The Best Manual Transmission Cars of 2017: A Drivers Paradise

In a world increasingly dominated by automatic transmissions‚ the manual gearbox remains a beacon for driving enthusiasts. It offers a level of control and engagement that simply cant be replicated by its automated counterparts. If you crave the visceral thrill of heel-toe downshifts and the satisfaction of perfectly timed gear changes‚ then the following cars are your ticket to a drivers paradise.

Sports Cars

1. Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Miata is the undisputed king of affordable sports cars‚ and its manual transmission is a key part of its appeal. With its precise shifting and light clutch‚ the Miata makes driving a joy‚ whether youre carving up a mountain pass or simply cruising down the highway.

2. Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86

Sharing the same platform and powertrain‚ the BRZ and 86 offer a compelling mix of performance and affordability. Their manual transmissions are praised for their smooth operation and engaging feel.

3. Ford Focus RS

This hot hatch packs a punch‚ and its six-speed manual transmission helps you unlock its full potential. The Focus RS is a true performance car‚ with a sophisticated chassis and a powerful engine that begs to be revved.

Performance Sedans

4. Honda Civic Type R

The Civic Type R is a hot hatch that punches above its weight class. Its manual gearbox is a delight to use‚ with precise throws and a satisfying clutch feel.

5. Volkswagen Golf GTI

The Golf GTI is a classic hot hatch that continues to impress with its sharp handling and engaging driving experience. Its six-speed manual transmission is a perfect match for its turbocharged engine.

6. Subaru WRX STI

The WRX STI is a rally-inspired performance sedan that is as brutal as it is exhilarating. Its six-speed manual transmission is built for high-performance driving‚ with a close-ratio gearbox that makes the most of its powerful engine.

Conclusion

The manual transmission may be a dying breed‚ but its far from dead. These cars prove that driving with a stick shift can still be an incredibly rewarding experience. So‚ if youre looking for a car that will make you feel truly connected to the road‚ then consider one of these manual transmission gems.

Beyond the Sports Cars and Hot Hatches⁚

While sports cars and hot hatches may be the first to come to mind when thinking about manual transmissions‚ there are still a few gems to be found in other segments.

1. The Mazda 3⁚

The Mazda 3 offers a surprisingly engaging driving experience‚ especially with its manual transmission. Its precise shifting and responsive engine make it a fun car to drive on winding roads.

2. The Fiat 500 Abarth⁚

This tiny Italian hot hatch packs a surprising amount of punch. Its five-speed manual transmission is surprisingly well-matched to its turbocharged engine‚ making it a blast to drive around town.

3. The Chevrolet Camaro⁚

For those who crave muscle car thrills‚ the Camaro is a great option‚ particularly with its six-speed manual transmission. The Camaros powerful engine and rear-wheel drive layout make it a true drivers car.

A Word of Caution⁚

While driving a manual transmission car can be incredibly rewarding‚ its important to remember that its not for everyone. It requires a bit of practice and skill to master‚ and it can be more challenging in stop-and-go traffic. However‚ for those who are willing to put in the effort‚ the rewards are well worth it.

The Future of the Manual Transmission⁚

Despite the increasing popularity of automatic transmissions‚ there is still a strong demand for manual gearboxes from driving enthusiasts. While the number of manual transmission cars on the market may be shrinking‚ its unlikely that they will disappear completely. After all‚ theres something special about the feeling of being in complete control of your car‚ and thats something that no automatic transmission can truly replicate.