In a world increasingly dominated by automatic transmissions, the allure of a manual gearbox remains strong for many driving enthusiasts․ The feeling of complete control, the engagement of a physical connection to the car, and the sheer satisfaction of expertly shifting gears are all part of the unique experience that manual transmissions offer․
If you’re on the hunt for a 2017 model year car with a manual transmission, you’re in luck․ There are still a number of fantastic options available, offering a range of styles, performance, and price points․ Here’s a breakdown of some of the best 2017 manual transmission cars you can find on the market today⁚
Sports Cars
- Mazda MX-5 Miata⁚ The iconic Miata is a perennial favorite for its lightweight handling, responsive engine, and pure driving joy․ The 2017 model came with a 2․0-liter four-cylinder engine and a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions․ Its nimble nature and affordable price make it an excellent entry point for manual transmission enthusiasts․
- Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86⁚ These twins offer a similar recipe to the Miata, with a rear-wheel-drive layout, a naturally-aspirated engine, and sharp handling․ They are slightly more powerful than the Miata, making them a bit more aggressive on the road․
- Ford Focus ST⁚ For those seeking a bit more practicality and a bit more power, the Focus ST is a fantastic choice․ Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine and sharp handling make it a blast to drive, and its hatchback body style offers decent cargo space․
- Honda Civic Si⁚ The Civic Si is a true sleeper, offering a surprising amount of performance for its price․ Its turbocharged engine and precise handling make it a formidable competitor in the hot hatch segment․
- Chevrolet Camaro⁚ The Camaro offers a more muscular and powerful experience than the Miata or BRZ․ Its V6 and V8 engine options deliver thrilling performance, and the manual transmission provides direct control over the power delivery․
Sedans
- Honda Civic⁚ The Civic is a well-rounded car that offers a comfortable ride, good fuel economy, and a surprisingly engaging driving experience․ The manual transmission version is a bit more engaging than the automatic, and it’s a great option for those who want a manual car without sacrificing practicality․
- Mazda3⁚ The Mazda3 is another strong contender in the compact sedan segment․ It offers a stylish interior, a comfortable ride, and a fun-to-drive personality․ The manual transmission version gives you a bit more control over the car’s performance․
- Volkswagen Golf GTI⁚ The GTI is a legendary hot hatch that offers a blend of performance, practicality, and style․ Its turbocharged engine and sharp handling make it a blast to drive, and its hatchback body style offers plenty of cargo space․
- Subaru WRX⁚ The WRX is a more aggressive and performance-oriented car than the GTI․ Its turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system make it a capable performer in all conditions․
Trucks and SUVs
- Jeep Wrangler⁚ The Wrangler is a classic off-roader that offers a rugged and capable driving experience․ The manual transmission version allows you to fully utilize the Wrangler’s low-range gearing and four-wheel-drive system for tackling challenging terrain․
- Toyota Tacoma⁚ The Tacoma is a reliable and capable mid-size truck that offers a wide range of trim levels and options․ The manual transmission version is a great choice for those who want a more engaging driving experience and better fuel economy․
- Ford Ranger⁚ The Ranger is a new addition to the mid-size truck segment, and it offers a compelling blend of style, capability, and value․ The manual transmission version is available on the base XL trim level, and it provides a more direct connection to the truck’s powertrain․
When choosing a 2017 manual transmission car, consider your driving needs, budget, and personal preferences․ Each of the cars listed above offers a unique blend of performance, style, and practicality․ Take the time to test drive a few different options and see which one best suits your needs and driving style․ After all, the joy of a manual transmission is about more than just getting from point A to point B ─ it’s about the journey itself․