In a world increasingly dominated by automatic transmissions, the manual gearbox remains a cherished relic for driving enthusiasts. For those who crave the visceral connection and active engagement that only a stick shift can provide, 2017 offered a respectable selection of cars with manual transmissions. This guide will delve into some of the best options, catering to various budgets and preferences.
Sports Cars⁚
- Mazda MX-5 Miata⁚ The undisputed king of affordable sports cars, the Miata’s lightweight chassis and responsive engine are perfectly complemented by its precise six-speed manual.
- Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86⁚ These twins offer a similar driving experience to the Miata, with a slightly more powerful engine and a more refined interior.
- Ford Focus RS⁚ The ultimate hot hatch, the Focus RS packs a potent turbocharged engine and a rally-inspired all-wheel-drive system, making it a thrilling manual-transmission experience.
- Honda Civic Type R⁚ A worthy competitor to the Focus RS, the Civic Type R boasts exceptional handling, a powerful engine, and a slick six-speed manual.
Performance Sedans⁚
- Chevrolet Camaro SS⁚ The Camaro SS offers a classic muscle car experience with its powerful V8 engine and a satisfying six-speed manual.
- Ford Mustang GT⁚ The Mustang GT, a perennial favorite, delivers a potent blend of performance and affordability, with a choice of six-speed or ten-speed manual transmissions.
- Subaru WRX STI⁚ The WRX STI, a rally-bred performance sedan, features a turbocharged engine and a robust six-speed manual, making it a true driver’s car.
Hatchbacks and Wagons⁚
- Volkswagen Golf GTI⁚ The Golf GTI, a perennial favorite, offers a blend of practicality and performance, with a responsive turbocharged engine and a slick six-speed manual.
- Honda Civic Si⁚ The Civic Si, a fun and affordable hatchback, boasts a responsive engine and a precise six-speed manual.
- Subaru Impreza WRX⁚ The Impreza WRX, a compact performance hatchback, offers a turbocharged engine and a satisfying six-speed manual, making it a compelling option for those seeking a balance of practicality and performance.
- Ford Focus ST⁚ The Focus ST, a sporty hatchback, offers a turbocharged engine and a six-speed manual, delivering a fun and engaging driving experience.
Trucks⁚
- Ford F-150 Raptor⁚ The F-150 Raptor, a high-performance off-road truck, is available with a six-speed manual transmission, making it a unique and capable option for adventurous drivers.
- Chevrolet Silverado⁚ The Silverado offers a robust truck experience with the option of a six-speed manual transmission.
Considerations⁚
While manual transmissions offer a unique driving experience, it’s essential to consider their drawbacks. They can be more challenging to drive in stop-and-go traffic and require more driver input, especially in congested urban environments. Additionally, fuel efficiency may be slightly lower compared to automatic transmissions. However, the joy of a manual gearbox, the ability to fully control the car’s power delivery, and the enhanced driver engagement far outweigh these drawbacks for many enthusiasts.
Conclusion⁚
The 2017 model year offered a diverse range of cars with manual transmissions, catering to various tastes and budgets. Whether you seek a sporty roadster, a powerful sedan, or a practical hatchback, there’s a manual-equipped car out there for you. Embrace the joy of driving, the engaging experience, and the unique connection that only a manual gearbox can provide.