CVTs had been there from 70s as I heard. and recently lots of mid sized sedans and hatchs used that properly. Audi, ford, honda, mitshubishi, mini's ...list goes on, lastest lancer 2006 available in SL has also got a CVT tranny.
In SL, some people still have no confidence to buy a CVT equiped car b'cos due to several failures heard in result of improper maintenance. Some cvts of recons had failed due to use of general AT oil instead manufacturer recomended cvt fluid or improper ECU resettings without carrying out a proper CVT calibration.
I'm not sure how it will go success with big engines, but with smaller in the range 1.5-2.2L, cvt will give a little sportier feeling than normal ATs(including latest ECTs availble in Vios or Yaris)