced the first set with an Electrolux front loader washer and dryer.
I love it! It uses very little water, so little in fact I made the tech come back to our house twice AND get Eletrolux on the phone to educate me on its operations.
It has an extra spin cycle and therefore, wet clothing dries so fast.