Gone But Not Forgotten: 15 Manual Transmissions We Miss (and a Few That Are Still Kicking) in a Fast-Paced World

Autos
Gone But Not Forgotten: 15 Manual Transmissions We Miss (and a Few That Are Still Kicking) in a Fast-Paced World

Alright, fellow gearheads, let’s get real for a moment. If you’re anything like me, the rumble of a well-tuned engine, the perfectly executed heel-and-toe downshift, and the sheer tactile joy of rowing your own gears are practically etched into your DNA. I grew up with a stick, and frankly, I still own one as my technical “daily driver,” even if it doesn’t quite get the daily workout it deserves these days while I’m constantly testing new metal. But each year, that sacred list of vehicles offering manual transmissions shrinks, and with every vanishing shifter, my own sentiments feel less like a cherished tradition and more like an anachronism in a world obsessed with automation.

It’s not really a question of *if* the manual transmission is dying, is it? The real head-scratcher, the thing that keeps us up at night, is simply *where* it resides on the death continuum. Let’s face it, we’re down to just a few niche models clinging to life support, and the forces arrayed against our beloved stick shift are, to be blunt, pretty much insurmountable. Even the valiant #savethemanuals hashtag, God bless its passionate heart, feels less like a rallying cry and more like “old man shouting into the wind” energy, as the context so perfectly puts it.

So, why the somber mood? Why are we witnessing the slow, agonizing fade-out of the manual gearbox? Well, it boils down to a few irritatingly simple, practical, and frankly, quite depressing reasons. For the longest time, manual cars were the undisputed champions: faster, cooler, more practical, and often more fuel-efficient. Automatic transmissions? They were the inefficient, sluggish luxury features. Today, dear readers, nearly the exact opposite is true. Automated gearboxes have evolved into sophisticated, intuitive marvels of engineering that simply outperform us mere mortals, whether it’s on the track or just slogging through daily traffic. The laundry list of practical reasons one used to opt for a manual — like superior fuel economy — has evaporated, leaving only one true justification for a manual in 2024: sheer, unadulterated driver engagement. And while that’s a reason *we* cherish, it’s not exactly a practical one in the eyes of the masses or the bean counters. So, let’s take a look at some of the vehicles that vividly illustrate this seismic shift, starting with those that have either already made the jump or are teetering on the brink.

BMW M5 (F90): The Bavarian Bruiser That Lost Its Best Friend
The Best Cars with a BMW B48 Engine, Photo by bmwblog.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

1. **BMW M5 (F90): The Bavarian Bruiser That Lost Its Best Friend**Ah, the BMW M5. For generations, this was the executive express with a secret — a snarling, sophisticated powerhouse that, in certain markets (especially our beloved U.S.), would let you grab your own gears. The F90 generation, however, marked a definitive turning point. The current BMW M5 comes exclusively with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This is a far cry from its predecessors that proudly offered a manual option, providing that crucial analog connection to its monstrous power.

The cold, hard truth, as BMW will tell you, is simple: most buyers just weren’t choosing the manual. In a world where luxury performance means effortless speed and cutting-edge tech, BMW pivoted to what sold and, crucially, what seamlessly integrated with the car’s increasingly sophisticated, tech-heavy driving systems. The market spoke, and its voice was a paddle-shifted growl, not a clutch-pedal push.

With well over 600 horsepower and all-wheel drive, the latest M5 is an absolutely brutal beast, capable of rocketing to 60 mph in a mind-bending 3.1 seconds. It’s undeniably, terrifyingly fast. But for many of us, that blistering speed comes with a trade-off: the loss of that raw, visceral, analog connection that so perfectly defined the M cars of old. It’s a testament to progress, perhaps, but a somber reflection on what gets sacrificed in the pursuit of ultimate, effortless performance.

Car Model Information: 1988 BMW M5 Base
Name: BMW M5
Caption: F90 M5 (left) and E28 M5 (right)
Manufacturer: BMW M
Production: 1984–present
Class: Executive car
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive,(1984–1995, 1998–2016)
Related: BMW 5 Series,BMW M6
Categories: 1990s cars, 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All Wikipedia articles written in British English
Summary: The BMW M5 is a high-performance version of the BMW 5 Series automobile developed by BMW’s motorsport division, BMW M GmbH, built from 1992 to 1995, 2006 to 2010, and since 2024. The M5 has continuously been produced in the saloon body style, in some countries also as a estate. The first M5 model was hand-built beginning in late 1984 on the E28 535i chassis with a modified engine from the M1 that made it the fastest production saloon at the time. M5 models have been produced for every generation of the 5 Series since 1984, with occasional gaps in production (1995 to 1998, 2023 to 2024).

Get more information about: BMW M5

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: BMW        Model: M5
Price: $90,000        Mileage: 26,556 mi.

Dodge Challenger Hellcat: Too Much Torque, Not Enough Clutch
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Review | Autocar, Photo by autocar.co.uk, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

2. **Dodge Challenger Hellcat: Too Much Torque, Not Enough Clutch**Now, if any car embodied raw, unapologetic American muscle, it was the Dodge Challenger Hellcat. For a glorious, tire-shredding period, you could actually get a 6-speed manual transmission in earlier iterations of this infernal machine. Imagine, if you will, harnessing 707 horsepower with your own two hands and left foot. It was pure, unadulterated madness, a symphony of supercharger whine and burning rubber that few experiences could match.

However, like all good things that are perhaps a little *too* good, the manual Hellcat eventually disappeared with the final years of its production. The problem wasn’t a lack of desire from enthusiasts, but rather the sheer, physics-defying torrent of torque under the hood. We’re talking over 650 lb-ft here, a force that, frankly, just ate through clutches with the kind of voracious appetite usually reserved for a teenager at an all-you-can-eat buffet. The automatic, in its clinical efficiency, was simply quicker and, crucially, far more reliable under such extreme duress.

This 6.2-liter supercharged V8 beast was, and still is, a burnout machine built more for brutal, straight-line speed than surgical, delicate shifting. For Dodge, it made far more practical sense to focus on the 8-speed automatic’s undeniable performance and bulletproof reliability over trying to keep a manual alive purely for the sake of nostalgia, however potent that nostalgia might be for us. It’s a painful reminder that sometimes, even the most dedicated purists have to bow to the forces of engineering and physics.

Car Model Information: 2019 Lexus GX 460 Premium
Name: Dodge Challenger (2008)
Production: 2008–2023
ModelYears: 2008–2023
Assembly: Brampton, Ontario
Designer: Brian Nielander,
Predecessor: ubl
Successor: Dodge Charger (2024)
Caption: 2017 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack
Manufacturer: Dodge
Class: Muscle car
BodyStyle: notchback,coupe
Engine: unbulleted list
Abbr: on
Order: Chrysler Hemi engine#6.4 Apache / 392 Apache,V8 engine
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout,Front-engine, all-wheel-drive layout
Transmission: Ultradrive#42RLE,5G-Tronic,Tremec TR-6060 transmission,ZF 8HP transmission
Wheelbase: cvt
Length: cvt
Width: cvt
Height: cvt
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All articles that are excessively detailed, All articles with style issues
Summary: The Dodge Challenger is a full-size muscle car that was introduced in early 2008 originally as a rival to the evolved fifth-generation Ford Mustang and the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro. In November 2021, Stellantis announced that 2023 model year would be the final model year for both the LD Dodge Charger and LA Dodge Challenger, as the company will focus its future plans on electric vehicles rather than fossil fuel powered vehicles, due to tougher emissions standards required by the Environmental Protection Agency for the 2023 model year. Challenger production ended on December 22, 2023, and the Brampton, Ontario assembly plant will be re-tooled to assemble an electrified successor.

Get more information about: Dodge Challenger (2008)

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Dodge        Model: Challenger Hellcat
Price: $30,991        Mileage: 72,932 mi.

Chevrolet Corvette (C8): The Mid-Engine Revolution That Left the Manual Behind
chevrolet, Camaro, ss , Convertible, Cars, Red, 2016 Wallpapers HD / Desktop and Mobile Backgrounds, Photo by wallup.net, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

3. **Chevrolet Corvette (C8): The Mid-Engine Revolution That Left the Manual Behind**The eighth-generation Chevrolet Corvette, the C8, was a game-changer. The long-awaited, hotly debated switch to a mid-engine layout wasn’t just a design tweak; it was a fundamental reinvention of America’s sports car. But with that monumental shift came another, equally significant — and for some, heartbreaking — change: there is no manual transmission available, and frankly, Chevy has made it abundantly clear, there never will be. This was the definitive end of an era for the Corvette purists, a line drawn in the sand.

Instead, the C8 Corvette relies exclusively on an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, a gearbox that executes shifts with a speed and precision that no human could ever hope to match. This isn’t about debate; it’s about objective, measurable performance. When milliseconds mean the difference between winning and losing, the computer-controlled automatic reigns supreme, especially in a car designed to compete with the world’s best mid-engine exotics.

From a pure performance perspective, it’s exceptionally difficult to argue with the C8’s capabilities. The Z06 model, for instance, revs to a stratospheric 8,600 RPM and can hit 60 mph in under three seconds. It’s a technological marvel. Yet, for those of us who cherished the raw, mechanical connection and the sheer effort of wrestling an older Vette’s manual through the gears, the C8’s automatic-only mandate was a profound turning point — unequivocal proof that even iconic nameplates are adapting to a world where raw speed and effortless control consistently win the day.

Car Model Information: 2019 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Name: Chevrolet Corvette
Caption: 2021 Chevrolet Corvette C8
Manufacturer: Chevrolet
Production: 1953–present
ModelYears: bulleted list
Assembly: bulleted list
Class: Sports car
BodyStyle: coupé
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout,Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Categories: 1950s cars, 1960s cars, 1970s cars, 1980s cars, 1990s cars
Summary: The Chevrolet Corvette is a line of American two-door, two-seater sports cars manufactured and marketed by General Motors under the Chevrolet marque since 1953. Throughout eight generations, indicated sequentially as C1 to C8, the Corvette is noted for its performance, distinctive styling, lightweight fiberglass or composite bodywork, and competitive pricing. The Corvette has had domestic mass-produced two-seater competitors fielded by American Motors, Ford, and Chrysler; it is the only one continuously produced by a United States auto manufacturer. It serves as Chevrolet’s halo car. In 1953, GM executives accepted a suggestion by Myron Scott, then the assistant director of the Public Relations department, to name the company’s new sports car after the corvette, a small, maneuverable warship. Initially, a relatively modest, lightweight 6‑cylinder convertible, subsequent introductions of V8 engines, competitive chassis innovations, and rear mid-engined layout have gradually moved the Corvette upmarket into the supercar class. In 1963, the second generation was introduced in coupe and convertible styles. The first three Corvette generations (1953–1982) employed body-on-frame construction, and since the C4 generation, introduced in 1983 as an early 1984 model, Corvettes have used GM’s unibody Y‑body platform. All Corvettes used front mid-engine configuration for seven generations, through 2019, and transitioned to a rear mid-engined layout with the C8 generation. Initially manufactured in Flint, Michigan, and St. Louis, Missouri, the Corvette has been produced in Bowling Green, Kentucky, since 1981, which is also the location of the National Corvette Museum. The Corvette has become widely known as “America’s Sports Car.” Automotive News wrote that after being featured in the early 1960s television show Route 66, “the Corvette became synonymous with freedom and adventure,” ultimately becoming both “the most successful concept car in history and the most popular sports car in history.”

Get more information about: Chevrolet Corvette

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Chevrolet        Model: Corvette
Price: $47,990        Mileage: 20,872 mi.

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano: The Manual Unicorn
Ferrari Cars 2022, Photo by supercars.net, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

4. **Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano: The Manual Unicorn**When we talk about manuals disappearing, few brands make the point quite as starkly as Ferrari. The Prancing Horse hasn’t offered a manual gearbox in a new car since the early 2010s. That’s right, Maranello, once the epitome of driver engagement, has fully embraced the paddle-shift future. But before the gates closed entirely, cars like the 599 GTB Fiorano stood as a high-water mark for the brand’s glorious, gated-shifter era.

Only a precious handful of these front-engine V12 beasts were ever built with a 6-speed manual transmission. We’re talking about cars that are not just rare, but truly mythical — unicorns in the automotive kingdom. Most 599 GTBs, as you might expect, came with the then cutting-edge F1-style paddle shifters, reflecting the industry’s inexorable march toward faster, automated shifts even back then.

But here’s the kicker, and it brilliantly highlights the manual’s strange journey: these manual 599 GTBs, once chosen by a small fraction of buyers, now sell for millions. That mind-boggling rarity underscores what has happened across the board: stick shifts, once so common they were default, became so unpopular for a time that the few surviving examples are now considered exotic, multi-million-dollar collectibles. It’s a bittersweet irony, a testament to how shifting tastes and technological advancements can turn yesterday’s preference into tomorrow’s unobtainable treasure.

Car Model Information: 2019 Lexus GX 460 Premium
Name: Ferrari 599
Manufacturer: Ferrari
Aka: Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
Production: 2006–2012
ModelYears: 2007–2012
Assembly: Maranello
Designer: Jason Castriota
Url: https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/auto/599-gtb-fiorano
Title: Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
Website: velocetoday.com
AccessDate: 14 May 2024
Class: Grand tourer
BodyStyle: berlinetta
Related: Ferrari 612 Scaglietti,Ferrari 599XX
Layout: Mid-engine design#FMR layout – Front Mid-engine / Rear-wheel drive,rear-wheel-drive
Publisher: Ferrari
Engine: 5999 cc
Abbr: on
Order: cite web
Powerout: ubl
Transmission: manual transmission
Wheelbase: 2750 mm
Length: 4665 mm
Width: 1962 mm
Height: 1336 mm
Weight: 3953 lb
Predecessor: Ferrari 575M Maranello
Successor: Ferrari F12
Categories: 2010s cars, Articles with short description, Cars introduced in 2006, Commons category link is on Wikidata, Ferrari vehicles
Summary: The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (Type F141) is a grand tourer produced by the Italian automobile manufacturer Ferrari. It served as the brand’s front-engined, two-seat model, replacing the 575M Maranello in 2006 as a 2007 model, and was later replaced for the 2013 model year by the F12berlinetta. Styled by Pininfarina under the direction of Jason Castriota, the 599 GTB debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in February 2006. The bodywork features optimized aerodynamics with distinct sail panels flanking the rear window, directing and maximizing air flow to a linear rear nolder. The 599 is named for its total engine displacement 5,999 cc (6.0 L), Gran Turismo Berlinetta nature, and the Fiorano Circuit test track used by Ferrari.

Get more information about: Ferrari 599

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Ferrari        Model: 599 GTB Fiorano
Price: $30,991        Mileage: 72,932 mi.

Porsche 911 GT3 (992): The Enthusiast’s Last Stand (Almost)
Porsche SUVs: Full Lineup and Expert Ratings, Photo by motortrend.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

5. **Porsche 911 GT3 (992): The Enthusiast’s Last Stand (Almost)**If there’s one carmaker still fighting the good fight for the manual transmission, it’s Porsche. Bless their hearts. The latest 911 GT3, a track-focused weapon of unparalleled precision, still offers a 6-speed stick. You can get it, but you have to actively *ask* for it. It’s not the default, not the transmission that rolls off the configurator unless specifically requested. This is Porsche acknowledging the purists, but also bowing to market realities.

Let’s not kid ourselves: most buyers, even of a car as special and performance-oriented as the GT3, opt for the quicker-shifting 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. And why wouldn’t they? The PDK is a masterpiece, executing lightning-fast shifts that no human hand can replicate, ensuring maximum performance at all times. Porsche themselves have openly admitted that automatics dominate the order sheets, simply because they are faster and, let’s be honest, often easier to live with in the daily grind.

The 992 GT3 itself is an absolute performance monster, with its naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine revving gloriously to 9,000 RPM and pushing out a searing 502 horsepower. It’s a car designed to be driven hard, to be experienced at the edge. The fact that the manual is still an *option* is a testament to Porsche’s understanding of its core enthusiast base, but it also highlights just how much of a niche product it has become, even within the rarefied air of high-performance sports cars.

Car Model Information: 2019 Lexus GX 460 Premium
Caption: Porsche 911 (992)
Name: Porsche 911 GT3
Manufacturer: Porsche
Production: 1999–present
Assembly: Zuffenhausen
BodyStyle: coupé
Layout: Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Class: Sports car
Predecessor: Porsche 993#Carrera RS
Related: Porsche 911 GT2
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All articles containing potentially dated statements, All articles with dead external links
Summary: The Porsche 911 GT3 is a high-performance homologation model of the Porsche 911 sports car. It is a range of high-performance models, which began with the 1973 911 Carrera RS. The GT3 has had a successful racing career in the one-make national and regional Porsche Carrera Cup and GT3 Cup Challenge series, as well as the international Porsche Supercup supporting the FIA F1 World Championship.

Get more information about: Porsche 911 GT3

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Porsche        Model: 911 GT3
Price: $30,991        Mileage: 72,932 mi.

Toyota Supra (A90): A Manual Arrives Late to the Party
Everything You Need To Know About The All-New 2024 Toyota Tacoma, Photo by carpro.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

6. **Toyota Supra (A90): A Manual Arrives Late to the Party**When the fifth-generation Toyota Supra (A90) finally dropped in 2019, after years of anticipation and spy shots, fans were loud. Not just loud with excitement, but *loud* about one glaring omission: there was no manual option. For the first few years of its highly anticipated revival, Toyota only offered an 8-speed automatic, a choice that left many enthusiasts scratching their heads and, in some cases, outright fuming. It was a BMW-based platform, yes, but this was *Supra*.

It wasn’t until 2023, a good few years after its debut, that a 6-speed manual finally arrived, a belated answer to the clamor. But by then, a significant chunk of the initial buzz and excitement had, understandably, shifted elsewhere. The moment for a manual Supra felt like it had already passed, or at least its impact was diminished by the delay. It’s hard to rebuild that initial surge of enthusiasm once it’s dissipated.

Why did it take so long? Toyota’s official line was that they wanted to “perfect” the manual for this specific car, which, while commendable, felt a little like corporate speak. The real story, as we know, is likely far simpler: the market for row-your-own transmissions is shrinking fast, and the shared BMW-based platform made it incredibly convenient and efficient to launch with an automatic first. It’s a classic case of practicality trumping enthusiast desires, until the demand became too loud to ignore, even if by then, the parade had mostly moved on.

Car Model Information: 2024 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium
Name: Toyota Supra
Caption: Toyota GR Supra (J29/DB)
Manufacturer: Toyota
Aka: unbulleted list
Production: unbulleted list
Class: Sports car
BodyStyle: fastback,coupé
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Predecessor: Toyota Celica (A20)
Categories: 1980s cars, 1990s cars, 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars
Summary: The Toyota Supra (Japanese: トヨタ・スープラ, Hepburn: Toyota Sūpura) is a sports car and grand tourer manufactured and developed by the Toyota Motor Corporation beginning in 1978. The name “supra” is a definition from the Latin prefix, meaning “above”, “to surpass” or “go beyond”. The initial four generations of the Supra were produced from 1978 to 2002. The fifth generation has been produced since March 2019 and later went on sale in May 2019. The styling of the original Supra was derived from the Toyota Celica, but it was longer. Starting in mid-1986, the A70 Supra became a separate model from the Celica. In turn, Toyota also stopped using the prefix Celica and named the car Supra. Owing to the similarity and past of the Celica’s name, it is frequently mistaken for the Supra, and vice versa. The first, second and third generations of the Supra were assembled at the Tahara plant in Tahara, Aichi, while the fourth generation was assembled at the Motomachi plant in Toyota City. The 5th generation of the Supra is assembled alongside the G29 BMW Z4 in Graz, Austria by Magna Steyr. The Supra traces much of its roots back to the 2000GT owing to an inline-6 layout. The first three generations were offered with a direct descendant to the Crown’s and 2000GT’s M engine. Interior aspects were also similar, as was the chassis code “A”. Along with this name, Toyota also included its own logo for the Supra. It was derived from the original Celica logo, being blue instead of orange. This logo was used until January 1986, when the A70 Supra was introduced. The new logo was similar in size, with orange writing on a red background, but without the dragon design. That logo, in turn, was on Supras until 1991 when Toyota switched to its current oval company logo. The dragon logo was a Celica logo regardless of what colour it was. It appeared on the first two generations of the Supra because they were officially Toyota Celicas. The dragon logo was used for the Celica line until it was also discontinued. In 1998, Toyota ceased sales of the fourth-generation Supra in the United States. Production of the fourth-generation Supra for worldwide markets ended in 2002. In January 2019, the fifth-generation Supra, which was co-developed with the G29 BMW Z4, was introduced.

Get more information about: Toyota Supra

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Toyota        Model: Supra
Price: $59,995        Mileage: 1,454 mi.

Ford Mustang GT (S650): Clutching Onto Tradition (For Now)
Confirmed: 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor Getting Over 700…, Photo by motor1.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

7. **Ford Mustang GT (S650): Clutching Onto Tradition (For Now)**In a world where three-pedal cars are an endangered species, the latest Ford Mustang still proudly offers a manual transmission with its glorious 5.0-liter V8 engine. And for that, we should absolutely celebrate. The Mustang, after all, is a quintessential American icon, and for many, a big part of that identity has always been the ability to grab a shifter and make that V8 sing to your commands. It’s a connection to a proud lineage of muscle cars.

However, even here, the writing’s on the wall, etched in the sales figures. Automatic-equipped Mustangs outsell manuals by a wide, wide margin, and the sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission is, objectively, just faster. Ford knows its audience, and they understand the emotional pull of a manual Mustang, but they also operate in a global marketplace governed by increasingly stringent emissions regulations and evolving consumer demand. It’s a delicate balancing act.

The future, for all of us gas-powered traditionalists, is likely heading towards electrification and, almost certainly, automatic-only setups. This makes the current S650 generation potentially one of the last iterations of the Mustang to offer a stick shift from the factory. So, while you can still row your own gears in a new Mustang GT today, enjoy it, cherish it, and give that third pedal a little extra love, because its days, even in this hallowed nameplate, are almost certainly numbered.

Alright, gearheads, if the first part of this automotive elegy had you tearing up into your shift knob, grab a tissue. Because now, we’re pivoting from the somber eulogy to a full-blown celebration!

While the manual transmission might be an endangered species, it’s far from extinct. There are still bastions of brass, aluminum, and pure, unadulterated driving joy out there, proudly offering that third pedal to those of us who still crave the intimate dance between foot, hand, and machine. These aren’t just cars; they’re rallying cries, tangible proof that true driver engagement still matters, even in a world hurtling towards automation.

Let’s dive into the glorious machines that keep the spirit of the stick shift alive and well, proving that ‘#savethemanuals’ isn’t just a hashtag, it’s a living, breathing reality on dealer lots – for now, at least.

Car Model Information: 2019 Lexus GX 460 Premium
Name: Ford Mustang
Caption: 2018 Ford Mustang GT 5.0
Aka: Ford T5 (Germany)
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Production: March 1964 – present
ModelYears: 1965–present
Class: Unbulleted list
BodyStyle: Unbulleted list
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Categories: 1970s cars, 1980s cars, 1990s cars, 2+2 coupés, 2000s cars
Summary: The Ford Mustang is an American automobile manufactured and marketed by Ford since 1964, as Ford’s longest nameplate in continuous production. Currently in its seventh generation, it is the fifth-best selling Ford car nameplate. The namesake of the “pony car” automobile segment, the Mustang was developed as a highly styled line of sporty coupes and convertibles derived from existing model lines, initially distinguished by its pronounced “long hood, short deck” proportions. Originally predicted to sell 100,000 vehicles yearly, the 1965 Mustang became the most successful vehicle launch since the 1927 Model A. Introduced on April 17, 1964 (16 days after the Plymouth Barracuda), over 400,000 units were sold in its first year; the one-millionth Mustang was sold within two years of its launch. In August 2018, Ford produced the 10-millionth Mustang; matching the first 1965 Mustang, the vehicle was a 2019 Wimbledon White convertible with a V8 engine. The success of the Mustang launch led to multiple competitors from other American manufacturers, including the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird (1967), AMC Javelin (1968), and Dodge Challenger (1970). It also competed with the Plymouth Barracuda, which was launched around the same time. The Mustang also had an effect on designs of coupes worldwide, leading to the marketing of the Toyota Celica and Ford Capri in the United States (the latter, by Lincoln-Mercury). The Mercury Cougar was launched in 1967 as a unique-bodied higher-trim alternative to the Mustang; during the 1970s, it included more features and was marketed as a personal luxury car. From 1965 until 2004, the Mustang shared chassis commonality with other Ford model lines, staying rear-wheel-drive throughout its production. From 1965 to 1973, the Mustang was derived from the 1960 Ford Falcon compact. From 1974 until 1978, the Mustang (denoted Mustang II) was a longer-wheelbase version of the Ford Pinto. From 1979 until 2004, the Mustang shared its Fox platform chassis with 14 other Ford vehicles (becoming the final one to use the Fox architecture). Since 2005, the Mustang has used the D2C platform, unique to the Mustang. Through its production, multiple nameplates have been associated with the Ford Mustang series, including GT, Mach 1, Boss 302/429, Cobra (separate from Shelby Cobra), and Bullitt, along with “5.0” fender badging (denoting 4.9 L OHV or 5.0 L DOHC V8 engines).

Get more information about: Ford Mustang

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Ford        Model: Mustang GT
Price: $30,991        Mileage: 72,932 mi.

Mazda MX-5 Miata: The Engagement Evangelist
Mazda USA Official Site | Cars, SUVs & Crossovers | Mazda USA, Photo by mazdausa.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

8. **Mazda MX-5 Miata: The Engagement Evangelist**If there’s one car that has consistently, unyieldingly championed the cause of driver engagement over brute force, it’s the Mazda MX-5 Miata. For decades, this lightweight, rear-wheel-drive roadster has been the standard-bearer for pure driving pleasure, and at its very core, that experience is intrinsically linked to its perfectly weighted, delightfully crisp 6-speed manual transmission. It’s a car that refuses to be distracted by horsepower wars, instead focusing on the sublime joy of an unassisted connection between driver and road.

Sure, you *can* get an automatic Miata, and yes, the sales figures might lean that way, as they do across the board. But to choose an automatic in a Miata is, for many purists, to miss the point entirely. With its modest 181 horsepower from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the Miata isn’t about blistering straight-line speed; it’s about squeezing every last drop of fun from every corner, every shift, every perfectly rev-matched downshift. This is where the manual truly shines, allowing you to wring out the engine, feel the feedback through the shifter, and become one with the machine.

The Miata isn’t just a car; it’s a driving philosophy encapsulated in sheet metal. It teaches you how to drive properly, how to carry speed through corners, and how to appreciate the nuances of chassis balance. Its manual gearbox is not an afterthought; it’s an integral component of that lesson, making every mundane commute feel like a spirited drive and every back road an adventure. It’s a testament to Mazda’s unwavering commitment to the enthusiast, proving that the magic of a manual doesn’t require a six-figure price tag.

This little roadster, with its unpretentious charm and unwavering dedication to the manual gearbox, remains a beacon of hope for stick shift lovers. It’s a reminder that while the market may be obsessed with numbers and lap times, there’s an equally passionate segment of drivers who value the visceral, tactile connection that only a well-executed manual transmission can provide. The Miata might be a niche player, but within that niche, it reigns supreme, a proud evangelist for the enduring joy of rowing your own gears.

Car Model Information: 2019 Lexus GX 460 Premium
Name: Mazda MX-5
Manufacturer: Mazda
Aka: unbulleted indent list
Production: 1989–present
Assembly: Hiroshima
Class: Roadster (car),sports car
Layout: unbulleted indent list
Platform: List of Mazda model codes#Model codes
Categories: 1990s cars, 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All Wikipedia articles in need of updating
Summary: The Mazda MX-5 is a lightweight two-seat sports car manufactured and marketed by Mazda. In Japan, it is marketed as the Mazda Roadster or, previously, as the Eunos Roadster. In the United States it is sold as the Mazda Miata (), and it was formerly marketed under the same name in Canada. The name miata derives from Old High German for “reward”. Produced at Mazda’s Hiroshima plant, the MX-5 debuted in 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show. It was created under the design credo Jinba ittai, meaning “unity of horse and rider”. Noted for its small, light, balanced and minimalist design, the MX-5 has often been described as a successor to the 1950s and 1960s Italian and British roadsters, with the Lotus Elan serving as a design benchmark. Each generation is identified by a two-letter code, beginning with the first generation NA. The second generation NB launched in 1998, followed by the third generation NC in 2005, and the fourth generation ND in 2015. More than one million MX-5s have been sold, making it the best-selling two-seat convertible sports car in history.

Get more information about: Mazda MX-5

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Mazda        Model: MX-5 Miata
Price: $30,991        Mileage: 72,932 mi.

Subaru WRX: The Rally-Bred Relic (with a Future)
Subaru Impreza 4k Wallpaper Desktop – Infoupdate.org, Photo by wallpapercat.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

9. **Subaru WRX: The Rally-Bred Relic (with a Future)**The Subaru WRX, for generations, has been synonymous with turbocharged fury, all-wheel-drive grip, and, crucially, a manual gearbox that connects you directly to its rally-bred soul. While the latest iteration, the VB generation, might have some divisive styling choices and now offers a CVT alongside its venerable 6-speed stick, the manual option remains the heartbeat for anyone who truly understands the WRX’s heritage. It’s the choice for those who want to *drive* the car, not just steer it.

This is a machine designed to conquer any road, any weather, and do it with a grin on your face. The 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine, churning out 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, comes alive when paired with the manual. It allows the driver to perfectly time their shifts, keep the turbo spooled, and exploit the symmetrical all-wheel-drive system with a precision that an automatic, however clever, can’t quite replicate for the discerning enthusiast. It’s about being an active participant in the car’s furious dance with gravity.

For decades, the WRX cultivated a fiercely loyal following among those who appreciated its rugged performance and driver-centric focus. The manual transmission has always been central to that identity, embodying the raw, unfiltered experience of a car born on dirt stages and honed on winding tarmac. Even as Subaru expands its appeal to a broader audience, the continued availability of the manual is a nod to those purists, a lifeline for the traditionalists who believe a performance car isn’t truly complete without three pedals.

The WRX stands as a testament to the idea that performance isn’t solely measured in milliseconds, but also in the breadth of the driver’s smile. It’s a car that, despite market pressures, retains that essential analog ingredient, allowing drivers to feel every nuance of its power delivery and cornering prowess. Long live the manual WRX, a true rally hero that refuses to go quietly into that automated night.

Car Model Information: 2023 Subaru WRX Base
Name: Subaru WRX
Caption: 2022 Subaru WRX GT
Aka: Subaru Impreza WRX (1992–2014)
Production: 1992–2014 (Impreza-based models),2015–present (standalone models)
Assembly: Ōta, Gunma
Layout: Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout
Manufacturer: Subaru
Related: Subaru Levorg,Subaru WRX STI
Class: Sport compact
BodyStyle: Sedan (automobile)
Categories: 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in British English, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles with short description
Summary: The Subaru WRX is an all-wheel drive sport compact car manufactured by the Japanese automaker Subaru, originally based on the Impreza created for the World Rally Championship in 1992. Subaru claimed the name WRX stands for “World Rally eXperimental”. Starting with the 2015 models, the WRX lineup has been split from the Impreza, with a different body style that is not offered as an optional hatchback/wagon, being introduced as the separate Levorg model.

Get more information about: Subaru WRX

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Subaru        Model: WRX
Price: $27,661        Mileage: 27,083 mi.

Honda Civic Si: The Enthusiast's Everyday Hero
Close-up of the Front of a Red BMW E36 · Free Stock Photo, Photo by pexels.com, is licensed under CC Zero

10. **Honda Civic Si: The Enthusiast’s Everyday Hero**When we talk about accessible, engaging performance cars that still offer a manual transmission, the Honda Civic Si holds a truly special place. In an era where many automakers are abandoning the stick shift even in their sporty trims, Honda’s unwavering commitment to making the Si a *manual-only* affair is a beacon of hope. It’s not just an option; it’s the definitive, singular transmission choice, signaling exactly what this car is built for: the joy of driving.

The latest Si, with its 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 200 horsepower, is a masterclass in making the most of what you’ve got. It’s light, it’s tossable, and it absolutely comes alive when you’re orchestrating its power delivery through that slick-shifting 6-speed manual. The short throws, the precise gate, the perfectly placed pedals for heel-and-toe downshifts – it all conspires to create an immersive driving experience that belies its sensible Civic origins. This is a car designed to be driven enthusiastically, every single day.

For decades, the Civic Si has been the gateway drug for countless enthusiasts, offering an affordable entry point into the world of performance driving and manual mastery. It teaches you how to maintain momentum, how to rev-match flawlessly, and how to extract maximum enjoyment from a well-balanced chassis. It’s a car that punches above its weight, not in sheer horsepower numbers, but in the sheer breadth of its driving engagement, all thanks to that glorious third pedal.

In a marketplace increasingly dominated by automatic-only SUVs and anonymous crossovers, the Civic Si stands as a defiant standard-bearer for the traditional hot hatch (or sedan, in its current form). It’s a car that understands its audience, delivering a pure, unadulterated driving experience that reminds us why we fell in love with cars in the first place. The Civic Si is not just holding on; it’s thriving as a dedicated, manual-transmission champion.

Car Model Information: 2019 Lexus GX 460 Premium
Caption: 2024 Honda Civic liftback
Manufacturer: Honda
Aka: ubl
Production: 1972–present
Class: Subcompact car
BodyStyle: fastback,Sedan (automobile)
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout,Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout
Predecessor: Honda N600,Honda Z600
Categories: 1980s cars, 1990s cars, 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars
Summary: The Honda Civic (Japanese: ホンダ・シビック, Hepburn: Honda Shibikku) is a series of automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1972. As of 2023, the Civic is positioned between the Honda Fit/City and Honda Accord in Honda’s global passenger car line-up. It is one of the best-selling automobiles in history, with over 27 million units sold through 2021. The first-generation Civic was introduced in July 1972 as a two-door fastback sedan, followed by a three-door hatchback that September. With a 1,169 cc transverse engine and front-wheel drive, the car provided good interior space despite its small overall dimensions. Initially gaining a reputation for being fuel-efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly, later iterations have become known for performance and sportiness, especially the Civic Si, SiR, and Type R versions. It is currently in its eleventh generation, which has been produced since 2021. The Civic has often been rebadged for international markets, and it served as the basis for the Honda CR-X, the Honda CR-X del Sol, the Concerto, the first generation Prelude, the Civic Shuttle (which later became the Orthia) and the CR-V (which in turn was used as the basis for the Honda FR-V).

Get more information about: Honda Civic

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Honda        Model: Civic Si
Price: $30,991        Mileage: 72,932 mi.


Read more about: Beyond the Hype: We Asked an Expert and Sifted Through Data to Find the 10 Car Brands You *Really* Need to Know for 2025!

BMW M2 (G87): The Compact King of Engagement
BMW USA Sales are Up 11.9% in Q1 2023 | Flipboard, Photo by hearstapps.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

11. **BMW M2 (G87): The Compact King of Engagement**While the BMW M5 might have sadly said ‘auf Wiedersehen’ to its manual option, the spirit of the three-pedal M car lives on vibrantly in its smaller, feistier sibling: the M2. The G87 generation M2, with its muscular proportions and undeniable street presence, offers a 6-speed manual transmission alongside its automatic counterpart, a clear nod from Bavaria that they still understand what truly makes an M car special for its most dedicated fans. This is a car built for pure, unadulterated driving thrills.

Under its bulging hood lies a detuned version of the S58 twin-turbocharged inline-six, kicking out a phenomenal 453 horsepower. While the 8-speed automatic might be quicker on paper, choosing the manual transforms the M2 into a truly interactive weapon. It’s about wrestling that immense power to the tarmac with your own hands and feet, feeling the satisfying mechanical engagement of each gear change, and becoming intimately connected to every explosive surge of acceleration. It’s a challenging, rewarding dance that few modern cars still offer.

The M2 embodies BMW’s commitment to delivering a driver-focused experience in a world increasingly dominated by effortless speed. It’s a return to the compact, powerful, and deeply engaging M cars of yesteryear, albeit with a modern, technological edge. The manual option isn’t just a historical artifact; it’s a deliberate choice by BMW to cater to the purists, those who demand a tactile connection that automated systems simply cannot provide.

This car is a glorious contradiction: a thoroughly modern performance machine that still respects the analog art of driving. For those who lament the loss of the manual in so many high-performance machines, the BMW M2 stands as a powerful, thrilling counter-argument, proving that the ultimate driving machine can still be had with a stick shift. It’s a car designed for mastery, for those who seek to truly drive, not merely pilot.

Car Model Information: 2016 BMW M2 Base
Name: BMW M2
Manufacturer: BMW M
Production: 2016–2021, 2023–present
Class: Subcompact executive car
BodyStyle: coupe
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Categories: All articles with unsourced statements, Articles with short description, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2023, BMW vehicles, CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list
Summary: The BMW M2 is a high-performance version of the BMW 2 Series automobile developed by BMW’s motorsport division, BMW M GmbH. As the 2 Series replaced the 1 Series coupé and convertible models, the first-generation M2 was marketed as the most basic M model in the range. The first-generation M2 used the F2x chassis from the 1 Series, codenamed F87 and featured the BMW N55 series engine, while its successors, the M2 Competition and M2 CS, featured a twin-turbocharged engine developed by BMW M GmbH (S55 engine). The second-generation M2 uses the CLAR platform, codenamed G87, which it shares with the G80 M3 and G82 M4. It features the BMW S58 twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, developed by BMW M GmbH.

Get more information about: BMW M2

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: BMW        Model: M2
Price: $44,900        Mileage: 61,000 mi.

Acura Integra Type S: The Return of the Legend, Stick-Shift First
10 Most Affordable Entry-Level Sedans From Luxury Automakers, Ranked, Photo by topspeedimages.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

12. **Acura Integra Type S: The Return of the Legend, Stick-Shift First**When Acura announced the return of the Integra nameplate, enthusiasts held their breath. Would it live up to the legendary Type R? And more importantly, would it offer a manual? The answer, thankfully, was a resounding ‘yes,’ culminating in the fantastic Integra Type S. This isn’t just a rebadged Civic Si; it’s a premium sport compact that proudly features a 6-speed manual transmission as its *only* gearbox option, a bold statement from a brand that clearly understands its enthusiast roots.

Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged VTEC engine that churns out 320 horsepower, the Integra Type S channels its power through a helical limited-slip differential, ensuring maximum traction and a truly exhilarating front-wheel-drive experience. But the real star of the show, the undeniable centerpiece of its driver engagement, is that manual shifter. It’s crisp, precise, and perfectly integrated into a chassis that loves to be pushed, offering a level of interaction that transforms every journey into an event.

The Integra Type S is a beautifully executed blend of everyday usability and genuine performance credentials. It’s a car that you can happily commute in during the week, then take to your favorite backroads on the weekend, reveling in the tactile feedback of its shifter and the responsive throttle. Acura’s decision to go manual-only with the Type S is a clear declaration: this car is for drivers who cherish control, who value the art of the shift, and who appreciate a nuanced, engaging experience over raw, automated brute force.

This car isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about a modern interpretation of a beloved legend, delivering a driving experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly contemporary. The Integra Type S serves as a powerful reminder that even in today’s tech-laden automotive landscape, there’s a vital, passionate demand for cars that put the driver squarely in command, with a manual gearbox as their trusty co-pilot.

Car Model Information: 2024 Acura Integra A-SPEC
Name: Honda Integra
Caption: 2002 Honda Integra Special Edition (DC5) in Australia.
Aka: Honda Civic (eleventh generation)
Manufacturer: Honda
Production: proper name
ModelYears: 1986–2006,2023–present
Assembly: Suzuka, Mie
Class: Compact car
BodyStyle: liftback,coupé
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout,Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout
Predecessor: Honda Quint
Successor: ubl
Categories: 1990s cars, 2000s cars, 2020s cars, All articles with unsourced statements, All articles with vague or ambiguous time
Summary: The Honda Integra (Japanese: ホンダ インテグラ, Hepburn: Honda Integura), sold in North America as the Acura Integra and later the Acura RSX, is an automobile produced by the Japanese company Honda from 1985 until 2006, and then since 2021. It succeeded the Quint as a more luxurious and sport-oriented derivative of the Civic. The Integra was one of the launch models for Acura in the US in 1986 alongside the Acura Legend. Throughout its production run, the Integra was highly regarded for its handling and performance. The 1995–2001 Integra Type R is widely regarded as one of the best front-wheel-drive cars of all time. The Integra nameplate was revived in 2021 after a 16-year hiatus. The Honda Integra nameplate is used for a restyled Honda Civic sedan for the Chinese market, while the Acura Integra nameplate is used for a Civic-based liftback for North America, replacing the Acura ILX.

Get more information about: Honda Integra

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Acura        Model: Integra
Price: $29,000        Mileage: 16,785 mi.


Read more about: I’m a Mechanic: Some Cars Experts Would Never Buy (and Why You Should Avoid Them Too)

Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing: American Muscle with a Touch of Class and a Clutch
Internal Combustion Engines Will Continue Living Alongside Electric Vehicles, Says Cadillac Vice …, Photo by topspeedimages.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

13. **Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing: American Muscle with a Touch of Class and a Clutch**In a world where many performance sedans have long since relegated the manual transmission to the history books, Cadillac dropped a bombshell with its Blackwing models. Specifically, the CT4-V Blackwing stands as a stunning anomaly: an American luxury sport sedan powered by a twin-turbo V6, boasting over 470 horsepower, and offered with a glorious 6-speed manual transmission. This isn’t just a manual; it’s a statement, a bold defiance of industry trends from a brand you might least expect it from.

Imagine settling into the luxurious, tech-laden cockpit of a Cadillac, only to be greeted by a perfectly sculpted shifter and a perfectly weighted clutch pedal. This isn’t a retro fitment; it’s a meticulously engineered manual designed to handle the immense torque of the 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6. It’s an intoxicating blend of old-school muscle car ethos and cutting-edge performance sedan refinement, creating a driving experience that is utterly unique and profoundly rewarding.

The decision by Cadillac to offer a manual in the Blackwing models is a testament to their understanding of true enthusiast desires. They know that for a segment of their buyers, the ability to row your own gears is not just a preference; it’s a prerequisite for genuine driver engagement. It speaks volumes about their commitment to crafting cars that are not just fast, but deeply involving, appealing to those who seek mastery over automation.

The CT4-V Blackwing is a modern classic in the making, a luxurious beast that doesn’t compromise on the visceral thrill of a manual transmission. It’s a triumphant example of a domestic automaker stepping up and delivering an uncompromising driver’s car, proving that the art of the stick shift is still very much alive, even in the rarefied air of high-performance luxury. This is a car that truly sings when you’re working the gears yourself.

Jeep Wrangler: Off-Road Mastery, One Gear at a Time
File:1989 Jeep Wrangler (20422446989).jpg – Wikimedia Commons, Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY 2.0

14. **Jeep Wrangler: Off-Road Mastery, One Gear at a Time**When you think of a manual transmission, your mind might immediately leap to a sports car carving corners. But for a significant, and fiercely loyal, contingent of drivers, the manual gearbox is utterly essential for a different kind of mastery: conquering the wilderness. Enter the Jeep Wrangler, a vehicle whose off-road prowess is amplified, not diminished, by the availability of a 6-speed manual transmission. This isn’t about speed; it’s about control, precision, and the primal connection to the terrain.

Imagine inching over boulders, navigating treacherous mud, or descending a steep, rocky trail. In these scenarios, the ability to precisely control your gearing and clutch engagement is paramount. The manual Wrangler allows for finer throttle modulation, crucial engine braking, and a level of nuanced control that an automatic, for all its convenience, simply cannot replicate when the going gets truly tough. It’s about feeling every ripple of the trail through the shifter and the pedals, placing every tire with deliberate intent.

The manual Wrangler isn’t just a throwback; it’s a practical tool for serious off-road enthusiasts. Its high take rate for the manual option—reportedly around 10 percent, a remarkably strong figure in today’s market—underscores the fact that for many, the manual is an integral part of the Wrangler’s rugged identity. It’s a vehicle that embodies freedom and adventure, and for many, that freedom is best experienced with three pedals.

This iconic American off-roader demonstrates that the manual transmission isn’t exclusively for the racetrack or the backroad blast. It serves a vital, practical, and deeply engaging purpose for those who demand ultimate control in the most challenging environments. The Jeep Wrangler proudly carries the torch for manual mastery, proving that some traditions are simply too effective, and too beloved, to ever truly fade away.

Car Model Information: 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Name: Jeep Wrangler
Caption: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Sahara edition
Manufacturer: Jeep
Class: Compact SUV
Production: 1986–present
Predecessor: Jeep CJ
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout,rear-wheel drive
Chassis: Body-on-frame
Related: AIL Storm
Categories: 1980s cars, 1990s cars, 2000s cars, 2010s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles
Summary: The Jeep Wrangler is a series of compact and mid-size four-wheel drive off-road SUVs manufactured by Jeep since 1986, and currently in its fourth generation. The Wrangler JL, the most recent generation, was unveiled in late 2017 and is produced at Jeep’s Toledo Complex. The Wrangler is a direct progression from the World War II Jeep, through the CJ (Civilian Jeeps) produced by Willys, Kaiser-Jeep, and American Motors Corporation (AMC) from the mid-1940s through the 1980s. Although neither AMC nor Chrysler (after it purchased AMC in 1987) have claimed that the Wrangler was a direct descendant of the original military model — both the CJ Jeeps and the conceptually consistent Wrangler, with their solid axles and open top, have been called the Jeep model as central to Jeep’s brand identity as the rear-engine 911 is to Porsche. Similar to the Willys MB and the CJ Jeeps before it, all Wrangler models continue to use a separate body and frame, rigid live axles both front and rear, a tapering nose design with flared fenders, a fold-flat windshield, and can be driven without doors. Also, with few exceptions, they have part-time four-wheel drive systems, with the choice of high and low gearing, and standard open bodies with removable hard or soft tops. However, the Wrangler series was specifically redesigned to be safer and more comfortable on-road, to attract more daily drivers, by upgrading its suspension, drivetrain, and interior, compared to the CJ line. The suspension on all Wranglers included trackbars and anti-roll bars, and, from the 1997 TJ onwards, front and rear coil springs instead of the previous leaf springs. From 2004 onward, the Wrangler has been complemented with long-wheelbase versions, called Wrangler Unlimited. 2004-2006 models were longer versions with 2 doors. In 2004, only automatic transmission-equipped “Unlimited” versions were sold. In 2005, both an automatic and manual 6-speed (NSG-370) were offered. Since 2007, the long-wheelbase Wranglers were four-door models, offering over 20 in (508 mm) more room. By mid-2017, the four-door models represented three-quarters of all new Wranglers on the market.

Get more information about: Jeep Wrangler

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Jeep        Model: Wrangler
Price: $10,550        Mileage: 157,089 mi.


Read more about: Your Garage, Your Rules: 14 Top Cars for Stress-Free DIY Maintenance

Subaru BRZ / Toyota GR86: The Dynamic Duo of Driver Purity
Subaru Impreza 2024 Reviews – Ailis Arluene, Photo by motortrend.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

15. **Subaru BRZ / Toyota GR86: The Dynamic Duo of Driver Purity**Last, but certainly not least, we arrive at a pair of cars that champion the manual transmission not through brute force, but through sublime balance and pure driving delight: the Subaru BRZ (and its twin, the Toyota GR86). These are the spiritual successors to classic lightweight sports cars, designed from the ground up to prioritize driver involvement and a thrilling, accessible experience, and central to that mission is their perfectly executed 6-speed manual transmission.

Forget horsepower wars; these cars are about harmony. With a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat-four engine producing 228 horsepower, the BRZ/GR86 is engineered to dance, not just sprint. The manual gearbox is the conductor of that dance, allowing drivers to perfectly rev-match, explore the upper reaches of the rev band, and feel the car rotate around them with exquisite precision. The shifter itself is a joy to operate, with short, mechanical throws that click into place with satisfying certainty.

This dynamic duo represents a rare breed in today’s market: affordable, dedicated sports cars that demand engagement rather than relying on automated heroics. They teach the art of momentum, the nuances of weight transfer, and the sheer satisfaction of mastering a genuinely responsive chassis. The manual transmission isn’t just an option; it’s the very soul of these cars, transforming them from mere transportation into instruments of driving pleasure.

In a world increasingly focused on digital interfaces and autonomous features, the Subaru BRZ (and GR86) is a refreshing analog antidote. It’s a powerful statement that simple, fundamental driving dynamics, paired with an engaging manual gearbox, can deliver more smiles per mile than many supercars. For those of us who still believe in the magic of the three pedals, these twins are a shining example of the manual transmission’s enduring, irreplaceable appeal.

Car Model Information: 2024 Subaru BRZ Premium
Name: Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ
Caption: 2022 Toyota GR86 Premium (ZN8)
Manufacturer: Toyota
Aka: unbulleted list
Production: January 2012 – present
ModelYears: 2013–present
Assembly: Ōta, Gunma
Class: Sports car
BodyStyle: fastback,coupé
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Sp: uk
Categories: 2+2 coupés, 2020s cars, All Wikipedia articles written in British English, All articles with dead external links, All articles with unsourced statements
Summary: The Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ are 2+2 sports cars jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru, manufactured at Subaru’s Gunma assembly plant. The 2+2 fastback coupé has a naturally aspirated boxer engine, front-engined, rear-wheel-drive configuration, 53/47 front/rear weight balance and low centre of gravity; it was inspired by Toyota’s earlier AE86, a small, light, front-engine/rear-drive Corolla variant widely popular for Showroom Stock, Group A, Group N, Rally, Club and drift racing. For the first-generation model, Toyota marketed the sports car as the 86 in Asia, Australia, North America (from August 2016), South Africa, and South America; as the Toyota GT86 in Europe; as the 86 and GT86 in New Zealand; as the Toyota FT86 in Brunei, Nicaragua and Jamaica and as the Scion FR-S (2012–2016) in the United States and Canada. The second-generation model is marketed by Toyota as the GR86 as part of the Gazoo Racing family.

Get more information about: Toyota 86

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Subaru        Model: BRZ
Price: $30,500        Mileage: 3,195 mi.

So, there you have it, fellow automotive archaeologists and driving romantics. While the vast expanse of dealer lots might paint a grim picture for the manual transmission, its defiant spirit burns bright in these incredible machines. From nimble roadsters to powerful sports sedans, and rugged off-roaders, the third pedal continues to offer a connection to the road that automated systems, for all their undeniable prowess, simply cannot replicate. It’s a connection born of skill, practice, and a profound appreciation for the mechanical art of driving. We may be a dwindling tribe, but we are a passionate one, and as long as cars like these exist, the manual transmission will truly be, if not ubiquitous, then certainly gone but not forgotten. Here’s to keeping the flame alive, one perfectly executed shift at a time.

Leave a Reply

Scroll top