1. Mazda
Mazda has kept the manual option alive, especially with its beloved MX-5 Miata. This little roadster is all about the joy of driving, and there’s something magical about shifting gears yourself while taking on those tight curves. Plus, Mazda’s compact cars, like the Mazda3, still offer a manual in select trims, so you can feel connected to the road without breaking the bank.
2. Ford
Though Ford has moved away from manual options in its everyday sedans, the brand knows stick-shift enthusiasts are still out there! Enter the Mustang, especially the GT model, which lets you row through gears with a classic six-speed. For those wanting an extra thrill, Ford’s Shelby GT350 (if you can find one) and the newer Mach 1 are beasts that let you feel every bit of that horsepower with each shift.
3. Subaru
Subaru and stick shifts are like peanut butter and jelly. Whether you’re looking at the sporty WRX or even a Forester or Crosstrek (base models only), Subaru’s manual transmission is still there for fans who like a bit of adventure in their daily drives. WRX drivers, in particular, appreciate that turbocharged engine paired with a manual to maximize control on or off the pavement.
4. Honda
Honda hasn’t given up on the stick shift, and we should thank them for that! The Civic, especially in its sportier trims like the Si or Type R, is the go-to for manual fans who want something reliable but still thrilling to drive. Honda’s manuals have a reputation for being smooth and precise, making them especially appealing to both new and seasoned manual drivers.
5. Chevrolet
Chevrolet is another big brand that’s kept the manual alive—primarily in the Camaro and Corvette. The Camaro comes with a six-speed manual option that makes every drive feel like a race. And for anyone lucky enough to get their hands on a Corvette with a manual, the combination of power and control is pretty much unbeatable in American sports cars.
6. Volkswagen
Volkswagen has kept the manual transmission going strong in models like the Golf GTI and Golf R, catering to fans of hot hatches. These cars are perfect for anyone who wants a sporty ride with the classic feel of a manual transmission. The GTI’s manual is known for its smooth shifts, making it a favorite for city driving and long weekend trips alike.
7. Porsche
For many car enthusiasts, Porsche’s commitment to the manual transmission is nothing short of heroic. The 911 and 718 models come with a manual option, especially in the performance-oriented GTS and GT3 trims. Porsche has fine-tuned its manual transmissions to perfection, making them smooth, engaging, and a dream to drive on winding roads or tracks.
8. Mini
Mini is all about personality and playfulness, so it’s no surprise they still offer a manual. Models like the Cooper S and John Cooper Works (JCW) come with a six-speed manual that lets you have a ton of fun on the road. Minis are compact, nimble, and pair perfectly with manual transmissions for a uniquely engaging experience.
9. Toyota
Toyota is fully aware that driving a stick shift is part of the appeal for some of its models. The Toyota GR86, a joint venture with Subaru, is a prime example—a lightweight sports car with a manual that delivers on thrills and control. The Corolla Hatchback and Tacoma pickup also offer manuals, making Toyota one of the few brands with a broad range of manual options.
10. Hyundai
Hyundai surprised many by keeping the manual alive, especially in the Veloster N and Elantra N, two of its sporty models. The Veloster N’s six-speed manual with rev-matching is practically designed for enthusiasts. Hyundai’s manuals are precise and responsive, making them a refreshing option for anyone looking to drive a little differently.
11. Jeep
When it comes to off-road adventures, a manual transmission can be a game-changer. Jeep still offers a six-speed manual in the Wrangler, letting drivers feel every bit of the terrain as they climb, crawl, or cruise. The manual Wrangler isn’t the most common, but it’s beloved by Jeep purists and those who want to fully experience rugged trails.
12. Nissan
Nissan might not offer as many manual options as it once did, but they’ve kept it alive with the Z series. The new Nissan Z, a nod to the brand’s iconic sports car lineage, comes with a manual option that really lets you appreciate its twin-turbo V6 engine. It’s a car made for enthusiasts who want to relive the joy of manual shifting with a modern twist.
