I was one of those who complained about the GR Supra not having a manual, since day 1. Thankfully, Toyota released the GR Supra with a manual. I put my money where my mouth was, and purchased one. It took me 10 months to find one, in the spec I wanted, without a mark up.. but I finally did it.
You say a manual feeling "agricultural" like it's a bad thing! I love that aspect of manuals. I also don't think auto rev matching is that cool of a feature. Learning to rev match yourself makes the manual driving experience even more fun and you feel like a total badass blipping the throttle and biting the clutch at the perfect spot from gear to gear. Manuals require a lot of practice to be driven very well and the average driver just does not have the interest in doing so. The amazing thing manuals give you is a feeling of progression. You start to learn more and more advanced techniques and you completely transform how you drive compared to when you started. My manual driving skill when I was 16 is nowhere close to what it is at 32. The experience has only become more rewarding over the years as I continue to develop my skills. Automatics just can't give you that experience.
Thing about rev matching is that it is *optional.* Think about the young guy who is on the fence about buying a manual but isn't so sure? Something like this may be enough to entice them to go for it. Once he gets past a certain point, he will turn it off. Maybe some experienced guy just wants to be a little lazier with it on his drive through the city? When he wants a raw experience, he just toggles the rev matching off and vice versa. Having options is an objective gain, not a con. (and no, the software to add a feature like this is peanuts compared to all the other safety features/emission standards that is making these cars more expensive.)
@@thespectator5259 Yeah in the GRC it doesn't turn on unless you press the button. Unfortunately the brake/gas pedal spacing stock is kind of ass compared to the previous MT cars I've driven so heel-toe is a little more of a chore
Kirk, Thanks for putting in the manual labor to compile this list.😉😉 I have been living the manual dream for 25 years with cars built by Toyota or Mazda. With the Civic, Mazda 3, Versa etc manuals continuing, Toyota has been put to shame by dropping the manual Corolla for all but the most expensive GR. With their renewed commitment to the manual Tacoma and a possible manual 4Runner and/or Land Cruiser FJ in the works, let's hope Toyota sees the light and brings an affordable Corolla manual back . 🤞🤞
there is no point in a manual for non-enthusiast cars. if by having it, we get a reduce cost, then sure.. but beside cost and maybe simplicity of service down the road, there is zero point in having a manual on a non-enthusiast car.
@@eugenux You are wrong, every car is more fun in manual even geo metro's of the past. At the same cost as an automatic, i would still chose the manual, been buying manual cars for the last 25 years...
Kirk, I have driven well over 300,000 miles in manual cars so far in my life and I will continue to do so until my left leg falls off. I have a ZN8 now, love it! Also, manual cars REQUIRES you to be a better driver than an auto-driver IMO.
I think that is why when I visited Sweden they were such better drivers than Americans.....I can't stand the slow road speeds though, feels like being in the 1950s.
@Treaxvour You could heel toe the brake and clutch, and then accelerate when in gear ⚙️ shift without Rev-Match., or if the car has Rev-Match Tremec like my 2022 Roush Mustang... no problem.
All my cars are manuals and I love them. My son learned to drive on the manual and he loves them too. He drove an automatic and said it was so boring!!
I recently bought the Honda Civic hatchback with the 2.0 NA engine and a manual. Finding one was difficult; the sport touring with the 1.5L turbo was a lot more common in manual. However I really like the torque curve and throttle behavior of the NA engine over the turbo even if it's slower and has less power, because it feels like it still has enough power when you're not in the turbo range whereas the 1.5L felt like it absolutely needed to be spoiled up to do anything. I probably paid a little too much for it (no markups but I still paid for some dealer options after much haggling), mostly because my old civic was running on 3 cylinders and I needed the car. Gas mileage is only OK, I get about 26-30 running around town and between 34 and 40 on the highway. Also Honda doesn't close the throttle completely when coasting so you don't have much engine braking which is weird and screws up how I drive the car in the mountains. Also wish the car came with 16s instead 18s. The 18s are sharp but for a non performance car I'd prefer the better ride and cheaper tires of 16s. I may end up buying some 16s anyways because of that. But overall I'm quite happy with the car.
I own a 2023 ct4 v blackwing. I got it last June. Yes, it has the 6 speed manual. It is an amazing car. It was a big upgrade for me coming form a 2014 focus ST, which also had a stick. Needless to say its the best car ive ever owned, and is ALOT of fun.
The car i miss the most from my younger days is the VR6 manual Jetta and GTI…it was amazing! Back then you could get a Maxima, Accord, or Camry V6 with a manual!!! Those were the days…
I’m glad we bought last year the Mazda Miata MX5 RF. Here in the Philippines, 22% of new cars have manual transmissions, however it’s getting more difficult. Great segment
I think manual transmissions should go with conventional handbrakes, not electric parking brakes. Looks like only two of those mentioned in the vid are equipped with one, Mustang and BRZ.
Just bought the 6-speed manual Mazda 3 Hatch, and I am in love. Its the first car I've bought that I have been passionate about and it was worth every penny. I'm not a car/driver enthusiast so the highpoints for me are the stylish exterior and luxurious interior. Its a thing of beauty. Super nice daily commuter and fun in the stick shift version.
I'm an old guy who really enoyed standard shift cars. My last one was a Jeep Wrangler which unfortunately developed that frightening "death" wobble. Had to sell it. Thank you for the video of what's still available.
12:26 as a person who owns both a fb6 (civic si) and a z33 manual, the z is a raw feeling manual. the transmission is hooked up directly to the transmission with it being rwd where the civic has bushing and other stuff in between. i thought the z felt less refined but what you realize is that it’s a raw feeling and you can really feel everything. the honda essentially has a condom so you don’t get any feel
2022 WRX owner here! At 8k miles and clutch/transmission is really smooth! I do wish it had auto rev match, but hey I get to impressed my passengers on how I dance with the 3 petals!
I rented a Bronco 2 door with a manual transmission and the transmission was nice! Throws were good, clutch was fine. Didn’t care for the digital tac tho, and the 2 door feels way cheaper than the 4 door but the trans was great!
Kirk. 718 is absolutely NOT the ultimate Miata. I sold a 981 boxster s (had it for 3 years, loved it. Time for another experience). Now have a 2021 club nd2 Miata. You fling the Miata around and you get a totally different sensation with a boxster. It feels significantly heavier (cause it is). Wonderful car but tossable isn’t the word that comes to mind. Completely different flavors of automotive sports cars
Got a new GR86 with the 6MT and I'm enjoying it. Would prefer it if it had a Toyota engine and not a Subaru one but whatever. Need more options. Nissan needs to make a successor to the 180/240, Mazda needs another offering in the RX line, Honda should reboot the S2000. Cars are only going up in cost and most people can't afford a new one, let alone a used one in this market
I've been driving a manual since 1969. Over the years the my cars have changed from Muscle cars to sports cars, imports and back to American performance with 99% being manuals, and as of late listening to automatics are faster and easier to drive in traffic. I prefer to drive a manual because I like too. Driving in traffic doesn't bother me, and here on Long Island we have plenty to go around. I've seen the manuals fade from the market place over the years, but I feel lucky that I've been able to still find new examples that I enjoy. In a manual it's all about the drive.
Always driven a manual, so I’m not sure how much I’d miss it if I didn’t. Unless it was a sports car - I think I would get over it pretty quick though.
I've driven BMW for years and still have two in the garage but that new Grill-Billy M car is a smack in the face. It's not just the grill. The lines down the side are broken and the exhaust sticks out like hemorrhoids. Hopefully they change their ways LOL!. SAVE THE MANUAL! Enjoy your day, Friends.
I did my part saving the manuals buying a Honda Civic Hatchback Sport 2.0 naturally aspirated last year. My daughter turned 16, she is learning how to drive it, we practice 1 hour every day, in only 11 hours I already feel somewhat comfortable taking her out on public roads late at night and early mornings on weekend and I am saving 10K to put on a down payment to get her one 8 months to a year from now. I encourage you all to do the same. Buy new please, also used market with 30K miles or under it's almost sticker price.
Bought a 2024 Mazda3 Premium Hatchback 6spd MT. Cheaper and better shifting than the Civic Sport Touring Hatchback 6spd. Best manual shifter I've ever driven. That includes my 2022 BRZ.
I have a 2003 Mazda Protege5 and a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta both in manual (only thing had to swap to short shift in the Jetta). Love my manuals and hope they keep coming.
My 2018 Mustang GT was the only manual on the lot and it buried. Same when I bought a 2014 Camaro SS, the only Manual and it took 40 minutes to move cars to get it out.
Manuals are a lot of fun but i think you need two cars so you have an auto when bored , or in traffic . Have a manual in my 1970 Dodge Challenger 440 six pack nothing but tire smoke . Love it.
Was looking to getting a 2023 manual, but everything was marked up! We should talk about how dealerships are killing the manual by pricing car enthusiasts out of the market for a fun manual car.
Lotus Emira? Haven’t driven one in MT or auto, but guessing from what I love and don’t about my ND and Porsches I have driven, it definitely seems up my alley.
I only buy/drive manual vehicles...! But, I don't/won't buy any vehicle built after '96... All my personal cars were built before 1980...! A 72 SS Camaro (350cid/4-speed), a 79 Z28 restomod, I guess you call it(468cid/5-speed TKO), and a 74 Camaro(original 350cid/4-speed)... My fleet of work trucks are also manuals, the F-series from 94-96 are bulletproof when equipped with the 300cid/ 5-speed drive trains... never get any Ford v8...!!! Anyway, thanks for sharing... Keep up your awesomeness...
Ordered one of the very rare GR Yaris Gen 2 in pearl white just a few days ago in the Netherland. Manual transmission of course, even though Toyota is making all the fuss about the new 8 speed automatic transmission and how much "faster it is" with it's fancy software doing a gear shift... I feel like the GR Yaris especially is NOT made for automode or rather lazy mode, no matter how much they praise their new automode toy😁
I bought a 40th anniversary vw gti manual last year. I cross shopped the mazda 3, but the fact that I couldn't get the turbo or awd with a manual killed that for me.
Right now I drive a Honda Civic hatchback which is really nice. It has the 6-speed manual with the 1.5 l engine giving out about 180 horsepower. Unfortunately it has some issues with the AC in the car so I am in the market for a new manual. Thank you for sharing a pretty complete list of the current new cars available with a stick shift.
Auto rev-matching should be on every new manual transmission car. Not so much for me, because I heel and toe downshift constantly, but for my wife, who can drive a stick, but struggles with downshifting. Why they didn't include it in the manual Miatas is beyond me.
I once had a rental car for a week. After a few days I noticed it did rev matching. Another time I lent a car from my colleague. After i came back I said: didn't expect that car to have rev matching. He didn't know, had the car for 2 years already. So: learn to drive and match-rev yourself...
Even fewer here in Taiwan where I live now. I got a Suzuki Swift Sport last year, which is one of the few remaining options. (The others being the Toyota 86, Toyota Yaris GR, and a handful of Porsches)
I have a ‘24 Civic SI and love the manual transmission it has. Very smooth and easy to drive. I previously had a Civic Sport hatch also with a 6 speed manual and very nice shifting as well.
I own VIN # 1917 of a 2023 Acura Integra ASpec, supposedly order 256 of the initial 500. I’ve driven it ~14,000 miles and learned how to drive manual on it. That being said, I’m not super happy with the vehicle outside of the transmission. A lot of related to the seats (passengers have no height adjustment), road noise, etc. I already own a Tesla Model Y, I may replace it with a Highland Model 3 Performance if I like what I see there. On the fence about upgrading to a Type S, M2 is not much more, Elantra type N is a steal, Golf R, etc. - on paper, Integra Type S its a great car, but its a total miss by Acura in the real world and they are starting to build inventory on those (even seeing discounts), so I will check it out this summer. It’s too expensive for uncomfortable seats (Civic R seats are better), no onboard navigation, and a decontented vehicle including no passenger height adjustment, sunroof (Type S is not supposed to be a track car), and no driver profile memory. Last, even the fuel economy on Type R / Type S, not great. I don’t understand why you can get low 30’s when in a BMW M340 on the highway, which is heavier and has two extra cylinders (I love the fuel economy in my ASpec Manual, on a long highway trip I can get close to 40 MPG if I am easy on it). Golf R will also probably blow it away in fuel economy. I understand the cars are performance cars, but if you want to actually drive them on a trip (which I’ll argue Type S will be road tripped say more than a Type R), people do care about that. Also, people talk about the ELS stereo in the Acura Integra as being great. My wife has a Acura RDX ASpec with Advanced Package. The RDX ELS stereo is so much better in that than in the Integra. I call the Integra ELS Light. The Tesla Model Y sound system blows both ELS stereos away and its free.
I just bought a 24 Mazda3 hatchback with a manual. I love it so far. I've had 5 different manual cars in my lifetime. They are getting harder to come by.
Currently driving a 18 civic with the 6 speed, I love it but I want to upgrade in the next couple years. Ide love to buy a sports car but I need something that will handle Canadian winters at lease as well as the civic. I don't trust the Subaru's and most of everything is out of my budget so it looks like another civic is in my future.
I took it personally when my bf at the time said, you don’t know how to really drive. I know how to take a manual out of first but im not ready for the busy roads in the United States…. But im promised myself I would learn and buy myself a golf gti. ❤
I miss my old manual trans Subaru outbacks, I’ve owned over a dozen manual trans first gen outbacks. Amazing cars especially off-road. They came with more ground clearance than 90% of the trucks and suv at the time, and a super torquey boxer engine.
Manual forever! I drive a lot, even in traffic jams and still it feels a lot better than auto (besides, in case the battery runs out you can't push start an auto)
Glad I got my boost blue Civic sport touring hatch with a manual before they stopped making them for 25. It's an awesome car. It makes it so much funner to drive.
I got my 2024 Golf R in December. I was trying to wait for the mk8.5, but 2024 will be the last year they make it in stick. Got it for MSRP too, which the dealer said I was the last person they promised at sticker; the next people in line are paying $8k over. I used to sell Toyotas & had a deposit on GR Corolla, but after doing some deep soyl searching, I had to let it go. It's too pure of a track car & needed something that will do everything that much more luxurious touches...the GRC doesn't even have a center console, among other things.
I drove nothing but manual vehicles for 40 years (over 11 new Honda/Acura/Toyota vehicles in that time). My 2022 CX-30 was my first automatic vehicle & it's fine for what it is (nice 6-AT instead of a crappy belt/chain design CVT). But, thinking about buying another manual in near future in the form of the newly refreshed 2024 Mazda MX-5/Miata RF 6-MT Roadster. Manuals are just so much more fun to drive if you aren't stuck in stop/go traffic a lot, & the control you have over them is so much better than any automatic.
I wonder if beefing up the metal and a slight clutch adjustment on the Miata's six-speed would be enough to handle the power and torque from the inline 6. I'm happy with my 3 pedal purchase as is though, just wish it wasn't snowing right now. Even with AWD and their fancy power management system I imagine that much torque and hp would make the mazda3 very close to the Mazda speed 3 in character. If they wanted to keep the rear open differential in one piece that is. Which is what we want but not what mazda wants unfortunately. Perhaps the RWD architecture in sedan form would handle the power cleanly enough for their liking to make that manual...
Looks like you forgot all of the fun trucks that are offered in manual. I had to wait 807 days from order to delivery for my 7spd manual 2022 Bronco Badlands, but after fourteen months of having her in my possession, it was worth the wait. Edit: Okay so you gave a nod to trucks in the end but I think you could have included them here as they provide the same fun factor and control of being one with your machine.
Thanks for the summary!! I'm still looking forward to own a manual car and learn from it! I'm still dreaming about The Fairlady though, but I'm not sure I'll end up with it. 😔😔😔 A 4-door manual car will fit more in my current status. Hope it won't be hard to find.
Love your content! If you have a chance to drive a 718, do your best to drive the 4.0. The NA flat 6 is incredible and much more charismatic than the turbo 4. Hope you get to drive one before the they go all turbo or ev!
I'm going on 75 yrs old and never owned an automatic. My 2006 Forester is my 15th car and I still have it. It's loaded but also has a manual tranny. There are no more manual Foresters or Crosstreks being made. Sort of sad.
I used to have an '07 mk5 GTI and would love to drive the newer gen and the new Golf R. Just enjoying my mt '23 GR86 at the moment and hopefully until it gives out on me lol
I wish the Audi RS3 and RS5 would come in a manual. Also, I know these aren't cars but I thought the Tacoma, Wrangler, Gladiator, and Bronco would be honorable mentions as they all come in manual. The Jeep is the only one that offers a V6 model with a manual, unfortunately.
As a manual enjoyer, ive driven a cvt and have to admit a modern cvt is a much better choice for everyday driving. Also learnt to drive on a shitty dinosaur of a 4 speed automatic and id take a manual any day. When i did construction i also heavily enjoyed driving a manual diesel light truck, shifting slowly and at low rpm for that authentic trucker role-playing experience.
Most of my driving is unfortunately in heavy traffic and TONS of stop signs, and about 10-15% on the highway for little road trips or visits to family in the suburbs. I have driven two manual cars in these conditions and in light of that, would not be interested in daily driving with a manual stick. If I were to buy a manual transmission car, it would probably be for long distance road trips to areas with fun windy roads, or if I live outside of a major urban environment. But I'm not in a position to own two cars, nor am I moving away from the city in the near future, so sticking with automatic is the best choice for me.
I have a 2022 Mini Countryman S that is an automatic. I so so so wish it was a manual. I have mostly had manuals, but been in an auto since 2015. Summer 2023 I went to Europe and rented a manual and not only was it more fun, even on a junky rental car, but I was a better driver! I feel much more comfortable driving a manual in snow as well! I am looking to get an Acura Integra A-Spec Tech.
Good video. For many years, finding a manual transmission car, even on models that "offered" it has been difficult. Several brands only offered a manual on the most basic model, with few if any options. They then stop offering it because no one bought it. Every car I have owned, 11, including my current 2007 Saturn Vue, has had a manual. If the government offered $7500 of our tax dollars to buy a car with manual, do you think the take rate would improve? I taught my daughter and grandson to drive a manual transmission.
15:42 I have one of these and yea you don't dump the clutch. You need to manage it and it will come down to you working with the system. I can do some magic but the red line comes quick. The rev matching or lack there of is again a testimate to the drivers skill. Ill admit I'm not the best in the car. On the bike I'm your man. In the car I'm still working on it. But the premis is you have to goose the RPMS to what you think you will need it to be at when you drop the clutch and getting that right is a skill and then managing that while braking is another skill. On the bike its all on my hands which i find much easier to orchistrate.
F-CVT’s. I love my 2023 Honda Civic sport hatch in 6 sp MT. I also own a 2019 Civic LX in 6 speed MT. I was a loyal Toyota Corolla driver since 1988, (7 corollas consecutively) they stopped offering the MT in the affordable trims. I became a civic guy.
I was one of those who complained about the GR Supra not having a manual, since day 1. Thankfully, Toyota released the GR Supra with a manual. I put my money where my mouth was, and purchased one. It took me 10 months to find one, in the spec I wanted, without a mark up.. but I finally did it.
Sad that only the 3.0 model is available with a manual. The 2.0 could use one also, even though the automatic is a good one.
i just think the 2.0 is kind of pointless i think people would rather get a 86 or miata@@RagShop1
Let's see that video of the beautified beast
bravo weee
Unlike the internet bots that Kirk pretends to engage with, I actually do my part to save the manuals because I actually buy them. 😆
Same. Just bought a 2024.
Yup, same here, I picked up a 2023 last year
Same. My daily driver is a 2019 Tacoma MT.
Does my 1998 5 speed Sentra count? I can't afford a new car...if I could, I would most likely get the refreshed 2024 Miata.
Bought our 1st non manual in 25 years. There comes a time when it just isn't practical in all vehicles
I did everything I could to save the manuals. Mine are always in the glove compartment.
You say a manual feeling "agricultural" like it's a bad thing! I love that aspect of manuals. I also don't think auto rev matching is that cool of a feature. Learning to rev match yourself makes the manual driving experience even more fun and you feel like a total badass blipping the throttle and biting the clutch at the perfect spot from gear to gear. Manuals require a lot of practice to be driven very well and the average driver just does not have the interest in doing so. The amazing thing manuals give you is a feeling of progression. You start to learn more and more advanced techniques and you completely transform how you drive compared to when you started. My manual driving skill when I was 16 is nowhere close to what it is at 32. The experience has only become more rewarding over the years as I continue to develop my skills. Automatics just can't give you that experience.
Thing about rev matching is that it is *optional.*
Think about the young guy who is on the fence about buying a manual but isn't so sure? Something like this may be enough to entice them to go for it. Once he gets past a certain point, he will turn it off. Maybe some experienced guy just wants to be a little lazier with it on his drive through the city? When he wants a raw experience, he just toggles the rev matching off and vice versa.
Having options is an objective gain, not a con. (and no, the software to add a feature like this is peanuts compared to all the other safety features/emission standards that is making these cars more expensive.)
Nissan 370z and new Z manual transmission is one of my favorites it’s notchy it’s noisy it’s just visceral and I love it plus it does have rev match
@@thespectator5259 Yeah in the GRC it doesn't turn on unless you press the button. Unfortunately the brake/gas pedal spacing stock is kind of ass compared to the previous MT cars I've driven so heel-toe is a little more of a chore
@@thespectator5259"Having options is an 'objective' gain"
Loved that!
Kirk, Thanks for putting in the manual labor to compile this list.😉😉 I have been living the manual dream for 25 years with cars built by Toyota or Mazda. With the Civic, Mazda 3, Versa etc manuals continuing, Toyota has been put to shame by dropping the manual Corolla for all but the most expensive GR. With their renewed commitment to the manual Tacoma and a possible manual 4Runner and/or Land Cruiser FJ in the works, let's hope Toyota sees the light and brings an affordable Corolla manual back . 🤞🤞
Money in my hands right now toyota, do it! They already have it set up and homologuated, bring it back!
there is no point in a manual for non-enthusiast cars.
if by having it, we get a reduce cost, then sure.. but beside cost and maybe simplicity of service down the road, there is zero point in having a manual on a non-enthusiast car.
@@eugenux You are wrong, every car is more fun in manual even geo metro's of the past. At the same cost as an automatic, i would still chose the manual, been buying manual cars for the last 25 years...
@@theadvocate4698 I always drove shitboxes and until last month I had an 05 scion tc with a manual...still fun to drive LOL
Kirk, I have driven well over 300,000 miles in manual cars so far in my life and I will continue to do so until my left leg falls off. I have a ZN8 now, love it!
Also, manual cars REQUIRES you to be a better driver than an auto-driver IMO.
I think that is why when I visited Sweden they were such better drivers than Americans.....I can't stand the slow road speeds though, feels like being in the 1950s.
What if your right leg falls off?
@Treaxvour You could heel toe the brake and clutch, and then accelerate when in gear ⚙️ shift without Rev-Match., or if the car has Rev-Match Tremec like my 2022 Roush Mustang... no problem.
Kirk I am so with you I will never buy an Automatic Transmission Paddle Shifters, an Electric Vehicle ( EV's), never buying a Front Wheel drive. 👦👍🏎🏁🚩
oh brother just call it the GR86 😂
I waited 3 months to get my 21 crosstrek in a manual. And have had 0 problems with it now running it with 110k miles. I drive a lot
BRAVO I NA TEBE BRAT MEEE
All my cars are manuals and I love them. My son learned to drive on the manual and he loves them too. He drove an automatic and said it was so boring!!
A manual V6 Camry would be really nice but it’s a shame that nobody would probably buy one
Only if its striped down
Not big tech and price goes $30k
I recently bought the Honda Civic hatchback with the 2.0 NA engine and a manual. Finding one was difficult; the sport touring with the 1.5L turbo was a lot more common in manual. However I really like the torque curve and throttle behavior of the NA engine over the turbo even if it's slower and has less power, because it feels like it still has enough power when you're not in the turbo range whereas the 1.5L felt like it absolutely needed to be spoiled up to do anything.
I probably paid a little too much for it (no markups but I still paid for some dealer options after much haggling), mostly because my old civic was running on 3 cylinders and I needed the car.
Gas mileage is only OK, I get about 26-30 running around town and between 34 and 40 on the highway. Also Honda doesn't close the throttle completely when coasting so you don't have much engine braking which is weird and screws up how I drive the car in the mountains. Also wish the car came with 16s instead 18s. The 18s are sharp but for a non performance car I'd prefer the better ride and cheaper tires of 16s. I may end up buying some 16s anyways because of that.
But overall I'm quite happy with the car.
In my world in Florida…if it’s not a manual I will not and I repeat WILL NOT drive it!
I own a 2023 ct4 v blackwing. I got it last June. Yes, it has the 6 speed manual. It is an amazing car. It was a big upgrade for me coming form a 2014 focus ST, which also had a stick. Needless to say its the best car ive ever owned, and is ALOT of fun.
The car i miss the most from my younger days is the VR6 manual Jetta and GTI…it was amazing! Back then you could get a Maxima, Accord, or Camry V6 with a manual!!! Those were the days…
I’m glad we bought last year the Mazda Miata MX5 RF. Here in the Philippines, 22% of new cars have manual transmissions, however it’s getting more difficult. Great segment
save the rwd manuals especially
I think manual transmissions should go with conventional handbrakes, not electric parking brakes. Looks like only two of those mentioned in the vid are equipped with one, Mustang and BRZ.
Omg true. Electric parking brake is absolutely cringe
very very very true electric e brakes for a manual is stupid
I LOVED my manuals when I had them, but a neurological disorder robbed me of my ability to use a clutch pedal. 😭
Im sorry to hear that :c
Get an automatic that has a manual option! No clutch
@@saltytr3319What's the fun in driving an automatic?
I'm sorry to hear that! Once you appreciate the joy of a manual, it's hard to give it up. However, life throws challenges and we have to adapt.
Mazda really should do a manual option for their AWD Turbo.
Since only a few percent buy them, it's just not worth it. In fact, they use the manual as a way to force customers to upgrade to the Premium trim.
me too, probaply would have bought one. bought a used golf altrack instead
I agree but the numbers that they would sell would probably put it in Golf R price range . I still would have bought one though
I tried to buy a manual Versa, last year. Every Nissan dealer in and near Chicago gave me the runaround.
Just bought the 6-speed manual Mazda 3 Hatch, and I am in love. Its the first car I've bought that I have been passionate about and it was worth every penny. I'm not a car/driver enthusiast so the highpoints for me are the stylish exterior and luxurious interior. Its a thing of beauty. Super nice daily commuter and fun in the stick shift version.
My absolute favorite.
You lucked out even finding one.
I'm an old guy who really enoyed standard shift cars. My last one was a Jeep Wrangler which unfortunately developed that frightening "death" wobble. Had to sell it. Thank you for the video of what's still available.
12:26 as a person who owns both a fb6 (civic si) and a z33 manual, the z is a raw feeling manual. the transmission is hooked up directly to the transmission with it being rwd where the civic has bushing and other stuff in between. i thought the z felt less refined but what you realize is that it’s a raw feeling and you can really feel everything. the honda essentially has a condom so you don’t get any feel
2022 WRX owner here! At 8k miles and clutch/transmission is really smooth! I do wish it had auto rev match, but hey I get to impressed my passengers on how I dance with the 3 petals!
Auto rev match is for those who can't heel-toe
Love your videos... Would love to see chapters/bookmarks to make jumping around easier on the longer ones. Thanks!
I rented a Bronco 2 door with a manual transmission and the transmission was nice! Throws were good, clutch was fine. Didn’t care for the digital tac tho, and the 2 door feels way cheaper than the 4 door but the trans was great!
Kirk. 718 is absolutely NOT the ultimate Miata. I sold a 981 boxster s (had it for 3 years, loved it. Time for another experience). Now have a 2021 club nd2 Miata. You fling the Miata around and you get a totally different sensation with a boxster. It feels significantly heavier (cause it is). Wonderful car but tossable isn’t the word that comes to mind. Completely different flavors of automotive sports cars
Been driving only manuals since 1978. Currently have a BRZ. manual of course.
Got a new GR86 with the 6MT and I'm enjoying it. Would prefer it if it had a Toyota engine and not a Subaru one but whatever. Need more options. Nissan needs to make a successor to the 180/240, Mazda needs another offering in the RX line, Honda should reboot the S2000. Cars are only going up in cost and most people can't afford a new one, let alone a used one in this market
I've been driving a manual since 1969. Over the years the my cars have changed from Muscle cars to sports cars, imports and back to American performance with 99% being manuals, and as of late listening to automatics are faster and easier to drive in traffic. I prefer to drive a manual because I like too. Driving in traffic doesn't bother me, and here on Long Island we have plenty to go around. I've seen the manuals fade from the market place over the years, but I feel lucky that I've been able to still find new examples that I enjoy. In a manual it's all about the drive.
Always driven a manual, so I’m not sure how much I’d miss it if I didn’t. Unless it was a sports car - I think I would get over it pretty quick though.
I just purchased 2024 Honda civic hatchback sport 6 speed manual. I absolutely love it.
What do you think 1 month in?
What a great subject for a video, Kirk. Didn't think of it. The fact that
All I need is a manual transmission and a kick ass stereo, windows down in summer so no need for A/C....and layer up in winter so no need for heat.
@@fortheloveofnoise Good for you. Even less requirements. I love sunroofs too. Nothing better than the sun and wind flooding the cabin.
I've driven BMW for years and still have two in the garage but that new Grill-Billy M car is a smack in the face.
It's not just the grill. The lines down the side are broken and the exhaust sticks out like hemorrhoids.
Hopefully they change their ways LOL!.
SAVE THE MANUAL!
Enjoy your day, Friends.
I did my part saving the manuals buying a Honda Civic Hatchback Sport 2.0 naturally aspirated last year. My daughter turned 16, she is learning how to drive it, we practice 1 hour every day, in only 11 hours I already feel somewhat comfortable taking her out on public roads late at night and early mornings on weekend and I am saving 10K to put on a down payment to get her one 8 months to a year from now. I encourage you all to do the same. Buy new please, also used market with 30K miles or under it's almost sticker price.
Bought a 2024 Mazda3 Premium Hatchback 6spd MT. Cheaper and better shifting than the Civic Sport Touring Hatchback 6spd.
Best manual shifter I've ever driven. That includes my 2022 BRZ.
This was a good category to go over. Thanks Kirk!
I have a 2003 Mazda Protege5 and a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta both in manual (only thing had to swap to short shift in the Jetta). Love my manuals and hope they keep coming.
My 2018 Mustang GT was the only manual on the lot and it buried.
Same when I bought a 2014 Camaro SS, the only Manual and it took 40 minutes to move cars to get it out.
Manuals are a lot of fun but i think you need two cars so you have an auto when bored , or in traffic . Have a manual in my 1970 Dodge Challenger 440 six pack nothing but tire smoke . Love it.
Was looking to getting a 2023 manual, but everything was marked up! We should talk about how dealerships are killing the manual by pricing car enthusiasts out of the market for a fun manual car.
Really enjoyed this video Kirk! Very informative of the manuals that are still surviving! Long live the manual!!!
Lotus Emira? Haven’t driven one in MT or auto, but guessing from what I love and don’t about my ND and Porsches I have driven, it definitely seems up my alley.
I only buy/drive manual vehicles...! But, I don't/won't buy any vehicle built after '96... All my personal cars were built before 1980...! A 72 SS Camaro (350cid/4-speed), a 79 Z28 restomod, I guess you call it(468cid/5-speed TKO), and a 74 Camaro(original 350cid/4-speed)... My fleet of work trucks are also manuals, the F-series from 94-96 are bulletproof when equipped with the 300cid/ 5-speed drive trains... never get any Ford v8...!!! Anyway, thanks for sharing... Keep up your awesomeness...
The nissan versa in a manual is pretty good. Fixing to get a 2024 one. Had a 2023 but hit a deer and totalled it
Ordered one of the very rare GR Yaris Gen 2 in pearl white just a few days ago in the Netherland. Manual transmission of course, even though Toyota is making all the fuss about the new 8 speed automatic transmission and how much "faster it is" with it's fancy software doing a gear shift... I feel like the GR Yaris especially is NOT made for automode or rather lazy mode, no matter how much they praise their new automode toy😁
Mustang Ecoboost is no longer available with a manual for 2024, sadly. Leftover 2023s with manuals are likely extremely hard to find.
I bought a 40th anniversary vw gti manual last year.
I cross shopped the mazda 3, but the fact that I couldn't get the turbo or awd with a manual killed that for me.
I'm still rocking my 06 Jeep 6 speed. Love that thing.
Right now I drive a Honda Civic hatchback which is really nice. It has the 6-speed manual with the 1.5 l engine giving out about 180 horsepower. Unfortunately it has some issues with the AC in the car so I am in the market for a new manual. Thank you for sharing a pretty complete list of the current new cars available with a stick shift.
I’m doing my part…..leased a ‘24 Mazda 3 Hatch 6MT. A perfect and fun daily driver for about $30k
My 1996 4Runner was. Loved it.
Im here for it!! Got my gr86 in manual looking to grab a gr corolla soon too!
BMW M2 has S58 not B58
Surprised the list was actually that long ! Interesting walk thru Kirk !
Auto rev-matching should be on every new manual transmission car. Not so much for me, because I heel and toe downshift constantly, but for my wife, who can drive a stick, but struggles with downshifting. Why they didn't include it in the manual Miatas is beyond me.
I once had a rental car for a week. After a few days I noticed it did rev matching.
Another time I lent a car from my colleague. After i came back I said: didn't expect that car to have rev matching.
He didn't know, had the car for 2 years already.
So: learn to drive and match-rev yourself...
Manual is fun to drive, I still have 5 and 6 speed manual on 94’ Accord and 04’ TSX.👍😁
Even fewer here in Taiwan where I live now. I got a Suzuki Swift Sport last year, which is one of the few remaining options. (The others being the Toyota 86, Toyota Yaris GR, and a handful of Porsches)
At least you guys still have the Mitsubishi Lancer, even if it's cvt only
I have a ‘24 Civic SI and love the manual transmission it has. Very smooth and easy to drive. I previously had a Civic Sport hatch also with a 6 speed manual and very nice shifting as well.
The Mazda 3 hatch would be my pick. Wondering when the redesign is coming.
Just bought a Versa Manual three days ago, took two months to find one. Love it so far.
My first car was a manual transmission. 1988 acura integra rs
I own VIN # 1917 of a 2023 Acura Integra ASpec, supposedly order 256 of the initial 500. I’ve driven it ~14,000 miles and learned how to drive manual on it. That being said, I’m not super happy with the vehicle outside of the transmission. A lot of related to the seats (passengers have no height adjustment), road noise, etc. I already own a Tesla Model Y, I may replace it with a Highland Model 3 Performance if I like what I see there. On the fence about upgrading to a Type S, M2 is not much more, Elantra type N is a steal, Golf R, etc. - on paper, Integra Type S its a great car, but its a total miss by Acura in the real world and they are starting to build inventory on those (even seeing discounts), so I will check it out this summer. It’s too expensive for uncomfortable seats (Civic R seats are better), no onboard navigation, and a decontented vehicle including no passenger height adjustment, sunroof (Type S is not supposed to be a track car), and no driver profile memory. Last, even the fuel economy on Type R / Type S, not great. I don’t understand why you can get low 30’s when in a BMW M340 on the highway, which is heavier and has two extra cylinders (I love the fuel economy in my ASpec Manual, on a long highway trip I can get close to 40 MPG if I am easy on it). Golf R will also probably blow it away in fuel economy. I understand the cars are performance cars, but if you want to actually drive them on a trip (which I’ll argue Type S will be road tripped say more than a Type R), people do care about that. Also, people talk about the ELS stereo in the Acura Integra as being great. My wife has a Acura RDX ASpec with Advanced Package. The RDX ELS stereo is so much better in that than in the Integra. I call the Integra ELS Light. The Tesla Model Y sound system blows both ELS stereos away and its free.
I just bought a 24 Mazda3 hatchback with a manual. I love it so far. I've had 5 different manual cars in my lifetime. They are getting harder to come by.
I’ve got a 23 Subaru brz limited with the 6speed manual and I love it so far
Currently driving a 18 civic with the 6 speed, I love it but I want to upgrade in the next couple years. Ide love to buy a sports car but I need something that will handle Canadian winters at lease as well as the civic. I don't trust the Subaru's and most of everything is out of my budget so it looks like another civic is in my future.
I took it personally when my bf at the time said, you don’t know how to really drive. I know how to take a manual out of first but im not ready for the busy roads in the United States…. But im promised myself I would learn and buy myself a golf gti. ❤
I miss my old manual trans Subaru outbacks, I’ve owned over a dozen manual trans first gen outbacks. Amazing cars especially off-road. They came with more ground clearance than 90% of the trucks and suv at the time, and a super torquey boxer engine.
I bought two manuals in 2022 that should out live me Cayman GTS and Corolla hatch.
Good 1-2 punch
I still have my S2000, such a good manual transmission!
I daily drive my 2023 Type R and love it so much. Got a Borla exhaust on it too!
Manual forever! I drive a lot, even in traffic jams and still it feels a lot better than auto
(besides, in case the battery runs out you can't push start an auto)
BMW has a manual now for their new Z4 I believe. Convertible dark green and hazelnut interior. Limited edition?
Glad I got my boost blue Civic sport touring hatch with a manual before they stopped making them for 25. It's an awesome car. It makes it so much funner to drive.
I got my 2024 Golf R in December. I was trying to wait for the mk8.5, but 2024 will be the last year they make it in stick. Got it for MSRP too, which the dealer said I was the last person they promised at sticker; the next people in line are paying $8k over.
I used to sell Toyotas & had a deposit on GR Corolla, but after doing some deep soyl searching, I had to let it go. It's too pure of a track car & needed something that will do everything that much more luxurious touches...the GRC doesn't even have a center console, among other things.
95 Miata, 02 WRX wagon, 07 Audi A3, 12 Mini Cooper S, 15 WRX Limited. All have the manual transmission. 😁😁😁
I drove nothing but manual vehicles for 40 years (over 11 new Honda/Acura/Toyota vehicles in that time). My 2022 CX-30 was my first automatic vehicle & it's fine for what it is (nice 6-AT instead of a crappy belt/chain design CVT). But, thinking about buying another manual in near future in the form of the newly refreshed 2024 Mazda MX-5/Miata RF 6-MT Roadster. Manuals are just so much more fun to drive if you aren't stuck in stop/go traffic a lot, & the control you have over them is so much better than any automatic.
2007 Evo IX and 2024 BMW M3 here. Putting my money where my mouth is.
I miss manual transmissions. You have more control over the car and it’s so much fun to drive!
Most important information on RUclips, THANK YOU! 🙏🏼
I'll take a manual over an automatic any day.
Damn Kirk, now I wanna see Mazda do a purple for the Miata.
I wonder if beefing up the metal and a slight clutch adjustment on the Miata's six-speed would be enough to handle the power and torque from the inline 6. I'm happy with my 3 pedal purchase as is though, just wish it wasn't snowing right now.
Even with AWD and their fancy power management system I imagine that much torque and hp would make the mazda3 very close to the Mazda speed 3 in character. If they wanted to keep the rear open differential in one piece that is.
Which is what we want but not what mazda wants unfortunately. Perhaps the RWD architecture in sedan form would handle the power cleanly enough for their liking to make that manual...
Looks like you forgot all of the fun trucks that are offered in manual. I had to wait 807 days from order to delivery for my 7spd manual 2022 Bronco Badlands, but after fourteen months of having her in my possession, it was worth the wait. Edit: Okay so you gave a nod to trucks in the end but I think you could have included them here as they provide the same fun factor and control of being one with your machine.
I have a 2018 Forester that is a six-speed manual. It took me forever to find it. I got it new.
Thanks for the summary!! I'm still looking forward to own a manual car and learn from it! I'm still dreaming about The Fairlady though, but I'm not sure I'll end up with it. 😔😔😔
A 4-door manual car will fit more in my current status. Hope it won't be hard to find.
I hate automatics ill keep driving my 93 ranger. It has 766 thousand miles runs great. My 06 Saturn ion only has 170 thousand and its junk lol.
Love your content! If you have a chance to drive a 718, do your best to drive the 4.0. The NA flat 6 is incredible and much more charismatic than the turbo 4. Hope you get to drive one before the they go all turbo or ev!
I'm going on 75 yrs old and never owned an automatic. My 2006 Forester is my 15th car and I still have it. It's loaded but also has a manual tranny. There are no more manual Foresters or Crosstreks being made. Sort of sad.
I used to have an '07 mk5 GTI and would love to drive the newer gen and the new Golf R. Just enjoying my mt '23 GR86 at the moment and hopefully until it gives out on me lol
Save the manual transmission.
I wish the Audi RS3 and RS5 would come in a manual. Also, I know these aren't cars but I thought the Tacoma, Wrangler, Gladiator, and Bronco would be honorable mentions as they all come in manual. The Jeep is the only one that offers a V6 model with a manual, unfortunately.
Came from manuals until i bought a Supra ZF8. Not going back to manual after 24 years of manual driving. The new autos are no longer sloths.
The 4.0 Boxster would be my pick. For now, my fun car is a Solstice GXP and my daily is a '04 TSX , both manuals.
As a manual enjoyer, ive driven a cvt and have to admit a modern cvt is a much better choice for everyday driving. Also learnt to drive on a shitty dinosaur of a 4 speed automatic and id take a manual any day. When i did construction i also heavily enjoyed driving a manual diesel light truck, shifting slowly and at low rpm for that authentic trucker role-playing experience.
Most of my driving is unfortunately in heavy traffic and TONS of stop signs, and about 10-15% on the highway for little road trips or visits to family in the suburbs. I have driven two manual cars in these conditions and in light of that, would not be interested in daily driving with a manual stick. If I were to buy a manual transmission car, it would probably be for long distance road trips to areas with fun windy roads, or if I live outside of a major urban environment. But I'm not in a position to own two cars, nor am I moving away from the city in the near future, so sticking with automatic is the best choice for me.
I have a 2022 Mini Countryman S that is an automatic. I so so so wish it was a manual. I have mostly had manuals, but been in an auto since 2015. Summer 2023 I went to Europe and rented a manual and not only was it more fun, even on a junky rental car, but I was a better driver! I feel much more comfortable driving a manual in snow as well! I am looking to get an Acura Integra A-Spec Tech.
Good video. For many years, finding a manual transmission car, even on models that "offered" it has been difficult. Several brands only offered a manual on the most basic model, with few if any options. They then stop offering it because no one bought it. Every car I have owned, 11, including my current 2007 Saturn Vue, has had a manual. If the government offered $7500 of our tax dollars to buy a car with manual, do you think the take rate would improve? I taught my daughter and grandson to drive a manual transmission.
15:42 I have one of these and yea you don't dump the clutch. You need to manage it and it will come down to you working with the system. I can do some magic but the red line comes quick. The rev matching or lack there of is again a testimate to the drivers skill. Ill admit I'm not the best in the car. On the bike I'm your man. In the car I'm still working on it. But the premis is you have to goose the RPMS to what you think you will need it to be at when you drop the clutch and getting that right is a skill and then managing that while braking is another skill. On the bike its all on my hands which i find much easier to orchistrate.
Open diffs 🤮
F-CVT’s. I love my 2023 Honda Civic sport hatch in 6 sp MT. I also own a 2019 Civic LX in 6 speed MT. I was a loyal Toyota Corolla driver since 1988, (7 corollas consecutively) they stopped offering the MT in the affordable trims. I became a civic guy.
I learned how to drive stick on a 97 Honda Accord DE. I loved that bad boy.