Manual Magic Still Exists
Automatic cars might’ve taken over the streets, but for some of us, nothing beats the magic of a well-timed downshift. While a few beloved models have quietly left the lineup, several car companies continue to honor the manual tradition—or did so until very recently. So, for those who still dream of a stick shift, these 20 brands are keeping the spark alive.
1. BMW
Slide into a BMW M2, and you’re met with a six-speed stick that doesn’t play games. The brand’s commitment to manuals, especially in the M lineup, feels like an engineering love letter. You control every shift—no computer interference. That’s deliberate. BMW knows enthusiasts crave that raw connection.
Alexandre Prevot from Nancy, France on Wikimedia
2. Cadillac
Cadillac shocked the streets by stuffing a manual into its CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing beasts. Engineers fought to keep the six-speed alive, knowing true gearheads would notice the tactile difference. The result? A driver-focused ride that actually demands your attention.
3. Suzuki
Suzuki Swift still offers a manual in several markets, like the United Kingdom and Australia, as confirmed for 2025 models. It's light, tossable, and shockingly fun for a city runabout. Moreover, Suzuki ceased U.S. car sales in 2012 after bankruptcy, so international drivers continue to clutch their way through traffic.
4. Gordon Murray Automotive
Born from Formula One design legend Gordon Murray, Gordon Murray Automotive brings handcrafted precision back to the streets. Both the T.33 and T.50, lightweight V12-powered marvels, proudly include six-speed manuals—designed for purists who crave real connection.
5. Ford
Mustang’s Dark Horse still comes with a manual. Engineers went old-school with a cue-ball shifter and tight gear ratios. This pony car thrives on driver input, proving the manual is thriving under the hood of America’s most iconic coupe.
6. Honda
Reverse lockout on the Civic Type R's manual is spring-loaded and satisfying, designed to prevent mishaps during fast downshifts. Honda engineered this box with short throws and tightly spaced gates, making it one of the most confidence-inspiring gearboxes available today.
7. Hyundai
Rev-match, cancel at the press of a button? That’s Elantra N’s party trick. Hyundai didn’t just toss in a stick for nostalgia—it fine-tuned throttle blips and clutch weighting to match hot-hatch rivals. Each gear invites a grin, and heel-toe learners couldn’t ask for a better teacher.
8. Jeep
Wrangler keeps crawling with a manual option, especially in the V6 Sport trim. Off-roaders swear by gear control when tackling rocks and trails. That’s why Jeep stuck to the basics for a reason: sometimes, no computer can predict terrain like your left foot can.
9. Kia
Forte GT (2024) lets you row your own, and that’s rare for a commuter. Kia didn’t have to offer a six-speed, but it did—for those who want more than just A to B. Paired with turbo torque, this gearbox gives daily driving a much-needed jolt of adrenaline.
Kia Forte GT (2024) - Performance High-Tech Sport Sedan! by MEDCARS
10. Lotus
Emira delivers a six-speed gearbox that feels carved from stone. Lotus engineered this sports car for balance, and the manual is central to its soul. Lightweight, analog, and deliberate, each shift screams precision. Driving this car? It’s about becoming part of the machine.
11. Mazda
No cable slack. No vague engagement. The Miata’s six-speed is a direct-mounted masterpiece with a rifle-bolt action feel. Even after decades, Mazda continues to refine gear spacing and shift timing to match its lightweight chassis.
steve lyon from los angeles, ca, usa on Wikimedia
12. Mini
The shift boot was stitched in red, the pedals were set up for heel-toe action, and a turbocharged punch was used in the second. That's how Mini made its Cooper S manual speak with a British accent. However, Mini discontinued the manual for 2025 Cooper models due to emissions and low demand, switching to a dual-clutch automatic.
13. Morgan
The Morgan Plus Four offers a six-speed manual mated to a turbocharged 2.0L BMW engine. Though a retro-styled roadster, it features modern underpinnings, including an aluminum chassis and rear-wheel drive. The shifter, sourced from Mazda, is precise and designed to match the car's low curb weight and balance.
14. Chevrolet
Chevy’s Camaro LT1 and SS feature a six-speed manual transmission, built for high-torque handling and crisp gear engagement. A rev-matching system smooths downshifts automatically, mimicking heel-toe techniques. Plus, this transmission connects directly to a naturally aspirated 6.2L V8, delivering raw power.
15. Porsche
Porsche offers manual transmissions in the 911 Carrera T, Cayman, and Boxster. These models feature a seven-speed or six-speed manual, depending on the variant. Porsche engineers tune the pedal spacing for optimal heel-toe action, and the gearboxes are matched to rear- or mid-engine layouts.
16. Subaru
Subaru BRZ and WRX both retain six-speed manuals. The BRZ manual comes with a Torsen limited-slip differential and a low center of gravity for precision control. WRX’s gearbox is calibrated for torque-rich delivery, with all-wheel-drive systems tuned specifically for manual variants.
17. Toyota
GR Corolla, GR86, and GR Supra keep Toyota’s enthusiast bloodline pumping. Instead of dropping the clutch, Toyota dropped jaws by adding a manual to the Supra after launch. Each stick-shift model feels engineered by people who love to drive—and who want you to love it, too.
18. Volkswagen
Golf GTI and Jetta GLI haven’t abandoned the clutch club. Volkswagen still includes a slick six-speed that clicks through gears like a dream. These aren’t track monsters, but they’re made for spirited daily drives. Want control, torque, and solid build quality? V-Dub keeps the manual party going.
19. Acura
Integra returned in 2022 with a six-speed manual, delighting fans and reinforcing its sporty roots. It’s more than a nod to the '90s crowd—this gearbox feels snappy, confident, and tuned for fun. Acura proved that premium doesn’t have to mean paddle-shifting through traffic like a robot.
Charles from Port Chester, New York on Wikimedia
20. Wells Motor Cars
Vertige by Wells is a British micro-maker doing something bold. A naturally aspirated, mid-engine coupe with a six-speed manual? Yes, please. Built in limited numbers, this car targets those who miss the mechanical feel of raw driving. No screens. No nonsense. Just your hands and the road.
