Remember the thrill of perfectly executing a heel-toe downshift? Or the satisfying thunk of a well-placed gear change? In a world increasingly dominated by automatics and CVTs, the manual transmission is becoming a rare breed․ But fear not, fellow driving enthusiasts! There are still automakers out there who understand the joy of a three-pedal setup․ Let’s dive into the world of cars that still let you row your own gears․
Why Choose a Manual Transmission Car?
So, why would anyone choose a manual in this day and age? It’s a valid question! For many, it’s about the connection to the car․ You’re more involved in the driving experience, making it more engaging and rewarding․ Plus, let’s be honest, it can be a lot of fun!
Here are a few reasons why people still love manuals:
- More Control: You’re in charge of the gear selection, allowing for precise control over the engine’s power․
- Greater Engagement: It’s a more active driving experience, keeping you focused and alert․
- Potentially Better Fuel Economy (Sometimes!): In some cases, a manual can offer slightly better fuel economy than an automatic, though this is becoming less common․
- Lower Purchase Price (Often!): Manual transmission cars often have a lower MSRP than their automatic counterparts․
Tip: Learning to drive a manual transmission can be a valuable skill․ It gives you a better understanding of how a car works and can even help you in emergency situations․
The Current Lineup: Cars Still Offering Manual Transmissions
Okay, let’s get to the good stuff! Which cars are keeping the manual transmission alive? The list is shrinking, but there are still some great options out there, spanning various categories․
Sporty Cars with Manual Transmissions
This is where you’ll find the most manual transmission options․ Think nimble handling and exhilarating performance․ Are you ready to shift into high gear?
- Mazda MX-5 Miata: The quintessential roadster, offering a perfectly balanced chassis and a slick-shifting manual․
- Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ: Affordable, rear-wheel-drive coupes that are a blast to drive․
- Honda Civic Si / Type R: Performance-oriented versions of the popular Civic, known for their engaging driving dynamics․
- Nissan Z: A modern take on a classic sports car, with a powerful engine and available manual transmission․
- Porsche 718 Cayman/Boxster: For those with a bigger budget, these mid-engine sports cars offer incredible performance and a rewarding manual experience․
Practical Cars with Manual Transmissions
Believe it or not, you can still find manual transmissions in some everyday cars․ Who says practicality can’t be fun?
- Kia Rio: A budget-friendly subcompact that offers a manual transmission on its base trim․
- Mitsubishi Mirage: Another affordable option with a manual available․
- Nissan Versa: A surprisingly spacious and fuel-efficient sedan with a manual option․
Interesting Fact: The percentage of new cars sold with manual transmissions in the US is estimated to be around 1-2%․ That’s a pretty small slice of the pie!
