33+ Cars That You Can Still Drive Stick Shift
Get on the Stick
Once a must-have for motoring purists, vehicles with manual transmissions are now an endangered class, even among many high-performance models — we’re looking at you, Chevy Corvette. Nowadays, people are happy to let their car do the shifting. Data from Carmax shows sales of cars with manual transmissions dropping from around 25% in 1995 to about 2.5% in 2021. Here’s a list of survivors, from basic transportation to race-worthy sports cars. (All cars are 2023 models unless otherwise noted.)
Chevrolet Spark (2022)
Starting MSRP: $13,600
Economy, not power, is the name of the game for this model with a four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission. After a 10-year run, Chevy announced plans to shut down production of the Spark in August, according to Car and Driver. But you may still be able to find one at a local dealership.
Nissan Versa
Starting MSRP: $15,739
Powered by a 122-horsepower four-cylinder engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission in the base models, Car and Driver says the updated subcompact provides “cheap, competent transport” that “isn’t going to win any stoplight drag races.”
Subaru Crosstrek
Starting MSRP: $23,645
The base model of the subcompact crossover pairs a six-speed manual transmission with a 156-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. Kelly Blue Book calls it “a quirky little SUV with good off-road capabilities.”
Subaru Impreza
Starting MSRP: $19,795
The base model of the midsize four-door coupe offers a standard five-speed manual transmission paired with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 152 horsepower.
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Kia Forte GT Manual
Starting MSRP: $24,890
You have to move up to the sportier GT version of this model to find a six-speed manual transmission, which is paired with a 201-horsepower four-cylinder turbo for quicker acceleration than the base model.
Honda Civic Hatchback
Starting MSRP: $25,450
While the redesigned Civic sedan has moved to a front-wheel-drive automatic transmission in 2022, the hatchback retained an option for a six-speed stick.
Chevrolet Camaro
Starting MSRP: $26,100
Sure, you can get a 10-speed automatic with this car, but wouldn’t you rather have the feel of a standard six-speed manual transmission paired with the base model’s 275-horsepower turbocharged inline-four engine for that old-school muscle-car experience?
Hyundai Elantra N
Starting MSRP: $27,050
With a six-speed manual transmission standard, Car and Driver says the 2023 model “inherits its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder” engine from the discontinued Veloster N hatchback, providing 275 horsepower for this sporty four-door sedan.
Mazda MX-5 Miata (2022)
Starting MSRP: $27,650
MotorTrend expects the 2023 model to be nearly identical to the 2022 version that made Car & Driver’s Editor’s Choice list. All but one Miata trim level (Grand Touring) offered a six-speed manual transmission during this model year, Car and Driver says.
Toyota GR86
Starting MSRP: $27,900
“Long live the manual transmission,” says Car and Driver, “especially when it’s packaged within something as fun as the Toyota GR86.” It’s the mechanical twin of the Subaru BRZ (they share the same four-cylinder power plant).
Honda Civic Si
Starting MSRP: $28,100
The sports sedan version of the classic Civic comes with a six-speed stick paired with a 200-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine. Car and Driver calls it “a front-wheel drive sport compact sweetheart that doesn’t cost a lot and is a lot of fun to pilot.”
Subaru BRZ
Starting MSRP: $29,150
The company’s website still lists a six-speed manual transmission on the front-wheel drive 2.5 S Premium trim level with a 191-horsepower four-cylinder engine. Kelly Blue Book calls the model “one of the most enjoyable cars in its class.”
Mini Cooper
Starting MSRP: $28,600
The two-door hardtop model comes in a variety of trims, all available with a six-speed manual transmission and engines ranging from a 1.5-liter three-cylinder to a 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
Mazda3 Hatchback
Starting MSRP: $29,150
The company’s website still lists a six-speed manual transmission on the front-wheel drive 2.5 S Premium trim level with a 191-horsepower four-cylinder engine. Kelly Blue Book calls the model “one of the most enjoyable cars in its class.”
Ford Mustang
Starting MSRP: $29,165
What would the iconic pony car be without a shifter on the console? Even in the base model, there’s a six-speed manual transmission paired with a turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine capable of 310 horsepower.
Subaru WRX (2022)
Starting MSRP: $29,605
The WRX features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 271 horses, a standard six-speed manual transmission, and all-wheel drive. The new model isn’t expected in showrooms before early 2023.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Starting MSRP: $30,530
The eighth generation of the sporty hatchback boasts a 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a standard six-speed manual transmission.
Acura Integra
Starting MSRP: $30,800
Acura is reviving the iconic nameplate (discontinued in 2001) for 2023 with this all-new sporty four-door sedan that Car and Driver says is aimed at “the entry-luxury compact segment.” While an automatic transmission is standard, there’s an option for a six-speed stick as well.
Jeep Wrangler Sport
Starting MSRP: $31,195
As you’d expect from a brand known for rugged off-road vehicles, Jeep has equipped this model with a six-speed manual on a base two-door model with a V6 engine, according to the manufacturer’s website.
Ford Bronco
Starting MSRP: $33,890
Car and Driver says the Bronco has a “dizzying array of models, trims, and optional equipment” that offer lots of configurations – “even for those die-hards (like us) who want to shift gears with the help of a clutch pedal.” Several models come with a seven-speed manual transmission.
Mini Cooper Clubman
Starting MSRP: $34,500
All of the versions of this compact station wagon have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed manual transmission is available on the Cooper S trim.
Toyota GR Corolla
Starting MSRP: $35,900
The new Toyota GR family entry is a rally inspired hatchback that Car and Driver calls “a little terror,” with a turbocharged 1.6-liter, three-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission.
Jeep Gladiator
Starting MSRP: $38,775
Kelly Blue Book says this mid-size crew cab pickup comes with a six-speed manual transmission on most trim levels and is “capable of serious off-road, open-air adventures” with tons of versatility.
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Nissan Z
Starting MSRP: $39,990
Nissan’s new generation of its iconic sports car features a 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 engine, six-speed manual transmission, and plenty of bells and whistles, according to Car and Driver.
Dodge Challenger R/T
Starting MSRP: $40,980
The 2023 model year will be the last for this bruiser as it transitions to an electric model. But the R/T trim package still offers a six-speed manual transmission with a 5.7-liter V8 engine.
Honda Civic Type R
Starting MSRP: $42,895
The car Honda calls “the fastest Civic ever” returns for 2023, sporting a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces up to 315 horsepower, tied to a six-speed manual transmission that Car and Driver says has been “upgraded to handle the power increase.”
Volkswagen Golf R
Starting MSRP: $44,740
The higher-performance hatchback is back with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine capable of 315 horsepower paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
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Toyota GR Supra
Starting MSRP: $52,500
It’s hard to believe that this performance sedan didn’t offer a manual transmission before this model year. You have to move up to the 3.0 trim (about $9,000 above the base vehicle) to get it, but that also gives you a “ferocious” 382-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter BMW inline-six “that makes this two-seater fly,” says Car and Driver.
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
Starting MSRP: $60,495
Sporting a 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 engine and a six-speed manual transmission, this souped-up version of Cadillac’s CT4 promises a top speed of 189 mph (on the racetrack, of course).
BMW M2
Starting MSRP: $62,200
After skipping a model year, the redesigned M2 returns to the BMW lineup with a standard six-speed manual transmission and a 453 horsepower 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder engine under the hood. Edmunds.com says sales are expected to begin in early 2023.
Porsche 718
Starting MSRP: $63,400
The 718 line of mid-engine roadsters has lots of stick options including the base Cayman ($63,400), convertible Boxter ($65,500), and sportier Spyder ($103,400) styles. Bring your checkbook.
BMW M3
Starting MSRP: $72,800
The standard version of the 473-horsepower M3 “is a rear-drive 473-horsepower sedan available only with a six-speed manual transmission,” says Car and Driver. “Opt for the 503-hp M3 Competition and you’ll have to settle for an eight-speed automatic.”
BMW M4
Starting MSRP: $74,700
Essentially a two-door coupe version of the M3, the standard model “comes with rear-wheel drive, a six-speed manual transmission, and a fiery 473-horsepower twin-turbo inline six engine,” says Car and Driver.
Lotus Emira
Starting MSRP: $77,100
This will be the final gas-powered sports car from the British automaker. Ever. At least that’s what MotorTrend said in 2021 when a model of the new car toured America. Look for it to sport a six-speed manual transmission along with a 3.5-liter V6 that generates 400 horsepower.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
Starting MSRP: $90,995
The manufacturer says a six-speed manual transmission is standard in the “ultra-high performance” version of the CT5, which boasts a 668-horsepower, 6.2-liter hand-built V8 engine that can reach speeds of 200 mph. Yikes.
Porsche 911
Starting MSRP: $116,600
The 911 line also sports multiple models with stick options from the Carrera T ($116,00) up to the Sports Classic edition ($272,300) with seven-speed manual transmissions.
This article was originally published on Cheapism
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