In a world where technology is rapidly advancing and automatic transmissions dominate the automotive industry, there’s still a devoted fanbase that appreciates the raw driving experience only a manual transmission can provide. For these enthusiasts, driving is more than just getting from point A to point B; it’s an art form, a practice that requires skill, timing, and a deep connection to the vehicle. Despite the widespread shift to automatic and semi-automatic gearboxes, a select group of automakers continues to offer cars with a stick shift in 2024. If you’re one of those who enjoy the mechanical engagement of shifting gears yourself, here’s an in-depth look at the manual transmission cars you can still buy in 2024.
Why Manual Transmissions Are Becoming Rare
The manual transmission, once the norm in the automotive world, is becoming increasingly scarce. There are several reasons for this trend:
- Convenience of Automatics: Most modern drivers prefer the ease and convenience of automatic transmissions. In congested city traffic or long highway drives, automatic cars make driving less of a chore.
- Advancements in Automatic Technology: Automatic and dual-clutch transmissions have become faster, more efficient, and more fuel-saving than manuals. With technological improvements, automatics now often outperform manual cars in both acceleration and fuel economy.
- Emissions and Regulations: Governments around the world have introduced stricter emissions standards. Automatic transmissions, with their precision and ability to optimize engine performance, are easier to tune for these new regulations.
- Decline in Demand: Over time, fewer people have learned how to drive manual cars. The lack of demand has led many automakers to phase out manual options, focusing on automatic or electric vehicles.
Despite these factors, there’s still a small but passionate market for manual cars, and some manufacturers are keeping the tradition alive. Below is a comprehensive list of the stick-shift cars still available in 2024.
Compact Cars with Manual Transmissions
For those seeking a daily driver that offers fuel efficiency, practicality, and the fun of a manual gearbox, compact cars are a solid choice.
2024 Honda Civic Si
The Honda Civic Si has long been a staple for manual transmission lovers. Its lightweight body, punchy turbocharged engine, and precise 6-speed manual make it a joy to drive. For 2024, the Civic Si continues to be offered exclusively with a manual transmission, making it one of the few affordable performance cars still available with a stick shift.
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Volkswagen’s Golf GTI remains a symbol of the hot hatch genre. Known for its balance between everyday usability and spirited driving, the 2024 GTI still offers a 6-speed manual transmission. For enthusiasts, the GTI provides an engaging driving experience that automatic models can’t replicate.
2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata, often heralded as one of the purest driver’s cars, continues to be available with a manual transmission in 2024. This lightweight roadster offers a 6-speed manual gearbox that lets drivers fully exploit its nimble handling and responsive engine. The Miata is a rare gem in today’s world, prioritizing driving fun over pure power.
2024 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
Toyota offers its 2024 Corolla Hatchback with a 6-speed manual option, appealing to drivers who want the practicality of a hatchback with the engagement of a manual. It’s a budget-friendly option that still delivers a satisfying driving experience.
Sports Cars with Manual Transmissions
Performance enthusiasts who crave speed, power, and control can still find a few sports cars equipped with manual gearboxes.
2024 Ford Mustang
The iconic Ford Mustang keeps the manual transmission alive with its V8-powered GT model. For muscle car lovers, the 2024 Mustang GT is available with a 6-speed manual, giving drivers full command of its roaring engine. The combination of American muscle and a manual gearbox is a recipe for an exhilarating drive.
2024 Porsche 911
The Porsche 911, a performance icon, continues to cater to purists in 2024. While many 911 models are equipped with Porsche’s lightning-fast PDK automatic transmission, the 911 Carrera S and the 911 GT3 are still available with a 7-speed manual option. This offering appeals to drivers who value the connection and feedback that only a manual gearbox can provide.
2024 Chevrolet Camaro
Chevrolet continues to offer the Camaro with a 6-speed manual transmission in both the SS and ZL1 models. Known for its brutal acceleration and rear-wheel-drive layout, the Camaro in manual form gives enthusiasts the visceral driving experience they crave. While its future may be uncertain, in 2024, the Camaro remains one of the few manual muscle cars left on the market.
Performance-Oriented Sedans with Manual Transmissions
For those who want the thrill of driving a stick shift but need the practicality of a four-door sedan, these options keep the manual transmission tradition alive.
2024 BMW M3
The 2024 BMW M3, one of the most revered performance sedans, offers a 6-speed manual transmission in the base model. Known for its sharp handling and powerful twin-turbo inline-six engine, the M3 with a stick shift delivers the ultimate driving experience for purists who want control over every aspect of their drive.
2024 Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX is synonymous with rally heritage and all-wheel-drive performance. For 2024, the WRX continues to be offered with a 6-speed manual transmission, providing drivers with the tactile pleasure of shifting gears while navigating its turbocharged engine. It’s a car that blends practicality with serious performance capabilities.
Specialty and Off-Road Vehicles with Manual Transmissions
Even in the realm of off-road vehicles, there are still a few manual transmission options for adventurers seeking more control over difficult terrains.
2024 Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler, an off-road icon, continues to offer a 6-speed manual transmission in 2024. Paired with its rugged design and legendary off-road capability, the manual Wrangler gives drivers full control over their off-road adventures. For those who want to feel more connected to the terrain beneath them, the Wrangler remains a top choice.
2024 Ford Bronco
Like the Wrangler, the Ford Bronco offers a 7-speed manual transmission for off-road enthusiasts. With a special crawler gear designed for tackling steep inclines and rough trails, the manual Bronco is perfect for those who crave adventure and a hands-on driving experience.
The Future of Manual Transmissions: Is It the End?
Although manual transmissions are becoming rare, they are not extinct. Enthusiasts are keeping the demand alive, and manufacturers are responding by offering stick-shift options in select models. However, the trend is clear: as technology continues to evolve and the world shifts toward electric vehicles, the manual transmission may become a relic of the past. Electric cars, with their single-speed transmissions, are leading the charge, and as emissions regulations tighten, the manual transmission may not have a place in the future of the automotive world.
For now, 2024 offers a handful of cars that still let drivers experience the pure joy of rowing through the gears themselves. Whether you’re a fan of hot hatches, muscle cars, off-roaders, or performance sedans, there’s still a manual transmission option available for you. But as the automotive landscape shifts, these options may become increasingly limited—so if you’re passionate about driving stick, 2024 might be your best opportunity to grab one of these exciting cars before they disappear from showrooms for good.