You didn't specify what format washer you were looking at, a TL or FL machine.
Speed Queen is a reliable brand. Their selling points are things like metal gears in the transmission versus plastic gears used in other makes. Stainless Steel drums. A full long stoke agitator (gentler on clothing) and solid construction. Most SQ washers are based on their commercial machines modified for home use. It used to be with their earlier FL offerings that the cycle length was too short, but they have since fixed that with their newer FL models.
I would not hesitate to buy a SQ, in either FL or TL.

duk748---I just bought a TL Speed Queen model AWS76. Sofar I am very satisfied with it. As stated in another thread I do not have the type of dirty clothes that I can visually see how much cleaner my clothes are compared to my 1992 TL GE (before GE I had a TL Kenmore for about 21 years). That old Kenmore washed many loads of diapers which always came out white-white.
From my research here, Consumers Report and a couple of salesmen the FLers clean better---but for just the 2 of us at home this Speed Queen is fine.

Search "Speed Queen" here and go to SpeedQueen.com to read more. There is very little difference between the TL SQ models. Their 3 year parts and labor warrenty is longer than any other brands---so I didn't have to buy an extended warrenty. Plus I charged it on a major card and may have more warrenty but I'm not yet sure on that.

I chose SQ for their reliability, how solid they are built and the fact they have no electronic computer boards to contend with. We live in a state noted for numerous lightening strikes which can knock out computer boards. Of course other products we own do have computer boards---in elecrical storms I try to unplug our major electrical items.

If you buy a SQ make sure warrenty service is available in your area. I bought from an independent dealer who also does the service.

This is from Consumers Report June 2007 about TLers:
"Conventional toploaders are the least expensive and have shorter cycle times but are mediocre at washing. To offset their so-so performance, try some of the tips offered in Doing It Right on the facing page".
Some of the tips offered were not over stuffing the washer, use right detergent, delay adding bleach, pre-soak heavily soiled items and don't toss stained garments into the dryer (heat sets stains).

I added the above to show what I read but still chose Speed Queen.

FYI--the cost of this SQ was $649.00---(free pickup of old machine)with tax and delivery charge came to $748.61.