On the one hand, fears about the impending extinction of the manual transmission aren't entirely unfounded. Fewer and fewer people are feeling the love for the stick; for the last few years, the take rate in the U.S. has been less than 10 percent, down from around 22 percent in the mid-eighties.
On the other hand...
... despite consumer indifference, manufacturers continue to churn out a wide array of offerings for those who'd rather shift their own gears. And we're not just talking about the usual performance-oriented suspects -- you'll find models with manual transmissions in the most unlikely places, such as the hybrid and minivan categories.
Here are our top stick-shift picks in five popular segments, listed in alphabetical order.
1: Budget Hatchback – Ford Fiesta
There was a time when budget hatchbacks used to come with low price tags and virtually nothing else. These days, the segment is more competitive than ever, and the happy result is sterling models like the Ford Fiesta. The Fiesta is available with the latest in tech, and high-end features like a keyless entry/ignition system; you also get cabin design and materials quality that are at the top of the class. The best thing about the Fiesta, though, is the feeling it gives you when you're behind the wheel. The manual transmission charms you with its precise shifts, and the 1.6-liter inline-4 remains smooth as Billy Dee Williams no matter what you throw its way.
2: Family Sedan – Ford Fusion
The Fusion has the capability to spice up even the most mundane treks, whether you're picking your wife's blouse at the dry cleaning shop or collecting the kid from daycare. There's none of that sloppiness 'round corners that you get with some big sedans – this is a car that likes to be driven. The six-speed manual transmission is only offered with the base 175-horsepower inline-4, but with the capable gearbox at your beck and call, you'll forget all about that V6. Ford's Sync takes care of the tech end of the picture, and the 16.5-cubic-foot trunk is one of the largest in the segment.
3: Hybrid – Honda CR-Z
The fact that you're making a greener choice when it comes to the car you drive doesn't mean you have to forego certain pleasures. The hybrid segment may seem like an odd place to go looking for a stick shift but the Honda CR-Z exists to satisfy those who like to shift their own gears as they do their bit for the planet. Small and sporty, the CR-Z shatters another hybrid stereotype by being fun to drive. And as you'd expect, fuel economy is beyond reproach, at 31 mpg city/37 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined.
4: Minivan – Mazda 5
The Mazda 5 is just as practical and responsible as you need a minivan to be. It's got those sliding doors that make boarding easy even if you've got your hands full with grocery bags, and it also comes with useful features like a pop-up center table in the second row. What makes the 5 truly special, though, is the fact that it's the only minivan on the market that's available with a manual transmission. And you'll have fun using that manual, too, since the 5's smaller footprint makes it much more agile and enjoyable to pilot than larger rivals like the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna.
5: Crossover – Nissan Juke
The Juke is proof that beauty is about much more than what meets the eye. Its sheet metal may call to mind the visage of an unfortunate toad from some children's fairy tale but once you get behind the wheel, this Nissan's charms become readily apparent. Under the hood is a 1.6-liter inline-4 engine that gives up 188 hp and 177 pound-feet of torque, and the mill helps the Juke shine as one of the quickest choices in its segment. A six-speed manual transmission makes the most of the vigorous little engine.
Honorable mentions: CTS-V Wagon, Subaru Outback
Which picks would you add to this list?
bodyblue says:
07:45 AM, 08/21/11
The Mazda 5 needs the stick....I drove one with an auto and it was pretty sluggish...with a full load it would be painfully so.
run_and_drive says:
08:29 AM, 08/21/11
FYI, the Fusion only comes with the 6MT in base "S" trim. This means that not only is the V6 not an option, but neither is Sync, or any wheels larger an 16's (at least according to Ford's web-sight), or the great majority of technology and convenience options available on the SE or SEL.
The only reason Ford offers the "S" with the 6MT is so that they can advertise a base-price of under $20K for the Fusion. Which is disappointing considering that is could be THE driver's car of the segment. Then again, Mazda made the same mistake with the 6 (no coincidence).
ed124c says:
08:38 AM, 08/21/11
Anyone who WANTS a stick, instead of just getting it to save money, will be disappointed about the 2012 Ford Fusion. Only the base S model has the six speed manual available. This means no SYNC, no decent tires, no Sport package. no sunroof, etc.
The 2011 Fusion SE had a stick with all the good options. It's okay, though, because test driving the SE with the manual was not much fun.
And what about Subaru? Geez, you guys are supposed to cover all cars, but apparently, news travels seeps slowly into Southern California. Anyway, all Subarus are AWD, and all but the Tribeca are available with a stick. No other car maker does this. And I don't believe there is ANY car maker that has even one AWD model with a stick-- Subaru has four.
Therefore, my nominee to replace the Fusion is the Subaru Forester. (The five speed manual is a good one, while the six speed on the Legacy and Outback is not. The Impreza is just too homely for its own good. And its gas mileage isn't as good as the Forester's.)
The Mazda 5 is a kind of silly car. It needs three rows of seats to accommodate six people. Meaning, if you need to seat five people, the cargo area is drasiticaly reduced. In other countries, the 5 gets a three across second row bench. Who makes these decisions?
The other choices are valid, except that the Fiesta, being a subcompact, is in a pool of countless cars that have stick shifts. Name one that doesn't have a stick.
A better choice would be the Focus, which, in the SE trim level, can be had with most of the good options. And it has 160 hp and will actually fit humans in the rear seat (unlike the Fiesta-- which is more like a 2+2)
bc1960 says:
11:01 AM, 08/21/11
ANY car maker that has even one AWD model with a stick
Audi (A4, A5)
BMW (3)
Jeep (Compass, Patriot)
Mini (Countryman)
Saab (9-3)
Suzuki (SX4)
(not counting truck-based vehicles)
Ford no longer offers the Fusion SE with a stick; hmmm, wonder if they learned anything about the take rate during the six years they did. Smaller manufacturers may be more willing to serve niches; it's too bad more don't and just try to me-too the big guys.
The Mazda5 acknowledges that the middle position isn't all that useful in a vehicle of C-class width (in markets were it has one, it's a folding bridge replacing the folding storage table, and probably even less comfortable than the center spot in the Mazda3 the van is based on); bigger minivans also may offer 2 seats in the second row, though they may have 3 in the last. Calling it silly is silly; it may not be the vehicle for people who breed like rabbits, but it could be a useful car for a lot of people. In the absence of a Mazda station wagon, I've seriously considered it, but I wish it didn't have the third row at all, and that the cargo floor were flat with the second row folded and without the third row--an honest 4-seat wagon with expandable cargo volume.
bodyblue says:
11:35 AM, 08/21/11
I agree with ed...the 5 should have a bench seat for the second row. Little kids would fit just fine and it is nice to have the ability in a pinch to have the extra seat. But the 5's biggest problem is the 155hpish engine. Waaaay too gutless with a full load. I drove one from a dealer a couple of years ago. I was driving with my wife and saleslady and it did not feel "zoom zoom" at all. It needs a small six or a bigger 4.
hoosiergrandad says:
12:23 PM, 08/21/11
bc1960...........what truck-based vehicles you talkin'about?
I can't find a new half-ton pickup with a manual. Seems to me there'd be lots of takers for them.
teampenske3 says:
12:41 PM, 08/21/11
@ ed
You seem to really like Subies, don't you? Just out of curiosity, what didn't you like about the Legacy transmission? I haven't really heard much about it.
ed124c says:
01:14 PM, 08/21/11
The six speed manual on the Legacy and Outback is very notchy and not any fun to drive. You can't rely on the shifter going into the slot you want. Which, of course, is not acceptable. Subaru had the perfect five speed manual in the previous model Legacy and Outback. The Forester and Impreza still have the "good" five speed manual. I am crossing my finger that the 2012 Impreza, which comes with a five speed manual, will carrry over the existing five speed.
@bc1960: Thanks for the info. Your list has cars I either can't afford or would never buy. So I guess I haven't done my homework on them.
Also, the Mazda 5 is certainly large enough to be able to accommodate three in the second row. The fact that it apparently can't is just poor engineering on Mazda's part. As bodyblue says, having the bench means that, in a pinch, you could probably fit three in.
vvk says:
01:24 PM, 08/21/11
What Mazda5 need is a better driver seat. It has by far the least comfortable driver seat I have ever tried, The bottom cushion is tilted too far forward, which makes it unbelievably uncomfortable.
blueguydotcom says:
02:40 PM, 08/21/11
Acura TSX? - family sedan, far more luxurious than the food, better handling, better materials, better engine and better manual.
ralphhightower says:
03:57 PM, 08/21/11
When I met my wife, she could drive her dad's tractor (not one of those lawn mowing tractors)
I had one of those Ford Mustangs that Ford should never have built, a 74 Mustand II! The one with a 4 cylinder engine.. Teaching her how to drive a stick in a vacant movie theater lot was an adventure! People would get behind us and blow their horns when she stalled out!
Hey Stupid People! Move Around!
church123 says:
07:53 PM, 08/21/11
How about a list of cars that _only_ come with manuals (automated manuals, DCTs, etc. count as autos, so something like the M3 would be disallowed).
Off the top of my head, some current models:
1. Mazdaspeed3
2. Subaru STI
3. Civic Si
4. 911 GT3/RS/4.0
5. Mustang Boss
6. Corvette Z06
7. Corvette ZR1
Anyone think of any more?
Interestingly enough, outside of the front drivers, these are all cars I'd be happy to have in my garage.
smrtypants44 says:
08:01 PM, 08/21/11
@bc1960, @church123
Don't forget the upcoming Golf R... which will only be available in a stick.
mind_ride says:
08:45 PM, 08/21/11
The Mazda 5 doesn't come with a 3-across second row in the US in order to meet federal passenger safety/collision standards.
DLu says:
09:11 PM, 08/21/11
I just looked it up, didn't realize the Juke has a luggage volume of 10.5 cu ft?! I am disappointed that IL would rank the Juke above an Outback. Most people look for crossovers when they want to carry more than what a Corolla can (Corolla has almost 2 cu ft more trunk space and larger in most passenger dimensions).
You are putting too much emphasis on cosmetics (not that you rate its appearance one way or another; rather, you will recommend it as a crossover only because it kinda looks like one, but can't really carry stuff like one).
litewerk says:
04:10 AM, 08/22/11
I'm gonna give props to VW, in that the Golf, Jetta, and even the new Passat all are available with manuals. Wondering if and when we get the Polo, which also will offer a manual, I'm sure.
bodyblue says:
04:24 AM, 08/22/11
A manual trans wont save VW from its dreary line up of boring cars. The TDI in the LT fleet is a great example of a car that would be just as boring with a stick. VW gets no props at all from me.
mrb5091 says:
06:02 AM, 08/22/11
I know it's not the most popular model with enthusiasts, but I love my CR-Z's transmission. It's the slickest shifting car I've driven.
And unlike many vehicles like the Mazda5 and the Juke, you can get the CR-Z in any trim level with the manual transmission.
wjtinatl says:
07:33 AM, 08/22/11
No surprise Ford has all but canceled the Fusion with a manual. A neighbor is the GM of a decent size Ford dealership. In the two years since the Fusion has been updated, they've sold two with a clutch. One was a customer special order SE with the Sport pkg. The other was a nicely equipped (Roof, Sync, alloys) black SE. It sat on the lot for 9 months and finally sold at invoice - holdback and rebates. A quick on-line inventory search shows manual Accords and Camry's are similarly scarce due likely due to minimal demand. It's too bad, but the combination of longer commutes, intense traffic congestion and greatly improved automatic fuel economy will likely all but eliminate the do it yourself gearbox in the next ten years.
cjasis says:
08:46 AM, 08/22/11
I don't think anyone has mentioned this but the stick shift isn't avaialable on all Mazda5 trim levels. If you're like me, and you want the HID headlamps, moonroof and other goodies that come on the top level Grand Touring, you must get the 5 speed slushbox.
06scooby says:
08:59 AM, 08/22/11
@ed124c: and that forester can be had with the stick, sunroof, heated seats, 17" allows, and tinted windows!
I'd say another one to add to the list, you can get the Accent SE which is pretty much loaded (no sunroof availalbe no matter what tranny) and you get the nice wheels with the 6 speed manual. Haven't driven one yet, so no clue if its any good though. Also the Focus SE hatch with the 5 speed would be high up there too.
The Subaru Legacy GT is manual only also for building that list.
I just wish there was the option to order the manual on a lot of these cars. If I can get a Mazda 5 with a manual and also a mazda 5 with sunroof, leather, heated seats... etc. etc. why can't I order that together. If I could have actually found a Mazda 5 some what close to us with the touring package and manual (which they offered in 06-07 only) we probably would have gotten that instead of our Entourage. I found a couple far far away, but they didn't seem like they were in that great of shape. bummer... we miss our manual scooby.
firstwagon says:
11:04 AM, 08/22/11
You can get a Mazda5 with all the goodies and a 6 speed manual. You just have to buy it in Canada and import it back to the states (no idea how hard that is).
The 6 speed manual is standard on all models here and the leather, sunroof, etc is available in the GT with the luxury package.
What annoys me is now I stuck with leather seats if I want the sunroof. All I want is the base GS with a sunroof and a manual.
cjasis says:
11:32 AM, 08/22/11
Firstwagon - for most of us, especially those of us living in CARB controlled CA, what you're suggesting (importing into the US from Canada) is not as easy as it sounds.
Since Mazda doesn't sell a manual transmission Mazda 5 grand touring in the US, for example, getting it smogged and licensed here in CA would be about as easy as building a rocket to the moon in our backyard... it can be done but at huge cost and time involvement and an unbelievable wall of government red tape.
ed124c says:
03:26 PM, 08/22/11
@cjasis: Are you sure that manufacturers have to certify every TRIM LEVEL of a car? Doesn't make a lot of sensse. I can understand having to do it for differing drivetrains.
jmb27 says:
03:47 PM, 08/22/11
I bought the Mazda 5 for this very reason. The only complaint, at least as far as thr transmission is concerned, is the fact that it has six gears. I find that I am always shifting. I still prefer it over any automatic though. Even if it is only on the lowest trim level in the lineup.
addicted2sp33d says:
08:34 PM, 08/22/11
I've been having this very discussion with some friends, as I will be in the market for a people-mover... Find me a Wagon or Large sedan that is preferably RWD (AWD is acceptable), that is available with a 6-Speed Manual. No Trucks/SUVs/Crossovers - I prefer to be closer to the ground.
The closest thing I can come up with is the dearly departed G8 GXP.
C-Class, A4 and 3-Series are too small. New 5-Series is bigger, but still a tiny bit on the small-side; but a 5-Series WAGON would be fantastic if it existed.
If those engineers at Hyundai put a 6-Speed Manual option in the new 5.0 R-Spec, that would be perfect.
WHY do the bean counters win every time!!??
addicted2sp33d says:
08:36 PM, 08/22/11
^Forgot to mention... Legacy Outback is 's Butt-Ugly... so it doesn't count.
mrb5091 says:
10:28 AM, 08/23/11
addicted2sp33d,
What about the CTS/CTS-V Wagon?
addicted2sp33d says:
10:40 AM, 08/23/11
Regular CTS Wagon is Autotragic-Only, according to Cadillac website... I guess CTS-V is my only real choice. =/ Not many alternatives out there.
typer_801 says:
01:06 PM, 08/23/11
I agree with 3-5
3: Hybrid – Honda CR-Z
4: Minivan – Mazda 5 (desperately needs the new Sky-D engine)
5: Crossover – Nissan Juke
Would add
6: Entry-level Luxury - Acura TSX
7. Sport Compact - Honda Civic Si
CTS-V Wagon too, but have no idea how to class other than most kick-a$$ family hauler
airpower says:
01:31 PM, 08/23/11
How about a large sedan?
My 2011 Saab 9-5 has a stick - and can be had with all the goodies.
I am averaging 29.7 miles per gallon with it (70 Highway, 30% City) over 10K miles.
Afraid of Saab right now - don't be - you can lease one for a song right now.
Perian - GM Inside News
firstwagon says:
01:41 PM, 08/23/11
cjasis
That's too bad. People import cars from the states up here all the time.
The cars are the same so there is no reason for smog problems (engines are the same in the Mazda5 regardless of trim level and a manual is available on base models even in CA). However you are likely right about the government paperwork.
quietflyer says:
06:22 PM, 08/25/11
I bought a 2011 Kia Sportage with a 6 speed manual. It is the base model which does not offer a lot of the options you can get with the automatic versions. It still offers a lot of features for the money.
awbmw6spd1 says:
10:41 AM, 08/27/11
Mini Cooper Countryman, Countryman S and Countryman S ALL4
Toyota FJ Cruiser
Porsche Cayenne V6
Buick Rega GS
Nissan Altima V6
Just to name a few
awbmw6spd1 says:
10:52 AM, 08/27/11
Mini Cooper Countryman, Countryman S and Countryman S ALL4
Toyota FJ Cruiser
Porsche Cayenne V6
Buick Rega GS
Nissan Altima V6
Just to name a few