In a world increasingly dominated by automatics, the manual transmission continues to hold a special place in the hearts of driving enthusiasts. For those who crave a more engaging and visceral connection with their vehicle, the manual gearbox offers a level of control and involvement that simply cannot be replicated by an automatic. If you’re looking for a car that will put a smile on your face every time you drive it, then a manual transmission is the way to go. But with so many great cars on the market, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve compiled a list of the top manual transmission cars of 2017, covering a range of price points, performance levels, and styles. Whether you’re looking for a sporty hot hatch, a practical daily driver, or a classic muscle car, we’ve got you covered.
Sports Cars
Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the undisputed king of affordable sports cars, and for good reason. It’s light, nimble, and incredibly fun to drive. The Miata’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 155 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to make it feel lively and engaging. The Miata’s manual transmission is also a delight to use, with short throws and precise shifting. The Miata’s handling is superb, and it’s capable of carving corners with ease.
Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86
The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 are essentially twins under the skin, sharing the same platform, engine, and transmission. They offer a similar driving experience to the Miata, but with a bit more power and torque. The BRZ/86’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 205 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque. The handling is excellent, and both cars are capable of delivering plenty of smiles per gallon.
Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that’s been around for over 50 years. The Mustang is available with a variety of engines, including a naturally aspirated 2.3-liter four-cylinder, a 5.0-liter V8, and a 5.2-liter V8 in the GT350. The manual transmission is a six-speed unit that’s smooth and engaging. The Mustang’s performance is impressive, and it’s a blast to drive on the open road.
Hot Hatches
Honda Civic Si
The Honda Civic Si is a hot hatch that delivers a surprisingly sporty driving experience. It’s powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 205 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. The Civic Si’s six-speed manual transmission is precise and engaging, and the car handles exceptionally well.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a legend in the hot hatch segment. It’s known for its sharp handling, powerful engine, and comfortable interior. The GTI is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Golf GTI’s six-speed manual transmission is a pleasure to use, and the car’s handling is excellent.
Other Great Options
Fiat 500 Abarth
The Fiat 500 Abarth is a small and sporty hatchback that’s surprisingly fun to drive. It’s powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 160 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. The Abarth’s five-speed manual transmission is short-throw and precise, and the car handles with a surprising amount of agility.
Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro is another iconic American muscle car that’s available with a manual transmission. The Camaro is powered by a variety of engines, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, a 3.6-liter V6, and a 6.2-liter V8 in the SS. The Camaro’s six-speed manual transmission is a smooth and engaging unit, and the car’s performance is impressive.
Conclusion
Choosing the right manual transmission car for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a sporty hot hatch, a practical daily driver, or a classic muscle car, there’s a manual transmission car out there for you. We hope this guide has given you a good starting point for your search. Happy driving!