In a world increasingly dominated by automatics, manual transmissions still hold a special place in the hearts of driving enthusiasts. The tactile engagement, the precision of gear changes, and the pure joy of controlling your car’s power through the gears – these are experiences that remain unmatched by any automatic transmission. If you’re looking for a car that offers this kind of driving experience, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of the top manual transmission cars of 2017, covering a range of segments and price points, so you can find the perfect car to satisfy your need for a truly engaging drive.
- Sports Cars⁚ Where Manual Transmissions Reign Supreme
- Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Subaru BRZ / Toyota 86
- Honda Civic Si
- Hot Hatches⁚ Where Performance Meets Practicality
- Ford Focus ST
- Volkswagen Golf GTI
- Muscle Cars⁚ Where Power and Tradition Meet
- Ford Mustang
- Chevrolet Camaro
- Conclusion⁚ Choosing the Right Manual Transmission Car for You
Sports Cars⁚ Where Manual Transmissions Reign Supreme
Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the undisputed king of affordable sports cars, and its manual transmission is a key part of its appeal. The short-throw shifter is a joy to use, and the engine’s rev-happy nature makes every gear change a delight. The Miata’s lightweight chassis and balanced handling make it a truly engaging drive, whether you’re carving up a mountain pass or just cruising around town. The Miata is a reminder that driving can be a pure and simple pleasure, and its manual transmission is a big part of what makes it so special.
Subaru BRZ / Toyota 86
The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 are twins under the skin, sharing a platform and powertrain. Both cars offer a balanced blend of performance and handling, and their manual transmissions are a key part of their appeal. The short-throw shifter is precise and engaging, and the engine’s willing nature makes it easy to rev out and enjoy the car’s performance. The BRZ and 86 are great choices for drivers who want a sporty car that’s fun to drive on the street and on the track.
Honda Civic Si
The Honda Civic Si is a performance-oriented version of the popular Civic sedan. It’s powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes a healthy 205 horsepower, and its manual transmission is a delight to use. The shifter is precise and short-throw, and the engine’s rev-happy nature makes it easy to keep the revs up and enjoy the Si’s performance. The Si is a great choice for drivers who want a sporty car that’s also practical and affordable.
Hot Hatches⁚ Where Performance Meets Practicality
Ford Focus ST
The Ford Focus ST is a hot hatch that delivers both performance and practicality. It’s powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 252 horsepower, and its manual transmission is a key part of its appeal. The shifter is short-throw and precise, and the engine’s responsive nature makes it easy to get the most out of the ST’s performance. The Focus ST is a great choice for drivers who want a car that’s fun to drive but also practical enough for everyday use.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a legendary hot hatch that has been around for decades. The current generation is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 220 horsepower, and its manual transmission is a joy to use. The shifter is precise and short-throw, and the engine’s responsive nature makes it easy to keep the revs up and enjoy the GTI’s performance. The GTI is a great choice for drivers who want a car that’s fun to drive but also practical enough for everyday use.
Muscle Cars⁚ Where Power and Tradition Meet
Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is an American icon, and its manual transmission is a key part of its appeal. The Mustang’s V8 engine is a symphony of power and sound, and the manual transmission lets you fully experience its raw power. The Mustang is a great choice for drivers who want a car that’s powerful, fun to drive, and full of character.
Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro is the Mustang’s arch-rival, and it also offers a manual transmission option. The Camaro’s V8 engine is a potent powerplant, and the manual transmission lets you fully experience its raw power. The Camaro is a great choice for drivers who want a car that’s powerful, fun to drive, and full of character.
Conclusion⁚ Choosing the Right Manual Transmission Car for You
The manual transmission cars listed above are just a few of the many great options available on the market today. When choosing a manual transmission car, it’s important to consider your individual needs and preferences. Do you want a sporty car that’s fun to drive on the street and on the track? Do you need a practical car that can handle everyday driving duties? Or are you looking for a muscle car that delivers raw power and character? Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start narrowing down your choices and find the perfect manual transmission car for you.
No matter what your choice may be, one thing is certain⁚ a manual transmission car offers a driving experience that’s unmatched by any automatic. So if you’re looking for a car that’s truly engaging and rewarding to drive, be sure to consider a manual transmission option. The extra effort involved in shifting gears is more than worth it for the driving pleasure it provides.