In the age of automatic transmissions and dual-clutch gearboxes‚ it’s easy to forget the joy of rowing your own gears. But for driving enthusiasts‚ the manual transmission remains a cherished part of the automotive experience. While the number of cars offering a manual option has dwindled in recent years‚ there are still a handful of models that cater to those who prefer the tactile engagement and control of a stick shift.
For 2017‚ here are some of the best cars that still offer a manual transmission⁚
Sports Cars
- Mazda MX-5 Miata⁚ The Miata is a quintessential roadster‚ and its manual transmission is essential to the driving experience.
- Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86⁚ These twins offer a fun and engaging driving experience‚ and the manual gearbox is a key part of that.
- Honda Civic Type R⁚ The Type R is a hot hatch that delivers blistering performance‚ and its manual transmission is perfectly suited to its aggressive nature.
- Ford Focus RS⁚ A rally-inspired hot hatch‚ the Focus RS is a true performance machine‚ and its manual transmission is a must-have for enthusiasts.
Performance Sedans
- Chevrolet Camaro⁚ The Camaro is a muscle car with a heritage of manual transmissions‚ and the current model is no exception.
- Ford Mustang⁚ The Mustang is another iconic muscle car that continues to offer a manual transmission option.
- Dodge Challenger⁚ The Challenger is a retro-inspired muscle car with a powerful V8 engine‚ and its manual transmission is perfect for unleashing its raw power.
Hatchbacks and Wagons
- Volkswagen Golf GTI⁚ The GTI is a classic hot hatch that has always offered a manual transmission‚ and the current generation is no different.
- Subaru WRX⁚ The WRX is a rally-inspired performance car that’s available with a manual transmission.
- Ford Fiesta ST⁚ The Fiesta ST is a fun and affordable hot hatch that offers a manual transmission.
- Mazda3⁚ While not a performance car‚ the Mazda3 offers a manual transmission in its Sport trim level‚ providing a more engaging driving experience.
Trucks and SUVs
- Jeep Wrangler⁚ The Wrangler is an off-road icon‚ and its manual transmission is essential for tackling challenging terrain.
- Toyota Tacoma⁚ The Tacoma is a durable and capable mid-size pickup truck that still offers a manual transmission.
- Nissan Frontier⁚ The Frontier is another mid-size pickup truck that provides a manual transmission option.
While the number of cars offering manual transmissions may be shrinking‚ there are still plenty of options for those who appreciate the experience. Whether you’re looking for a sports car‚ a performance sedan‚ or a rugged off-road vehicle‚ there’s a manual transmission car out there for you. So keep the stick shift alive and enjoy the thrill of driving!