The Resurgence of Stick Shift: Why Manuals Are Making a Comeback

A classic six-speed stick shift in a sports car. The tactile joy of shifting gears manually is attracting a new generation of driving enthusiasts in the mid-2020s.

Why Enthusiasts Love the Manual Experience

Manual transmission (“stick shift”) cars offer a driving experience that automatics simply can’t match. Enthusiasts often cite several key benefits of rowing their own gears:

• Engaging & Fun to Drive: Controlling gear changes yourself creates a racecar-like sensation and a thrill of mastery. Enthusiasts love feeling every shift; it gives a heightened sense of control and excitement that no automatic can replicate . The need to time clutch and shifts perfectly turns even a mundane drive into an engaging activity.
• Greater Driver Connection: A manual gearbox forces the driver to be fully immersed and focused on the act of driving. You become in tune with the vehicle’s engine sound and road speed. This unique connection between car and driver is highly valued – it’s an almost analog, mechanical bond in an age of digital drive-by-wire systems . Many consider it a form of automotive “art” or skill that demands practice and rewards with satisfaction when done well.
• Skill & Involvement: Driving stick is a learned skill – it requires coordination of both hands and feet. Enthusiasts take pride in mastering it. Learning to balance the clutch, throttle, and shifter makes you more attentive and proficient as a driver. In fact, many believe that manual drivers are more engaged and aware on the road because there’s no choice but to pay attention (no mindless cruising) . It’s often said that driving stick can make you a better driver by improving your focus and reflexes.
• Performance Advantages: Manual transmissions are typically lighter and mechanically simpler than modern automatics, which can improve a car’s power-to-weight ratio. Enthusiast models often boast slightly quicker acceleration or sharper throttle response with a stick shift . The driver also has direct control over the engine’s power – you decide exactly when to upshift or downshift, which is especially rewarding on a twisty back road or track day. This direct control lets skilled drivers carry speed through corners or extract maximum power on demand, enhancing the sporty feel.
• Simplicity & Reliability: A traditional manual gearbox has fewer complex parts (no torque converters or multi-clutch mechatronics). This simple design tends to be robust and long-lasting. Many stick shift fans point out that manuals are more reliable over the long haul and cheaper to repair if something does fail . No complex software or electronics – just gears and a clutch – means fewer things to break. This reputation for durability and low maintenance costs (e.g. clutches are cheaper to replace than automatic transmissions) is a practical bonus to the fun factor.
• Affordability: Historically, cars with manual transmissions have been cheaper both to buy and to maintain. Even today, the base trim of a car (or the “enthusiast” version) is often the manual. While the price gap has narrowed in recent years, manuals still tend to cost less than their automatic counterparts . For example, on the used market in the late 1990s a manual car could be 25% cheaper than an automatic; by 2022, manuals were only ~5% cheaper on average, indicating higher demand now for the stick . Cost isn’t the primary motive anymore, but buyers certainly don’t mind saving a bit while getting the transmission they prefer.
• Analog Nostalgia & Enjoyment of Driving: There’s a growing cultural appreciation for analog experiences – akin to the comeback of vinyl records or mechanical watches. Driving a stick shift is a hands-on, old-school activity that many find refreshing in a world of AI-assisted, push-button everything. Enthusiasts describe it as “authentic” driving – a throwback to when driving was a skill . Rowing through the gears provides a sense of nostalgia and continuity with automotive heritage. In a way, keeping manuals alive is about preserving a romantic tradition of motoring. As one report noted, manual gear shifting appeals to people for its authenticity, much like analog watches remain popular even alongside high-tech smartwatches . For younger drivers who grew up with automatics, learning stick can feel like joining a special club or keeping a cool tradition alive.

All these factors make manual cars more fun and engaging for a certain segment of drivers. Instead of being a mere point A to B appliance, a stick shift car demands participation from the driver – and for enthusiasts, that’s exactly the point. The car becomes a partner, not just a machine, and every drive is an interactive experience.

Industry Trends: A Niche Comeback for Manuals

After decades of decline, the manual transmission is indeed seeing a modest resurgence in interest. It’s important to note that manuals are still rare in overall sales – but the trajectory has recently shifted from free-fall to slight uptick, thanks largely to enthusiast demand. By the numbers:

• Near-Extinction to Growth: In the United States, manual-equipped cars fell below 1% of new car sales in 2021, hitting a low of just 0.9% . This was down from around 15% of sales two decades earlier – a dramatic decline driven by the dominance of smoother, faster automatics and the arrival of EVs (which don’t use multi-gear transmissions at all). But surprisingly, in 2022 and 2023 manual sales increased off that low base. According to J.D. Power data, manuals made up about 1.2% of new vehicles in 2022, and about 1.7% in 2023 – nearly doubling the share from the 2021 nadir . It’s still a tiny fraction of the market, but the upward trend is real and noteworthy. Enthusiasts are literally “shifting” the market, even if on a small scale.
• Used Market Signals: At CarMax (the largest used-car retailer in the US), a similar trend was observed. Stick shifts were only ~2.4% of CarMax sales in 2020, but then rose to 2.8% in 2021 and 2.9% in 2022 . That’s a small but significant increase, indicating more buyers actively seeking out used manual cars. In fact, CarMax noted that demand for stick shifts had picked up enough to measurably shrink the price gap between manuals and automatics (as mentioned, manuals aren’t the bargain on the used lot they once were, because enthusiasts are snapping them up) .
• Young Enthusiast Demographic: Interestingly, this mini-revival is being fueled in part by younger drivers. Despite the fact that fewer young people are getting licenses overall compared to previous generations, those who do get into cars seem more likely to gravitate toward manuals. The typical manual transmission buyer at CarMax is about four years younger than the average customer, and the manual-driving crowd skews male and millennial . Likewise, more than half of buyers of the new Acura Integra manual were under 46, and about a quarter of Mazda MX-5 Miata manual buyers were under 35 – clear evidence that Gen Y and Z drivers are embracing stick shifts, not just older folks . As The Wall Street Journal reported, many millennial and Gen Z drivers have discovered they love the old-fashioned way of driving and are “behind the trend” of saving the manual . For some younger enthusiasts, driving stick has even become a cool “retro” skill to acquire – a way to stand out in the era of driver assists.
• Enthusiast Car Sales Mix: Carmakers have noticed that in certain segments, manual take-rates are impressively high. For example, Mini (a brand known for its fun-to-drive ethos) found that up to 20% of its sales were manual in recent years . This strong demand prompted Mini to expand the number of models and trims available with stick shifts . Likewise, Mazda has kept offering manuals in multiple models (MX-5 Miata and Mazda3) to cater to enthusiasts, and Honda made its Civic Type R hot hatch manual-only by design. These aren’t high-volume cars, but within the performance niche they sell, the manual transmission often captures a significant share of buyers. In fact, sports cars are disproportionately manual: roughly one-third of all manual cars sold (used, in CarMax data) were sports cars, whereas sports models account for only ~2% of automatic sales . The message is clear – if someone is buying a sporty or enthusiast-oriented car, they’re far more likely to seek a manual if one is offered.
• From Commodity to Specialty: Culturally, the role of the manual transmission has flipped. In past decades, stick shifts were common on economy cars as the “standard” transmission (often literally called standard transmission) for those who wanted to save money on purchase price or fuel. Today, that’s no longer the case – automatics are often more efficient and most cheap cars have dropped the clutch pedal. Instead, manuals are now aimed at driving purists. As Kelley Blue Book noted, “Stick shifts were once the province of bargain cars. Today, they’re sold to people looking for a more connected driving experience rather than people looking to save money.” . In other words, the manual has gone from the budget option to the enthusiast option. This shift means the people who do buy manuals are passionate about driving, and automakers are responding to that passion on a smaller scale. We’ve even seen social media movements and slogans like “Save the Manuals” championed by car magazines and online communities, reflecting a grassroots effort to keep three-pedal vehicles on the road.

Overall, while manual transmissions will likely remain a niche, the recent trend shows they’re not disappearing quietly. A core group of drivers is voting with their wallets to keep the stick shift alive. Manufacturers, in turn, have kept a surprising number of manual models in their lineup (or even reintroduced them) to capture this enthusiasm.

Manufacturers Keeping the Stick Shift Alive

Automakers have certainly taken note of the enthusiasm for manual driving. In an era when most carmakers are investing heavily in electrification and self-driving tech, a few brands and models stand out for deliberately catering to the purist driver. These companies understand that offering a manual, even in low volume, builds tremendous goodwill and “cool factor” among enthusiasts. Here are some notable ways manufacturers are supporting the cause:

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a prime example of a modern car that keeps the manual transmission alive. This lightweight 181-hp roadster comes standard with a slick 6-speed stick, embodying the “fun-to-drive” philosophy that enthusiasts adore.

• Dedicated Sports Cars with Manuals: Several iconic sports cars have retained manual gearboxes due to popular demand. The Mazda MX-5 Miata has offered a manual since its inception in 1989 and continues to do so in 2025, helping it remain one of the purest driver’s cars on the market . Similarly, the Toyota GR86 (and its twin, the Subaru BRZ) is a modern 2+2 coupe that only comes with rear-wheel drive and offers a manual option – intentionally designed to appeal to those who love classic sports car dynamics . Nissan’s new Z sports car (400 hp twin-turbo V6) launched in 2023 with a 6-speed manual available on both Sport and Performance trims, underscoring that Nissan sees the stick shift as core to the Z car’s identity . And of course, Porsche has famously kept manuals in some of its high-end sports cars: the 718 Cayman/Boxster and 911. In 2025, you can still get a Porsche 911 GT3 or 911 Carrera T with a manual transmission, as well as various 718 models (with a flat-6 engine and 6-speed) – a nod to driving purists even as Porsche moves toward an electric future . These cars exist largely because enthusiasts clamored for them – for instance, Porsche brought back the manual in the 911 GT3 after enthusiasts protested its removal in an earlier generation. The message: if it’s a driver’s car, it better have a manual option.
• Performance Sedans & Hot Hatches: Enthusiast-oriented sedans and hatchbacks are also flying the manual flag. The recently revived Acura Integra (2024+) comes with a 6-speed manual in its base form and a more powerful Integra Type S variant that is manual-only (320 hp and stick shift only) – Acura explicitly targeted nostalgic sporty drivers with this move . Honda’s Civic Type R and Civic Si continue Honda’s tradition of offering manual transmissions in its sport compact cars, to widespread acclaim (the Type R, with 315 hp, is exclusively 6-speed manual) . Over in Europe and other markets, hot hatches like the Volkswagen Golf GTI/R (until recently) and Toyota GR Yaris have kept manual gearboxes as a badge of driver engagement – the GR Yaris (a rally-inspired hatch sold in Europe/Japan) is only sold with a stick, making it a legend among enthusiasts. In the U.S., VW’s last manual holdout is the Jetta GLI sedan – a 228 hp sport sedan that for 2025 remains available with a manual to satisfy VW loyalists who want that third pedal . Hyundai has also joined the fun with its Elantra N sedan, which offers a manual alongside a DCT in one of the most acclaimed new affordable performance cars (276 hp and a boisterous attitude, available 6-speed manual) . These cars prove that even in a segment where automatics dominate, there’s a subculture of performance that values shifting gears. Manufacturers have kept manuals as a differentiation point to win these buyers.
• Muscle and Luxury Performance: On the American muscle front, Ford has committed to manuals in its pony car – the new 2024–2025 Ford Mustang offers a 6-speed manual on the GT and the 500+ hp Dark Horse edition, making it the last gasoline V8 muscle car with a stick (since the Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger are ending production, or have moved to automatics) . Enthusiasts can take solace that the Mustang will still let them dump a clutch and roast the tires going into the future. In the luxury/super-sedan arena, Cadillac made waves by offering 6-speed manuals in its ultra-high-performance Blackwing models – the CT4-V Blackwing (472 hp twin-turbo V6) and CT5-V Blackwing (668 hp supercharged V8) can both be had with a manual gearbox . This was a bold move, as no other modern luxury brand offers a stick in a new sedan. Cadillac explicitly did this to target enthusiast collectors, and it worked – these manual super-sedans have been praised as some of the best driver’s cars of their era. Meanwhile, BMW remains one of the few European luxury marques keeping manuals in the lineup: as of 2025 BMW offers four models with a manual, including the M2 coupe and base versions of the M3 and M4 (all with a 6-speed option alongside the auto) . BMW even added a manual option to the latest Z4 roadster in a performance trim, after initially launching that model as auto-only . These moves show that even high-end manufacturers see value in catering to the “save the manuals” crowd to maintain credibility as performance brands.
• Off-Road and Specialty Vehicles: It’s not just sports cars – the off-road community also cherishes manual transmissions for the sense of control. Jeep has long offered a stick, and the 2025 Jeep Wrangler still comes with a 6-speed manual option on the 3.6L V6 models . Ford’s Bronco 4×4 SUV can be had with a unique 7-speed manual (6 gears plus a crawler gear) in certain trim/engine combinations, appealing to hardcore off-roaders who like to modulate power on the trails . And for truck lovers, Toyota has ensured that the all-new 2025 Tacoma pickup truck can be equipped with a 6-speed manual (on select 4×4 trims with the turbo-4 engine) . While most truck buyers choose automatics for towing ease, Toyota knows a subset of its “Tacoma fan” base wants the durability and control of a manual, especially in off-road-oriented versions. The Jeep Gladiator pickup also offered a manual in previous model years, making it one of the only trucks in America with a stick – truly a rarity. These offerings are niche but show that manuals still have a place wherever driving enjoyment and mechanical simplicity are prized.

In short, a diverse array of manufacturers – from Japanese to European to American – are intentionally keeping the manual alive in certain models. They often promote these models with a bit of enthusiast-centric marketing, knowing it builds brand loyalty. For example, Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division proudly touts that none of its GR performance cars are “boring” – and offering a stick shift is part of that promise. Each manual model on sale in 2025 is like a rolling ambassador for the idea that driving can be more than point-and-click. The fact that you can still walk into a showroom and buy a brand-new stick shift car (from economy models to 400+ horsepower beasts) is a testament to the pressure enthusiast consumers have put on the industry.

New Cars Available with Manual Transmissions (2025)

So, which new cars (as of 2025) can you actually buy with a manual transmission? While the list is shorter than it was a decade ago, you might be surprised that there are still around 25–30 models in the U.S. that offer a stick shift . Below is an overview of some notable manual-equipped cars for 2025, grouped by category:

• Sports & Performance Cars:
  
  • Mazda MX-5 Miata – 2-seat roadster (181 hp) that comes standard with 6MT (manual transmission), epitomizing lightweight driving fun.
  • Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ – Affordable RWD sports coupes (~228 hp) co-developed by Toyota/Subaru; manual is the enthusiast’s choice (automatic is optional, but most fans go stick).
  • Nissan Z – Twin-turbo RWD sports coupe (400 hp) available with a 6-speed manual on Sport and Performance trims (note: the highest NISMO trim is auto-only, to some disappointment).
  • Toyota GR Supra – Turbo inline-6 sports car (382 hp) co-developed with BMW; as of 2023, the 3.0L Supra can finally be had with a 6MT, answering the prayers of Supra fans .
  • BMW M2 – Compact high-performance coupe (453 hp) with a standard 6-speed manual . Also, BMW M3/M4 offer manuals on their base 473 hp versions (Competition models are auto-only) .
  • Porsche 718 Cayman/Boxster – Mid-engine sports cars (300–414 hp depending on trim) that offer a 6MT on various trims, including GTS 4.0 flat-6 models .
  • Porsche 911 (992 generation) – The legendary 911 (473 hp Carrera T or 502 hp GT3) can be had with a 6-speed manual in select variants , maintaining Porsche’s link to its stick-shift heritage.
  • Lotus Emira – Niche British sports car (400 hp V6) that offers an old-school 6MT for true enthusiasts .
  • Chevrolet Camaro – (Honorable mention: 2024 was its final model year.) The Camaro offered a manual on V8 and V6 models and went out of production in 2024 with a sizable percentage of its final special editions being manual. While you can’t get a new 2025 Camaro, the used market and leftover 2024s are part of the manual landscape.
  • Ford Mustang – America’s pony car (480+ hp in GT, or 500 hp in Dark Horse form) continues with a 6-speed manual option into 2025, now the last of its kind among muscle cars .
• Sporty Sedans & Hot Hatches:
  
  • Acura Integra & Integra Type S – Premium sporty liftback sedan (200 hp base, 320 hp Type S) both offering manuals; the Type S is manual-only, reflecting Acura’s focus on enthusiast drivers .
  • Honda Civic Si & Civic Type R – The Si (200 hp turbo) and Type R (315 hp turbo) are the performance variants of the Civic and come exclusively with 6-speed manuals . These carry Honda’s torch for the sport-compact stick shift culture.
  • Hyundai Elantra N – A 276 hp turbo sport compact sedan from Hyundai’s N division, offered with a 6MT. It’s been praised for bringing back the spirit of the old Civic Type R/WRX sedan in a new package .
  • Volkswagen Jetta GLI – A 228 hp turbo compact sedan that is essentially a GTI in sedan form. VW’s last U.S. model with a manual, the GLI targets buyers who want German sport-sedan handling with a stick . (In Europe, the Golf GTI was offered in manual up to 2021/2022, but the newest MK8 GTI is DSG-only in some markets.)
  • Subaru WRX – Rally-inspired AWD sedan (271 hp) that comes standard with a 6-speed manual (a CVT automatic is optional). With the STI model gone, the WRX carries Subaru’s manual performance legacy forward for its fanbase .
  • Toyota GR Corolla – A recent entrant (2023) hot hatch AWD turbo (300 hp) that is manual-only. Toyota’s GR Corolla has a rally-bred 1.6L engine and only comes with a 6MT and all-wheel-drive, making it a unicorn in the modern hot hatch world . (This model is limited production and aimed squarely at enthusiasts in North America, Europe, and Japan.)
  • Mazda3 Hatchback (Premium) – Mazda still offers a manual on the Mazda3 hatch (191 hp 2.5L engine) in select FWD trims . While other trims have automatics, the fact Mazda keeps a manual option on a nicely equipped hatchback is appreciated by those who enjoy driving.
  • (Economy Manuals) – A dwindling number of entry-level cars have manuals. In 2025, the Nissan Versa (subcompact sedan) offers a 5-speed manual on its base trim, making it one of the cheapest new cars with a stick. Similarly, some Jeep Gladiator and Ford Bronco models (as mentioned earlier) cater to manual buyers, but pure economy cars with stick shifts are nearly gone in the U.S. market.
• Off-Road and Utility Vehicles:
  
  • Jeep Wrangler (and Gladiator) – The Wrangler SUV (285 hp V6) can be had with a 6-speed manual , one of the few SUVs offering a stick. The Gladiator pickup (based on Wrangler) also has offered a manual with the gas V6. Enthusiasts who off-road often like the manual for its direct control when crawling over rocks or through mud (though automatics have their advantages too, the manual remains a sentimental favorite in Jeep culture).
  • Ford Bronco – The Bronco’s 7-speed manual (with crawler gear) is available with the smaller 2.3L turbo engine, giving a throwback vibe to this retro-styled 4×4. It’s quite unique (no other new vehicle has a 7-speed H-pattern gearbox). Buyers going for a Bronco manual are usually hardcore off-roaders or stick-shift diehards.
  • Toyota Tacoma – The all-new 2025 Tacoma midsize pickup still offers a manual on specific 4×4 configurations (only with the 270 hp 2.4L turbo-4 engine and certain cab/bed setups) . Toyota knows many loyal Tacoma owners equate “manual transmission” with the truck’s legendary reliability and ruggedness. While most trucks are auto today, the Tacoma gives traditionalists an option.
  • (Other Regions: In markets outside the U.S., manual options on utilitarian vehicles are more common – e.g., base Land Rovers, Toyota Land Cruiser pickups, and various work trucks often have manuals in developing countries. However, in the U.S. and Europe, the above are the primary new off-road vehicles with manual transmissions.)

It’s worth noting that in Europe and other global markets, manual transmissions have historically been far more common, and even in 2025 there are models available overseas that Americans can’t get with a stick. For example, many smaller cars in Europe (like certain trims of the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio, etc.) still offer manuals, although this is rapidly changing with the rise of automatics and EVs. Europe’s manual take-rate for new cars has been dropping as well – as of mid-2020s, only roughly 30% of new cars in Europe might be manual, down from much higher percentages in past decades (in the UK, manuals were still about 22% of new car sales as of a couple years ago, and higher in some Southern European countries) . The markets most enthusiastic for manuals today tend to be either enthusiast-driven niches (like performance cars in North America, Europe, Japan) or regions where low-cost simplicity is key (parts of Asia, Africa, Latin America).

In the U.S., enthusiasts are concentrated in certain areas as well. Data from CarMax showed the top states for manual sales (used cars) in recent years were New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, New York, and Connecticut . These are places with either strong enthusiast communities, winding roads that beg for driver engagement, or younger demographics in certain cities. On the flip side, states with the fewest manual sales included Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Wisconsin, and Georgia , possibly due to more urban stop-and-go driving or simply regional preferences. This illustrates that even within one country, the “stick shift revival” is somewhat localized to where driver culture or geography favors it.

Cultural Shifts Driving the Stick Shift Revival

Beyond the raw models and sales figures, there’s an undeniable cultural energy behind the renewed interest in stick shifts. A few factors in the social and cultural realm are contributing to the manual transmission’s image resurgence:

• Gen Z and Millennials “Discovering” Stick Shifts: For many younger drivers, manuals are a novelty – something their parents or grandparents drove, but they didn’t. As they come of age, some are intentionally seeking out manual cars as a hobby or challenge. It’s become almost trendy in certain circles to learn to drive stick (witness the countless YouTube videos of teens learning to drive a manual, or TikTok clips showing off manual cars). There’s a sense of “if you truly love cars, you should know how to drive a manual” among young enthusiasts. This generation’s interest has spawned Reddit communities (like r/stickshift) full of prideful stories of finding a first manual car, and even increased demand for driving schools to teach manual. In other words, what was once just mundane (everyone drove stick) is now cool and counter-cultural, which attracts young people. A Wall Street Journal piece noted that many younger buyers who remain interested in cars specifically chose manuals because they “want to have fun” and see it as a more engaging way to drive .
• Anti-Autonomy Backlash: As cars become more computerized and even autonomous, there’s a subset of drivers pushing back and saying, “I want to be in control.” The manual transmission is the ultimate symbol of driver control – the car won’t shift itself, the driver must command it. Enthusiasts sometimes joke that a manual is the best anti-theft device (since many people can’t drive one), but it’s also arguably an anti-autonomous device. You certainly can’t text and drive (safely) in a manual; you must dedicate attention to driving. In a world of increasing automation, a manual car represents freedom and involvement. This ethos resonates with those who feel that driving is not just about transportation but about the experience. The stick shift thus has a whiff of rebellion against the idea of cars becoming appliances or chauffeurs.
• Community and “Save the Manuals” Movement: Car enthusiasts have rallied around saving manuals in a very vocal way. Major automotive publications like Car and Driver literally launched a “Save the Manuals” campaign years ago, selling t-shirts and urging readers to buy stick shifts to keep them alive. Enthusiast forums laud manufacturers that still offer manuals, and shame those that discontinue them on new models. This vocal community has helped keep manuals in the conversation. It arguably influenced decisions like Toyota adding a manual to the Supra, or Mini bringing back manuals after temporarily discontinuing them (Mini had paused offering manuals in 2020 due to supply issues, but enthusiast demand led them to reintroduce manuals in 2023 on several models). The cultural cachet of being a “true driving enthusiast” is now often tied to knowing how to drive stick – it’s almost a gatekeeping badge in car culture. All this hype and passion has given manuals outsized attention relative to their market share, which in turn motivates automakers to cater to that passion even if it’s a small segment.
• Experiential and Hobby Value: There’s a broader trend of people seeking hands-on hobbies and analog experiences as a counterbalance to screen time and digital life. Just as vinyl record sales picked up or people take up woodworking, driving a manual car fits into that niche of tangible, skill-based enjoyment. For many, a weekend drive in a manual sports car is akin to a recreational activity or meditation – it’s you, the machine, and the road. This experiential value of manuals is now a selling point. Dealerships have reported some buyers specifically come in asking for a manual model because they “miss driving” or want a weekend toy that’s engaging. In essence, manual cars are being seen less as commuter appliances and more as enthusiast toys or lifestyle accessories. This shift elevates their status: owning a manual car is something you do for fun, not because you have to.
• Influence of Media and Entertainment: Let’s not forget the impact of car media and games. Racing video games (like Forza, Gran Turismo) often encourage using manual mode or clutch for better control, introducing young players to the idea of shifting gears. Popular TV shows, YouTubers, and movies (e.g., the Fast & Furious franchise) frequently glorify manual sports cars with dramatic gearshift scenes. This exposure creates a bit of mystique around the manual transmission. If your favorite car influencer raves about how much more alive a car feels with a stick, you might be tempted to find out for yourself. Over time, this has helped propagate the idea that “real” performance cars have a manual, which trickles into enthusiast desires even if automatics are objectively faster these days. The hype is partly romanticism – but that romanticism is exactly what’s driving the renewed interest.

In summary, the stick shift’s comeback is as much a cultural phenomenon as an automotive one. It represents a reaction to high-tech overload and a rekindling of the joy of driving for driving’s sake. The narrative of “Save the Manuals” has rallied a generation of car lovers who don’t want to see the manual gearbox fade away. As long as there are people who learn to drive stick and fall in love with it, there will be a market – however niche – for manual cars.

The Road Ahead: Manual Transmissions in the Future

What does the future hold for stick shift cars, especially as we stand on the brink of an electric vehicle revolution? It’s a tricky question. Even the most ardent manual enthusiasts acknowledge that the rise of EVs and advanced automatics will inevitably shrink the manual’s domain. EVs, by their nature, usually have a single-speed drivetrain – no clutch, no shifting (at least not in the traditional sense). And high-performance gasoline cars increasingly use lightning-fast automatics or dual-clutch gearboxes to achieve the best acceleration times and efficiency. However, there are a few hopeful signs that manuals – or at least the spirit of manuals – will persist into the future:

• Enthusiast ICE Cars in the 2020s: In the immediate future, internal combustion engine (ICE) cars are still being sold, and many manufacturers have pledged to keep offering manuals as long as they produce sporty ICE models. For example, Toyota and Mazda have hinted that as long as they make cars like the GR86 or Miata, they’ll strive to include manual options because it’s core to those cars’ identity. We may see one last generation of manual-equipped sports cars in the late 2020s (before full electrification) – these could become instant classics and highly sought by collectors. Manufacturers like BMW M division and Porsche have also suggested they’ll keep a manual in at least one variant as long as feasible, to maintain credibility with enthusiasts. So, through the remainder of this decade, expect manuals to survive in niche roles (especially in limited-edition, high-performance models, or “driver’s edition” trims).
• Manual Simulations in EVs: Looking further ahead, some automakers are toying with creative solutions to keep the manual experience alive even in electric cars. Notably, Toyota has patented and prototyped a manual transmission simulator for EVs . This system would use software to emulate the feel of gear shifts and even engine stalling. It includes a shifter and clutch pedal that don’t actually change gears in a gearbox (since there isn’t one), but they trigger the electric motor to respond as if it were a gasoline engine – including revving, torque changes, and even “stalling out” if you dump the clutch improperly . Toyota has gone so far as to test this in a prototype EV (reports describe it as surprisingly convincing in mirroring the rhythm of a stick shift drive) . While some may see this as gimmicky, it shows that automakers recognize the emotional appeal of manuals and are working to transplant that into the EV era. Honda’s executives have expressed skepticism, with one stating “I’m not sure if we can replace the manual transmission” in terms of the experience . But the very fact that major companies are considering it suggests manuals have a sentimental value they don’t want to lose when everything goes electric. In a way, the manual may live on as a kind of software-driven feature for enthusiasts in future electric sports cars.
• Collector and Aftermarket Scene: As new manual cars become scarce, enthusiasts may increasingly turn to the used market and classic cars to get their stick-shift fix. We can expect values of certain manual transmission models to remain strong (we’ve already seen this with cars like manual transmission BMWs, older Honda S2000s, etc., which command high prices). This keeps the “fun” alive as hobbyists maintain and trade older manual cars. Additionally, there’s a small but growing aftermarket industry for manual swaps – converting cars that never had a manual (or which had an auto-only option) to a manual by using parts from other models. For instance, there are shops that swap manual gearboxes into exotic cars like older Ferraris that originally came with automated manuals. It’s niche and pricey, but it underscores that for a segment of diehards, a car isn’t truly “right” until it has a clutch pedal. This enthusiasm will ensure manuals remain in the enthusiast car ecosystem for decades via used vehicles, restorations, and custom projects, even if new manual car offerings dwindle.
• Manuals as a Luxury Feature: Ironically, the manual transmission could survive by becoming a premium, exclusive feature for those willing to pay for a more engaging machine. Think about it: in a future where most cars drive themselves or are electric and appliance-like, a company that offers a small-production petrol sports car with a manual might attract customers the way luxury watchmakers do in the era of smartwatches. We already see a hint of this with cars like the Aston Martin Vantage AMR (a limited run manual version a few years back) or the Cadillac Blackwings – these are positioned as special, enthusiast halo models. The manual could become a selling point precisely because it’s rare. Some optimists even call manuals “the next vinyl” – not mainstream, but a thriving subculture for connoisseurs. As The Week quipped, manuals are making a comeback much like vinyl records: neither is dominant anymore, but both are doing better than expected and defying extinction . That suggests a long tail where manuals persist as a boutique option.

In conclusion, the reports of the manual transmission’s death have been at least partially exaggerated. No doubt, automatics and EVs rule the roads in sheer volume, and the percentage of manuals in the global fleet will likely continue to shrink. Yet, what we’re seeing in 2024–2025 is that manuals have carved out a sustainable niche. They are the proud choice of driving enthusiasts who value engagement over convenience. Automakers, noticing this passion, have kept the flame alive by producing a small but steady stream of manual models – from entry-level stick shifts to high-end sports cars – and even exploring ways to integrate the manual experience into future technologies.

For some drivers, the manual transmission isn’t just about changing gears – it represents a philosophy of driving: maximum involvement, skill, and joy. As long as that philosophy survives, there will be a community insisting on three pedals. So, while the highways of the future may be filled with silent electric pods and self-driving shuttles, you can bet there will also be a few determined souls rowing through the gears in a gasoline-fueled sports car, a smile on their face and a sense of connection that no algorithm can replicate. The stick shift, in that sense, is here to stay – not as the mainstream, but as the beating heart of a subculture that keeps the true spirit of driving alive and well . Long live the manual!

Sources: Automotive industry reports and enthusiast publications were used in compiling this report. Key insights were drawn from The Wall Street Journal (via The Week) on the resurgence of manual sales , CarMax’s sales data on manual trends and demographics , and enthusiast outlets like TFLcar and MotorTrend for lists of manual models and the benefits of stick shifts . These sources, among others, confirm that despite an overall decline, manual transmissions maintain a strong appeal for those who view driving as more than just a means to an end . The vehicles and features listed are current as of the 2025 model year.