One car I remember being kind of unique was the Renault 16, since it had a four-speed shifter on the column.
Posted on 05/06/2020 11:10:55 AM PDT by NRx
Think the manual transmission is a dying breed? Guess what? You're right. Sales of electric cars recently surpassed those with three pedals. And since earlier this year, when we last revised this list, several stick-shift-equipped models have been dropped from the U.S. market, either because the option or the entire model line has been discontinued. Most notably, the Cadillac ATS-V is gone, and Jaguar no longer offers a six-speed for its rowdy F-type.
But here's the good news. There are more than 30 cars available in the U.S. that come with a manual gearbox. (A handful of sport-utes come with them, too, but we covered those in a separate list.)
If it's a row-it-yourself new car you're after, this list will help you find it. Here's hoping the next time we have to update this story, we’ll be adding entries.
Reprogram them to actually make farting noises ... suddenly I wish I was a world class hacker....
I got a really good deal on my Focus, because they were having a hard time selling it. Like wise my daughter got her Mazda for a steal because of the manual transmission. Her first car was a 5 speed Jeep YJ. Took her a couple of days to figure it out, but did really well with it. Sadly this is likely the last one I will ever own.
Have owned only two vehicles in 45 years, both manual transmission. Would still be driving the first, if it hadn’t been stolen. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience, but am ready for an automatic for #3 (gettin’ ooold).
On the fire department that I retired from we had a 1927 LaFrance Fire Engine that we drove in parades. The thing had to be “double clutched” when downshifting. I learned how to do this because of my experience growing up with old farm trucks. There were only two people on the fire department who knew how. I was one of them, so got to drive it in parades.
I had that on my 78 F100
Found a "4 on the floor" gearbox and swapped it out
4th is like overdrive.
Yep.
Mercedes has even returned shifters to the steering column.
I own a Cherokee and a TJ I get it too. I kept the Civic VX because I know it’s a rare 6-speed car since college and many times, some person would just stick a note on the windshield putting their phone numbers asking if I will sell it.
You did well teaching your kid about stick shift :) I think my brother and I did the same thing with my 8-10 yr old nephews after watching Ford V Ferrari explaining that’s not manual.
When I was a state copper working in Cook County I was in Chicago in the Greektown restaurant area when my partner and I monitored a Chicago Police Dept flash message about a car jacking that had just occurred in the area within the last few minutes.
Just moments after we made note of it, we heard cars honking at a late model import that was moving slowly in the left lane, jerking and stopping as other cars swerved around it. Since it matched the description of the suspect vehicle, we made a felony stop, detained three suspects who had two pistols in the car, and notified CPD Tactical officers to meet us at the scene.
These suspects were subsequently identified as the offenders in the car jacking, and the reason for the erratic driving that had captured our attention was the fact that the ringleader driver couldn’t operate the 5 speed manual transmission in it very well. One of his accomplices was an 18 wheel truck driver who was entirely capable of driving it, but the boss said that he had always wanted to drive a stick shift and this would be his first chance, so he ordered his buddy to stand down and took the wheel himself.
As a result of this experience, my 2010 Hummer H3 has a 5 speed manual trans. The transmission also helps me to get the most performance from a relatively heavy vehicle with a relatively small engine. (3.7L 250 hp, but moving 4800 lbs).
We wouldn’t catch so many of these clowns if so many weren’t so damn stupid.
Also known as a millenial theft prevention device.
___
Yep, I encouraged my son while college age to take up stick as a defense against potential texting and driving. That’s all he drives now as he approaches 30.
I have a 77 MGB that I use as semi daily driver. Wish it had OD but it’s fun to drive. My son is trying to talk me into dropping a 6 banger in it, but I may look for another to modify.
“The only good EV is one in a car compactor.
When sitting next to one at a stop light rev your engine...”
I thought the SOP was to roll coal, just like for bicyclists? :P
I picked up a 4 cylinder, 5-speed manual transmission, 2004 Mazda/Ford Ranger, non extended cab with only 18k miles and the original Continental tires on it. Paid only $2000 for it. Garage kept, headlights and tail lights still look new! The guys at the oil change place were awed by the condition under the hood with the plastic labels still on the brake lines.
Anyway, bought it to flip but totaled my F-250 so now it’s my daily driver, but I don’t know for how long. At 6’3” I have to pull over and get out of it if I need to get something out of my pocket. And it’s a really uncomfortable ride, plus the eternal shifting on my 23 mile commute. Great mileage though.
As a 5-speed you don’t shift into 5th gear until you hit 70 mph!
I learned stick while working as an engineering intern in college.
My wife and I bought a stick as our first new car. One of my friends taught her how to drive stick. I was very grateful.
I drove stick in Ireland many years later where the driver sits on the right. The pedals were the same as left-hand drive cars. For the first day with the rental, I would push in the clutch and grab the armrest on the door. :)
My older sister taught me to drive a stick in 1970 when I was 15. It was a Rootes Arrow (my dad worked at Chrysler) and I drove it up and down Woodward Ave in Birmingham, Michigan. Good times!
>>>We can scratch the Corvette off the list now - the C8 only comes with a DCT<<<
I have a C8 Convertible Hard Top on order. The new 8 Speed DCT is pretty slick. Not Porsche slick, but not bad.
My 2014 C7 had a 7 Speed Manual. It was fun but I won’t miss the Clutch Pedal this time around. Must be my old age and weak knees. LOL
Any one who lives and works in a metropolitan area drives with manual transmission is borderline masochist.
I have owned both manual tranny (back in 1960’s) and automatics. I would never go back to manual unless I was living in Montana where the population density is smallest.
A sports car should be offered with a stick. I respect how greatly improved the new automatics are but still believe a sports car should at least have a stick option
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.