Each year we witness an increasing number of car manufacturers phasing out manual transmission options for their existing models. While enthusiasts and car aficionados lament this shift, manufacturers are leaning toward the broader, more mainstream consumer who prioritizes automation and advanced technology. Additionally, recent safety innovations and impending regulations require vehicles to be equipped with specific accident mitigation features that are incompatible with manually shiftable transmissions.

 

For those of us that favor the sense of control and driving engagements this is all very disheartening however, there is still light at the end of the tunnel. So, if you are one of those people that favors rowing your own gears then we have some good news for you. There are still plenty of makes and models of vehicles which can be had brand new with a true manual transmission. However, don’t wait until next year as some of these vehicle manufacturers have already announced the 2024 year as being the last production year for the manual transmission variant for some of those cars model.

 

2024 Nissan Z

 

The Nissan Z cars are an absolute legend when it comes to cost effective and impressive rear wheel drive manual transmission sports cars. From the classic Nissan 240 to the contemporary Nissan 350 and 370Z models, driving any car within the Z lineup has always been exhilarating. Even the older models stand the test of time, offering a driving experience that remains enjoyable even when measured against modern standards. The key to their success is that they applied the classic and simple formula which is basically a combination of weight savings, rear wheel drive, front engine, manual gear box and a decent dose of power. The newly released Nissan Z still follows the old formula and can be had with a manual transmission. We can’t wait to test drive one!

 

2024 Toyota GR Corolla

 

The GR Corolla falls into the hot hatch category formally dominated by the Volkswagen Golf R.  This is just a joyful little car happy to attempt to perform even the most ridiculous maneuver you demand of it.  It may not have the charming European looks or the sophistication but what it lacks in overall refinement and good looks it more than makes up in shear performance, maneuverability or as we like to refer to it as “Smiles per mile”. 

 

2024 Subaru WRX

 

Having had the chance to experience and own almost every generation of the Subaru WRX we are very familiar with this vehicle. This Subaru model stands out as a distinctive offering being the only car in their lineup that outsells manual vehicles by nearly a 3-to-1 ratio. However, that is not the only reason we love the Subaru WRX. The Subaru symmetrical all-wheel drive system is remarkable in the snow and bad weather conditions. The WRX is also roomy, relatively inexpensive and relatively reliable vehicle. It is like a Swiss army knife of cars; we only wish that Subaru would bring back the “STI” high performance version and the hatchback variant but that is unlikely to happen. The future STI is more likely to be some type of fully electric or hybrid variant.

 

2024 Lotus Emira

 

Priced at around $100,000, the Lotus Emira resides firmly in the premium category and may not be accessible to most buyers. Nonetheless, we commend the manufacturer for providing the option of a manual transmission. We have not yet had the chance to experience this vehicle in person based on our experiences with other Lotus models we can only assume that it is an absolute blast to drive.

 

2024 Subaru BRZ & Toyota GR86

 

The Toyota GR86 and the Subaru BRZ are another one of our office hero’s. It is one of those rare cars that you can enjoy driving slowly. Its front engine, rear wheel drive drivetrain architecture follows the classic sports car recipe and its light weight and good balance makes the car handling very predictable. In the hands of a skilled driver the car can oversteer very controllably even at low speed. We were a bit disappointed that Subaru opted out of sticking in the new WRX 2.4-liter FA24 Turbocharged engine under the hood however, the current naturally aspirated drivetrain does provide just over 200HP which is more than adequate for such a light vehicle.

 

2024 Ford Mustang

 

The Ford Mustang needs no introduction as it is one of the most iconic American cars ever made. The new Ford Mustang is a combination of Euro fighter meets American power lifter; it is everything you can ask from a 2-door sports car as long as you opt in for the GT/V8 manual transmission variant. While the EcoBoost 4-cylinder delivers sufficient power, there's an unparalleled thrill in rowing your own gears especially when the robust and torquey V8 engine commands the road, leaving the traffic behind in the rearview mirror.

 

2024 Mazda 3

 

The Mazda 3 offers refinement not seen in any vehicle within its price category and the quick and predictable handling makes the car an absolute darling when paired with a manual transmission. The sole drawback is that the manual option for this vehicle is limited to the less potent naturally aspirated 2.5L version. With just under 200HP, the naturally aspirated model is respectable but enthusiasts would have appreciated having a manual transmission for the more powerful 250HP variant.

 

2024 Mazda MX-5

 

The MX-5 is another one of our little hero’s that strictly abides by the “smiles per mile” formula. It has the engine in the front, the drive wheels at the rear, manual transmission, weighs no greater than a grain of salt and ready to catapult you to driving euphoria at the fling of the steering wheel. Out of most of the cars in this list the MX-5/Miata is one of the most joyful vehicles you can buy under $30k.

 

2024 Acura Integra

 

The new/Fifth Generation of the Acura Integra was first introduced in 2023 and we did get a chance to put in some time behind the wheel and it is one of the few front wheel drive vehicles that we really enjoyed. Derived from the Honda Civic, the performance of the Integra is quite comparable. However, when it comes to the driving experience, we lean toward the Honda Civic. It offers a more pronounced driving feel, perhaps owing to additional dampening and sound insulation. This might make the Integra feel marginally more subdued than its closely related Honda Civic. Additionally, we favor the Honda Civic for its more affordable price tag as the Integra is only available with a manual transmission on the pricier A-spec and type S trim variants.

 

2024 BMW M2

 

We love the M2 for its handling, power, predictability, amazing balance and analog feel however, the new M2 has the looks only a mother can love. Frequent discussions arise about BMW's decision to greenlight the square grill design for this car. While it could have been worse, for instance, adopting the grill from the 3 series/M3 resulting in a less appealing appearance, we still find the current unusual front-end design less to our liking. However, if you can overlook the aesthetics there's plenty to love about this vehicle. It can still be purchased with a manual transmission and on the track, it can even give some super cars a run for their money. Our most favorite thing about most BMWs is their inline 6-cylinder engines, smooth but mechanical feel of the shift lever and the very rigid body construction.

 

2024 Honda Civic

 

The Honda Civic is another darling with a cult-like following. It offers good and reliable base line transportation while also offering variants with performance features, manual transmissions and turbocharged motors. We particularly appreciate the light and intuitive clutch feel making this car one of the best choices for everyday practicality even in the midst of rush hour traffic. Pressing the clutch feels less like a leg workout and more like a seamless dance, orchestrating control and connection with every shift.

 

2024 Volkswagen GTI

 

We have a bit of a love hate relationship with the Volkswagen GTI. We love that it can still be had with a manual transmission, we love the vehicles European sophistication mixed with a dab of rebellious teenager attitude. This is by far one of the more quintessential hot hatches ever made, it was one of the first cars that made the hatch cool. However, our experience has been marred by numerous catastrophic mechanical and electrical failures that we attribute to suboptimal design influenced by packaging and cost-cutting measures. For example, certain variants of VW engines feature two timing chains prone to failure, making repairs twice as time-consuming compared to comparable vehicles.

 

2024 Volkswagen Golf R

 

The Golf R is a car for those people that think that the GTI simply does not have enough power. With over 300 horsepower and 295 foot pounds of torque, the Golf R It is essentially the ultimate Golf you can buy. To us, it is a sharper, faster and more responsive version of the GTI.

 

2024 Cadillac CR4-V

 

The 2024 Cadillac CR4-V and the 2024 Cadillac CT5-V are a corvette for those people that wear a suit to work. The vehicle has a potent 3L turbocharged V6 engine and if you choose to get one coupled with a 6-speed manual boy, you are in for a treat. It is an absolute gem, the vehicle is well balanced has plenty of power and seats its occupants in relative luxury. A significant drawback is that some of the built materials are not of the highest quality and it struggles to match the fit and finish standards set by its European counterparts. We have also heard some reliability related issues in some of the later models.

 

2024 Cadillac CT5-V

 

Our view on the CT5-V is very similar to the CR4-V as they have very similar drive trains and share many other components.

 

2024 BMW M3

 

The M3 is another cult classic that we lust over on a daily basis. It shares the magical BMW recipe for making an extraordinary well handling manual transmission vehicle with the M2. However, unlike the M2 the sixth generation of the BMW M3 first introduced in 2021 has a bit more added weight making the M2 the winner in the handling Olympics however, it is still one of the most potent sports sedans ever made providing a blend of handling and drive engagement you can’t find in most other cars.  

 

2024 BMW M4

 

The BMW M4 shares a lot of its DNA with the M3 however, we look at it more of a GT car than a track worrier. While it's true that you can readily transform your manual transmission M4 into a track powerhouse, the BMW M2 is inherently a track-ready beast right off the assembly line. From our perspective, the only extra benefit the M4 offers is the added space for cargo and more space for back seat occupants.

 

2024 Porsche 911

 

The Porsche 911 is another legend known for its unusual engine configuration with the engine directly over the back wheels. The 911 has more traction off the line propelling the turbo variant 0 to 60 miles per hour in under 3 seconds. The 911 is a genuinly fun car to pilot with its stiff light weight construction and motorcycle like intuitive handling. The Porsche 911 is the ultimate canyon carver. 

 

 2024 Toyota GR Supra

 

The Toyota GR Supra is the offspring of BMW and Toyota collaboration bringing back the legendary Supra name and all that comes with it.  It is a well-balanced powerhouse that features sleek and sexy lines with wide hips and pronounced Formula 1 inspired nose. We are overjoyed over the fact that Toyota has finally decided to offer a manual variant. Coupled with the BMW derived B58 3.0L inline 6-cylinder engine the 6-speed manual transmission the driving experience can be described as conducting a Berlin Philharmonic orchestra. It is an exquisite automobile well worth its $60k price tag. The only major gripe we have with this car is with side visibility. The sloping roof design around the driver may result in a compromised side view for individuals who are six feet or taller.

 

2024 Volkswagen Jetta

 

As a 4-door sedan the Volkswagen Jetta offers a good blend of fun and practicality. We love the Jetta for some of the similar reasons as the GTI, granted it is considerably different then its hatchback cousin. It offers some of the very similar benefits and drawbacks.

 

 2024 Chevrolet Camaro

 

The Chevy Camaro needs no introduction as it is one of the most iconic American muscle cars ever built. It is often cross shopped with the Ford Mustang and offers some of the same perks and drawbacks. With a muscular V8 in the front, drive wheels in the back and manual transmission in the middle the Chevrolet Camaro is the last of the dinosaurs. The very unfortunate news came in 2023 when Chevrolet announced that the six generation of the Camaro will be the final version as it will be discontinued after the 2024 model year. If you are in the market for one of these vehicles get yours now before prices skyrocket.

 

2024 Ford Bronco

 

The new reimagined Ford Bronco first introduced in 2021 is Fords attempt to compete directly with the Jeep Wrangler. We have not had much time to experience the manual variant which is still available for the 2024 model year however, we can say confidently it is a very competent off roader. The only drawback is that the manual version is only available on the less powerful 2.3L 4-cylinder variant.

 

2024 Hyundai Elantra N

 

The Hyundai Elantra N is the performance version of the Hyundai Elantra and it is available with a manual transmission. Equipped with a highly capable 2L turbocharged engine, this car accelerates from 0 to 60 in just under 5 seconds showcasing an impressive feat for a Korean automaker relatively new to the performance car segment. We have not had an opportunity to test drive the manual version as they are harder to find than a long-lost pirate treasure. 

 

2024 Nissan Versa

 

The Nissan Versa can only be described as an economy car tailored mainly to the budget minded consumer. Offering a manual transmission in this vehicle is more of a cost cutting measure by Nissan. The majority of us have only found ourselves behind the wheel of this vehicle when the rental car company we made an earlier reservation with ran out of our desired vehicle and provided this thing to us as a constellation price at a discount rate. Also, that rental car will most likely be equipped with an automatic transmission so the chances of us seeing one of these manual Versa in the wild is next to zero.

 

2024 Jeep Wrangler and the 2024 Jeep Gladiator

 

These iconic off-road vehicles have absolute legendary status not only amongst the off roading community but with the general consumers alike. Some of the die-hard off roaders love their manual jeeps as manual transmissions allow drivers to have precise control over the vehicle's power delivery, making it easier to navigate uneven terrains and obstacles commonly encountered off-road.

 

2024 Mini Cooper

 

The iconic British Mini Cooper is a joyful little vehicle that uses its small size, light weight and potent manual gearbox drivetrain to put a smile on the drivers face. Its surprisingly planted and predictable handling makes for a very engaging car to drive at almost any speed. The major drawback of this vehicle has less to do with its less than stellar reliability statistics but more with the fact that it is being discontinued at the end of the 2024 model year. Having spent a lot of time behind the wheel of this spirited little car go-cart we are greatly saddened by its impending demise.

 

2024 Nissan Sentra

 

The Nissan Sentra is another one of those sedans that are targeted towards the budget minded consumer. Granted the Nissan Sentra does not deserve the same beratement we gave to the Nissan Versa it is still not a car we are particularly thrilled to review. As car enthusiasts we love the fact that Nissan has made the decision to keep the manual transmission variant of the Nissan Sentra for the 2024 year however, we are not going to be hitting the dealer to get one.

 

2024 Porsche Boxster/718 Cayman

 

Just like the Porsche 911 and the Mazda Mx-5 the Porsche Boxster stands as a quintessential roadster, embodying the spirit of a true sports car. We love the car for its responsive handling, rigid chases, potent powertrain and manual transmission.

 

2024 Toyota Tacoma

 

The Toyota Tacoma stands as one of only two trucks offering a manual transmission for the 2024 model year directly competing with the Jeep Renegade. Renowned for its outstanding reliability, robust build, high resale value and off-road capabilities, the Tacoma has solidified its place in the market.

 

While we've outlined 30 vehicles above the availability of manual transmission vehicle variants will vary based on make and model. Some makes and models such as the Subaru WRX are readily available in the manual transmission variants while other models might be more challenging to find. If you're specifically seeking a manual version, be prepared to contact multiple dealerships as it may not be readily available on the lot. Alternatively, you can opt for the ordering process but this might limit your room for price negotiation.

 

We are at an end of an era and for those who revel in the joy of driving, the drastic decline in manual transmissions is a poignant reminder of a simpler more analog time where man and machine were one and a car was more than an appliance but a roaring beast that had to be tamed by worthy driver with skills and experience. The nostalgia for the simplicity and purity of manual driving makes it a truly sentimental loss for those of us that truly love driving

---

Read more articles