Home Cars 20 Cars That Will Make You Miss the Manual Transmission

Cars

20 Cars That Will Make You Miss the Manual Transmission

Cameron Eittreim June 25, 2025

Manual transmissions are rapidly vanishing from today’s automotive landscape, replaced by ever-smarter automatics and paddle shifters. Yet, for many enthusiasts, the manual gearbox represents more than just a means of getting from point A to B—it’s a direct connection between driver and machine.
The tactile sensation of shifting gears by hand, the rhythm of clutch and throttle, and the satisfaction of a perfectly executed downshift have long defined the true joy of driving. As we say farewell to this beloved technology, let’s revisit twenty unforgettable cars that prove why the manual transmission still holds a special place in our hearts.

NEXT >>

1. Mazda MX-5 Miata

Few cars embody the spirit of the manual transmission quite like the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
With its lightweight chassis, rev-happy engine, and perfectly balanced manual gearbox, the Miata became an instant icon for drivers seeking unfiltered fun.
Affordable, reliable, and endlessly rewarding to drive, the Miata stands as a shining example of how a stick shift can elevate even a modest sports car into a legend.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

2. Honda Civic Si

Civic Si Sedan Honda Models 1 — A sleek Honda Civic Si compact car shines under the sun, proudly displaying its iconic VTEC badge on the side. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Honda Civic Si has long thrilled enthusiasts with its slick-shifting manual and signature high-revving VTEC engine.
This compact powerhouse delivers an engaging, playful drive that rivals far more expensive sports cars.
The Civic Si’s accessible performance and lively character prove that you don’t need deep pockets to experience the joys of rowing your own gears and savoring every spirited mile.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

3. BMW M3 (E46)

Bmw m3 e46 silber grau cinnamon brown — A classic BMW M3 E46 performance sedan showcases its iconic manual gear lever, inviting pure driving enthusiasts inside. | Image from www.pickpik.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The BMW M3 (E46) stands tall as a performance sedan legend, thanks to its glorious inline-six engine and razor-sharp 6-speed manual transmission.
Praised for its perfect balance, tactile steering, and precise gear changes, the E46 M3 set a new standard for driver engagement.
It remains a coveted icon for those who appreciate the harmony of power and manual control.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

4. Ford Mustang GT

2003 ford mustang cobra %22terminator%22 torch red convertible — A sleek Ford Mustang GT flexes its muscle car heritage, with a manual transmission promising an exhilarating drive. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Ford Mustang GT is synonymous with thunderous V8 power and all-American muscle car spirit.
With its manual transmission, the Mustang GT transforms every drive into a raw, unforgettable experience—blending old-school charm with modern performance.
Rowing through the gears amplifies the Mustang’s immense personality, making it a true icon for anyone who craves classic pony car thrills.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

5. Porsche 911 Carrera (997)

1200px porsche 911 carrera stratstone — A sleek Porsche 911 997 sports car interior showcases its iconic manual shifter, inviting pure driving pleasure. | Image from www.rawpixel.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Porsche 911 Carrera (997) captures the essence of pure driving with its rear-engine layout and brilliantly engineered manual transmission.
This generation of 911 is beloved for its communicative steering and razor-sharp gear changes, offering an immersive experience that few modern cars can match.
For enthusiasts, the 997’s manual gearbox is the perfect partner for spirited drives on winding roads.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

6. Volkswagen Golf GTI

Vw golf 6 gti — A sleek Volkswagen Golf GTI hot hatch showcases its iconic GTI badge, exuding sporty style and performance. | Image from www.rawpixel.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is the definitive hot hatch, blending everyday practicality with genuine driving excitement.
Its crisp manual transmission invites drivers to take control, transforming daily commutes into engaging adventures.
The GTI’s versatility and lively character make it a favorite among enthusiasts who want the best of both worlds—room for groceries and a grin-inducing drive every time they shift gears.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

7. Subaru WRX STI

1200px Subaru Wrx Sti Blue 28cropped29 2 — A close-up of a Subaru WRX STI rally car’s manual gear knob, ready for high-speed performance on the track. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Subaru WRX STI channels its rally heritage through a robust manual gearbox and turbocharged power.
With all-wheel-drive traction and a thrilling, mechanical feel, the WRX STI delivers exhilarating performance in all conditions.
Its raw, unfiltered connection between driver and road has cultivated a loyal following, making every shift a celebration of motorsport tradition and spirited driving.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

8. Chevrolet Corvette (C7)

The Chevrolet Corvette (C7) delighted purists with its thunderous V8, lightweight chassis, and the option of a true manual gearbox.
Before automatics dominated the lineup, the C7 Corvette stood out for its tactile, rewarding drive and sharp handling.
It’s a modern American sports car that lets drivers fully engage with every pulse of the engine, making each shift an event in itself.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

9. Acura Integra Type R

2001 Acura Integra Type R Lead Image — The iconic Type R badge stands out on the manual interior of a pristine Acura Integra Type R. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Acura Integra Type R is a front-wheel-drive icon, revered for its razor-sharp handling and high-revving VTEC engine.
Its close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission delivers an intimate, connected feel, making every gear change a thrill.
Beloved by enthusiasts, the Integra Type R’s pure, focused driving experience remains a benchmark for performance compacts and a testament to manual mastery.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

10. Toyota Supra (Mk IV)

1200px 1996 toyota supra a80 %28front%29 — A sleek Toyota Supra Mk IV with a manual transmission gleams under sunlight, embodying classic Japanese sports car allure. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Toyota Supra (Mk IV) is a legend, celebrated for its indestructible 2JZ turbocharged engine and robust 6-speed manual transmission.
This combination made the Supra a darling among tuners and performance enthusiasts alike, capable of handling huge power upgrades.
Its manual gearbox is the heart of the Supra’s appeal, delivering direct, exhilarating connection for those who crave high-performance thrills.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

11. Nissan 370Z

The Nissan 370Z delivers a refreshingly analog driving experience, thanks to its naturally aspirated V6 and crisp, short-throw manual shifter.
In a world moving rapidly toward automation, the 370Z stands out for its raw, authentic connection between car and driver.
Every shift feels mechanical and purposeful, making it a modern classic for those who cherish unfiltered sports car thrills.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

12. Dodge Viper

1200px 1994 dodge viper rt 10 sr i %2840444453353%29 — A bold Dodge Viper showcases its powerful V10 engine and classic manual shifter in a sleek, polished interior. | Image from en.m.wikipedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Dodge Viper is the embodiment of raw American muscle, boasting a colossal V10 engine and a manual transmission as its only option.
This untamed supercar demands skill and respect, offering a visceral, unfiltered driving experience that’s become increasingly rare.
Every shift in the Viper feels like an event, making it a legend for those who crave true mechanical connection and heart-pounding power.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

13. Mini Cooper S

The Mini Cooper S is famous for its playful, go-kart-like handling and peppy turbocharged engine.
The manual gearbox elevates its energetic character, letting drivers truly engage with every twist and turn.
Compact and agile, the Cooper S delivers pure fun on the road, proof that a well-tuned manual transmission can make even daily drives feel like an adventure.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

14. Ford Focus ST

1280px 2018 ford focus st line x 1.0 — Image Credit: Wiki Media

The Ford Focus ST stands out in the hot hatch segment with its punchy turbocharged engine and lively, responsive chassis.
A slick-shifting manual transmission is at the core of this car’s dynamic personality, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.
The Focus ST proves that real driver engagement—especially in a practical package—comes alive when you’re rowing through your own gears.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

15. BMW 1 Series M Coupe

The BMW 1 Series M Coupe is a modern classic, blending a turbocharged inline-six with a precise 6-speed manual.
Praised for its raw, old-school M car dynamics, the 1M delivers an unfiltered connection that’s rare today.
Its limited production and exhilarating driving experience have made it highly collectible, cementing its place among the most beloved driver’s cars of its era.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

16. Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Volkswagen Jetta GLI skillfully combines everyday practicality with genuine performance.
Its manual transmission injects excitement into the sensible sedan formula, allowing drivers to savor each gear change.
Offering spirited handling and turbocharged power, the Jetta GLI proves that you don’t have to sacrifice fun for functionality—a rare treat for enthusiasts seeking both comfort and engagement.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

17. Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ

The Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ twins revive the classic formula of an affordable, rear-wheel-drive sports car.
A balanced chassis, light weight, and a slick-shifting manual transmission make every drive a joy, whether on winding roads or the track.
Their pure, unfiltered approach to driving has earned them a devoted following and a reputation as modern-day enthusiast icons.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

18. Porsche Cayman (987)

1200px porsche 718 cayman gt4 solitude revival 2022 1x7a0107 — A sleek Porsche Cayman 987 mid-engine coupe sits poised for action, its manual shifter promising an engaging drive. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Porsche Cayman (987) is celebrated for its perfectly balanced mid-engine layout and slick manual transmission.
Praised for its exceptional handling precision and direct steering, the Cayman offers an immersive, driver-focused experience.
Every shift feels deliberate and rewarding, making the 987 Cayman a favorite among purists who value connection and control above all else.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

19. Honda S2000

The Honda S2000 remains a legend for its high-revving, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine and razor-sharp short-throw manual transmission.
Praised by purists, the S2000 delivers a uniquely thrilling driving experience, with each shift feeling crisp and mechanical.
Its combination of screaming power and tactile gear changes cements its status as an icon in the world of manual sports cars.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

20. Lotus Elise

1200px 2008 lotus elise series 2 — A sleek Lotus Elise showcases its minimalist, driver-focused manual interior, emphasizing the car’s lightweight sports performance. | Image from en.wikipedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Lotus Elise is the epitome of minimalist, driver-focused design, famed for its ultra-lightweight construction and pure, unfiltered feedback.
Its manual transmission is central to the Elise experience, demanding full engagement and rewarding skillful driving.
Every shift, every input is magnified, making the Elise an enduring favorite among enthusiasts who crave a truly raw and connected sports car.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

The Lasting Appeal of the Manual

1200px 2002 Lotus Elise 2 — Image Credit: Wiki Media

Even as the automotive world shifts toward automation and electrification, the legacy of the manual transmission endures in the hearts of enthusiasts.
These twenty cars stand as vivid reminders of the joy and connection that come from shifting gears by hand. Every clutch press and perfectly timed shift offers a sense of mastery, engagement, and pure fun that no technology can truly replicate.

.article-content-img img { width: 100% }

<< Previous

20 Cars That Will Make You Miss the Manual Transmission

1. Mazda MX-5 Miata

2. Honda Civic Si

3. BMW M3 (E46)

4. Ford Mustang GT

5. Porsche 911 Carrera (997)

6. Volkswagen Golf GTI

7. Subaru WRX STI

8. Chevrolet Corvette (C7)

9. Acura Integra Type R

10. Toyota Supra (Mk IV)

11. Nissan 370Z

12. Dodge Viper

13. Mini Cooper S

14. Ford Focus ST

15. BMW 1 Series M Coupe

16. Volkswagen Jetta GLI

17. Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ

18. Porsche Cayman (987)

19. Honda S2000

20. Lotus Elise

The Lasting Appeal of the Manual

POPULAR