If you're looking for a little more control behind the wheel, select brands offer manual transmission, or stick shift, vehicles. While most Americans hit the road with an automatic vehicle, there are still a few options for manual car enthusiasts.
Here's a look at the state of manual transmission cars in the U.S. and worldwide:
Current models
Though declining in popularity over recent decades, a few automakers continue to roll out manual transmission cars. The following includes vehicles with manual transmission options from the 2023 and 2024 market:
- Acura Integra Type S
- BMW M2
- BMW M3
- BMW M4
- Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
- Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
- Chevrolet Camaro
- Dodge Challenger R/T
- Ford Bronco
- Ford Mustang
- Honda Civic
- Hyundai Elantra N
- Jeep Gladiator
- Jeep Wrangler
- Kia Forte GT
- Lotus Emira
- Mazda 3
- Mazda Miata
- Mini Cooper
- Mini Clubman
- Nissan Versa
- Nissan Z
- Porsche 718
- Porsche 911
- Porsche Spyder
- Subaru BRZ
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Subaru Impreza
- Subaru WRX
- Toyota Corolla GR
- Toyota GR86
- Toyota Supra
- Toyota Tacoma
- Volkswagen Jetta
- Volkswagen GTI/Golf R
Automotive history
Once deemed the standard, affordable car nationwide, manual transmission vehicles grew out of demand in recent decades as drivers began to opt for automatic transmission.
"Because of the way cars are built, manual transmissions used to be the cheap car, the value car because they got better gas mileage and they cost less," said Brian Moody, executive editor of Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book.
Automatic transmission vehicles became more popular in the U.S. due to the model's convenience. Now, the majority of cars produced annually in the U.S. are automatic, while manual transmissions represent a specialty interest.
"Most people who are going to get one of these cars are going to opt for the automatic transmission so if you're looking for a new or used car and you specifically want a manual, you may have to spend a little bit of extra time finding the exact right thing that you want," Moody said.
Future of manual cars
Automatic transmission vehicles also picked up in Canada and parts of Asia. In contrast, many countries continue widespread use of manual transmission vehicles, including in parts of Europe, Latin America, and Africa, according to experts.
Moving forward, manual transmission vehicles will likely remain a niche category for car enthusiasts, often sporty cars and some off-road friendly vehicles.
"You have to go out of your way to look for a manual transmission car and the specific applications are, it offers a certain kind of control that most people either don't need or don't want," Moody said.
FAQs
Automotive history
Once deemed the standard, affordable car nationwide, manual transmission vehicles grew out of demand in recent decades as drivers began to opt for automatic transmission.
Why is the manual transmission disappearing? ›
Why have manual transmissions downshifted so much in popularity? Less Demand According to CNBC and Edmunds, auto manufacturers have reported that the consumer demand for annual transmission options in new vehicles has declined. Resources are not being allocated to make new cars with a 5- or 6-speed manual option.
Is manual transmission going away? ›
With automatic transmission being the preferred choice — 2020 marked the first time ever they outsold manual — many brands are getting ahead of curve by doing away with manual altogether. Manual cars may still be available in more affordable brands, simply due to being cheaper to manufacture.
Why are there so few manual cars? ›
When cars were first created, manually shifting gears were the best gear-changing mechanism technology could make. As car technology became more sophisticated, the manufacturers learned how to make gear shifting automatic. And gradually, automatic cars took over the market from the older manual models.
Are manual cars becoming rare? ›
While the popularity of the manual transmission has waned significantly from its peak, there is something of a small renaissance happening among enthusiasts. Manual sales made up less than a percent of cars sold in the US in 2021, but last year, that number was around 1.7 percent.
Is it worth buying a manual car? ›
Manual transmissions can offer enhanced driving engagement. They typically provide better fuel efficiency. Stick-shift vehicles are usually more affordable to purchase, and can have a high resale value if kept in good condition.
Will manual transmissions make a comeback? ›
Following advancements in engineering and driving technology, by 2023, approximately 1.7% of all new cars were equipped with a manual transmission. However, according to a report by CarMax, there has been an uptick in sales for cars with a stick shift in the last few years.
Why are manual cars not popular in the US? ›
On the flip side, buying a new car in the US virtually costs the same for manual or automatic transmission. Additionally, younger generations of Americans rarely learn how to drive in a manual transmission car. For them, there is really no economic reason to do so since automatics are far more widely available.
Is Toyota getting rid of manual transmission? ›
Driving Enthusiasts Rejoice
The inclusion of manual transmissions in the 2024 Toyota models, particularly in the GR Corolla, GR 86, GR Supra and Tacoma, is a testament to the brand's dedication to the joy of driving.
What is the life expectancy of a manual transmission? ›
How Long Does Your Transmission Last?
| Transmission Quick Facts |
|---|
| Transmission Lifespan Without Maintenance | 100,000 miles or less |
|---|
| Transmission Lifespan with Proper Maintenance | 300,000 miles or more |
| When to Change Automatic Transmission Fluid | Every 30,000 miles |
| When to Change Manual Transmission Fluid | Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles |
Only around 18% of American drivers can handle a manual transmission, according to U.S. News and World Report. You know: the clutch pedal and the stick shift—three on the tree, four on the floor or, I don't know, five to drive maybe. Different gears, manually engaged.
Do manual cars last longer than automatic? ›
Manual transmissions require less servicing to remain functional and don't need the same type of oil as an automatic transmission. Cars with a stick-shift usually last longer than an automatic of the same make and model.
What state has the most manual transmission cars? ›
New Mexico has the highest rate of manual transmission vehicle purchases at 5.65 percent, followed by Idaho (5.29 percent), Rhode Island (5.16 percent) and Utah (4.94 percent). Residents of Illinois are the least likely to purchase a stick shift, with a take rate of only 2.04 percent.
Why are manual cars harder to find? ›
More manufacturers are discontinuing manual transmission as an option, even high-end sports car manufacturers like Ferrari. As manufacturers move increasingly toward electric, hybrid, and other alternative fuel vehicles, phasing out less popular options makes production easier to manage.
What country has the most manual cars? ›
In 2000, 89 percent of all new cars registered were equipped with a manual. In some countries such as Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, and Portugal, that number exceeded 95 percent. Norway and Switzerland were exceptions, where approximately 25 percent of new cars were automatics.
Why are manual transmissions dead? ›
In getting the gear right, automatics consume less fuel, save money and emit fewer emissions. These are among the reasons why it's ever harder to buy a new manual-transmission model of any kind in many countries.
Why do people prefer manual over automatic? ›
Cheaper to maintain — With all of the added machinery that goes into the automatic transmission, it can end up costing you a lot of money just to keep it running properly. Manual transmission cars require very little maintenance, and generally maintenance and repairs end up being significantly less costly.
What percentage of US drivers can drive a stick shift? ›
Only around 18% of American drivers can handle a manual transmission, according to U.S. News and World Report. You know: the clutch pedal and the stick shift—three on the tree, four on the floor or, I don't know, five to drive maybe. Different gears, manually engaged.
