Manual cars are still made, but far fewer than a decade ago
Yes, manufacturers still produce manual transmission vehicles, but the market for them in the United States has shrunk dramatically. In 2023, fewer than 3% of new cars sold in America came with a manual transmission. Most manual options now appear only in specific segments: sports cars, compact hatchbacks, and some pickup trucks. Brands like Porsche, BMW, Mazda, and Ford still offer manuals on select models, but the list shrinks each year.
The decline reflects a fundamental shift in what buyers want and what manufacturers can profitably build. Automatic transmissions have become so efficient that they now match or exceed manual fuel economy. Simultaneously, the cost of developing and maintaining manual transmission lines has risen while demand has fallen, making the business case harder for automakers to justify.
Key Takeaways
- Manual transmissions remain available on a small number of new vehicles in the United States, primarily sports cars, some compact hatchbacks, and certain pickup trucks.
- Fewer than 3% of new cars sold in America have manual transmissions, down from roughly 10% a decade ago.
- Modern automatic and continuously variable transmissions now match or exceed manual fuel economy, removing one of the traditional advantages of manual cars.
- Porsche, BMW, Mazda, Ford, and Jeep are among the manufacturers still offering manual options, though availability varies by model year and trim level.
- Used manual cars remain available in the secondary market and often cost less than their automatic equivalents.
Which new cars you can still buy with a manual transmission
The list of new vehicles with manual options is short and specific. Porsche offers manuals on the 911 and Cayman. BMW includes them on the M440i and certain M-series models. Mazda puts manuals in the MX-5 Miata and CX-50 compact SUV. Ford offers a manual on the Mustang and F-150 pickup. Jeep includes one on the Wrangler and Gladiator. Honda previously offered manuals on the Civic and Accord but has phased them out in recent model years.
Availability changes annually. A model that offers a manual one year may drop it the next if sales numbers don't justify the production cost. Before shopping for a specific model, check the manufacturer's current lineup because the options available today may not be the same next year. Dealers can also tell you whether a manual is still being ordered for that model or if it has been discontinued.
Why manual transmissions have nearly disappeared
The primary reason is economics. Developing and maintaining a manual transmission line costs manufacturers money, and that cost is only justified if enough buyers want it. As automatic transmissions became faster, smoother, and more fuel-efficient, the practical advantages of driving a manual largely vanished. A modern eight- or ten-speed automatic now shifts faster than a human driver can, and fuel economy is often identical or better.
Labor costs also matter. Manual transmissions require different assembly processes and supplier networks than automatics. Consolidating production around automatic and continuously variable transmissions reduces complexity and cost across a manufacturer's entire lineup. For companies operating on thin profit margins, dropping a low-volume option is a straightforward business decision.
Generational preference has shifted as well. Younger drivers in the United States have less experience with manuals and often see them as an inconvenience rather than a feature. In Europe and other markets where manuals remain more common, the decline is slower but still steady. Globally, the trend points in one direction: fewer manuals over time.
How manual car prices compare to automatics
When a manual option exists on a new car, it typically costs $500 to $1,500 less than the automatic version of the same model. This discount reflects lower production costs and reduced demand. On a Mazda MX-5 Miata or Ford Mustang, for example, the manual is usually the cheaper option.
In the used market, the relationship often reverses. A used manual car frequently sells for less than an automatic with similar mileage and condition, because the pool of buyers is smaller. This can make used manuals a good value if you know how to drive one and want to own one. However, resale value may be lower when you eventually sell, since fewer buyers will be interested.
The difference between manual, automatic, and CVT transmissions
A manual transmission requires the driver to shift gears using a clutch pedal and gear stick. The driver controls when the engine engages and disengages from the wheels. This gives direct control but requires active attention and skill.
An automatic transmission shifts gears without driver input, using hydraulic pressure and a torque converter. Modern automatics have eight, nine, or ten speeds and can shift in milliseconds. They are smoother, faster, and now match manual fuel economy in most cases.
A continuously variable transmission (CVT) has no fixed gears at all. Instead, it uses a belt and pulley system to provide infinite gear ratios between a minimum and maximum. CVTs are smooth and efficient but feel different to drive—some drivers find them strange because engine RPM doesn't rise and fall the way it does in a traditional car. Nissan, Toyota, and Subaru use CVTs widely.
Where you can still find manual cars for sale
New manual cars are available through dealerships that carry brands offering them. Porsche, BMW, Mazda, Ford, and Jeep dealers can tell you which current models have manual options and whether they can order one for you. Lead times vary; some dealers stock manuals, while others order them to specification.
The used market is larger. Websites like Autotrader, Cars.com, and Facebook Marketplace allow you to filter by transmission type. Used manuals from the 2010s and earlier are widely available because millions were sold before the decline accelerated. Prices are often lower than automatics, and you have more model variety to choose from.
Specialty dealers and enthusiast forums also connect buyers and sellers. If you're looking for a specific manual model—a 2015 Civic Si or a 2018 Mustang, for example—online communities dedicated to those cars often have listings or can point you toward dealers who specialize in them.
What happens to manual transmissions in electric vehicles
Electric vehicles do not have traditional transmissions at all. An electric motor delivers power directly to the wheels through a single-speed reducer. There is no clutch, no gear shifting, and no engine revving. This is one reason some enthusiasts view the shift to electric power as the end of driving engagement—though others argue that the when ready torque of an electric motor offers a different kind of performance.
A few manufacturers have experimented with multi-speed transmissions in electric cars to improve efficiency or performance, but these are rare and not manual. Porsche's Taycan, for example, uses a two-speed automatic. For now, if you want a manual transmission, you are limited to internal combustion engine vehicles, and that pool is shrinking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will manual transmissions disappear completely?
Likely yes, eventually, but not when ready. As long as some buyers want them and manufacturers find it profitable to build them, manuals will remain available on a small number of vehicles. However, the trend is clear: fewer models offer them each year, and the list will probably continue to shrink over the next decade.
Is a manual transmission better for fuel economy?
Not anymore. Modern automatic and CVT transmissions now match or exceed manual fuel economy in most vehicles. A skilled manual driver might achieve slightly better economy through precise gear selection, but the difference is negligible with today's engines and transmissions.
Are manual cars harder to sell when I want to trade them in?
Yes, typically. Fewer buyers want manuals, so dealers may offer less for a used manual car than an automatic with the same mileage and condition. Resale value is usually lower, though the initial purchase price is often lower too, which can offset the difference.
Can I still learn to drive a manual if I've never done it before?
Yes. Driving a manual requires practice but is not difficult to learn. Many driving schools and private instructors teach manual transmission driving. If you own a manual car, you will need to know how to operate it, and most people become comfortable within a few hours of practice.
What manual cars are easiest to find used?
Honda Civics, Toyota Corollas, and Ford Mustangs from the 2010s are among the most common used manuals on the market. Mazda MX-5 Miatas and Jeep Wranglers are also widely available. Availability depends on your local market, so checking Autotrader or Cars.com with your zip code will show what is actually for sale near you.