Chrysler Corp had push button auto transmissions in the early 60s.
Ii somehow got on a freebee list and got free subscriptions to Car & Driver and Motor Trend. I had not really kept up with newer cars since I can no longer afford them.
One thing which surprised me is newer cars will perform better with auto transmissions than manual. For that reason I see no real reason for the standard ones anymore.
Another thing is how many gears the automatics have. Most of them are at leas 6 and some are as many as 10. Hard to believe the old powerglides got by just fine with 2.
Also horsepower especially considering how small the engines are, has gotten really high.
My new Honda CRV has CVT. (Continuously Variable Transmission)
It sounds crazy but my 2013 Toyota Tacoma 6-cyl automatic is a 6 speed.
The Hyundai elantra 6 speed transmission is really nice, especially when you shift to hybrid manual when you need more torgue available as one needs to hustle on and off the crazily designed ramps here in the Richmond metro area...shift to manual 3rd from drive and one is at 60 in about 3 seconds from 30 miles per hour and 80 in another 3 when upshifting to 4th. The available power will surprise you!