Manual cars are getting fewer yearly, with most people leaning toward automatics. But before these cars fade away, let’s look back at 12 models that offered amazing manual transmission.
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1991 Honda Civic
Many drivers report learning to drive a stick shift with a 1991 Honda Civic, which shifted effortlessly. “I learned manual in 10 minutes on this car in a parking lot. I made it home on a 40-mile drive through city traffic, only stalling it once,” shares a happy poster.
Another poster explains that the great manual transmission is due to Honda’s use of linkage, not cables, like most front-wheel drive cars.
Honda S2000
Another Honda with an excellent manual transmission is the S2000. Its stick shift was so good that previous owners are sad that finding a car with a similar transmission experience has become challenging.
“I still can’t believe that 20+ years later, they can’t produce what my car did back then,” writes a poster.
Porsche 911
The Porsche 911 also shifts amazingly, thanks to the improved hydraulic clutch, with an 8-speed manual transmission.
Mazda Miata
Mazda Miatas, too, are fun as they feature six-speed standard transmission, a smooth clutch, and perfect shifts. One says, “Miata is always the answer. Crisp and precise shifts, intuitive clutch, and no-nonsense.”
1970s BMW 2002
“I never found a better combination of smooth, precise shifting and ideal gear ratio in any car I’ve driven,” a happy 1970s BMW 2002 owner praises. This model proved reliable with its four-speed manual transmission and 2.0-liter inline-four engine.
Ford Focus RS
Equipped with a 150 HP turbocharged engine and a six-speed manual transmission, the Ford Focus RS also deserves to be on this list.
2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI
The Volkswagen Golf TDI is fun to drive, thanks to its engaging stick shift. The 2012 and 2015 models are also fun, with some users vowing they won’t sell theirs.
9th Gen Honda Civic
Honda arguably produces some of the greatest manual transmissions, as this 9th Gen Civic is the third company’s model on this list. Many praise its six-speed being so smooth with limited transmission issues. However, some drivers feel their 8th Gen Honda Civics are much better than the 9th Gen.
BMW M2
The BMW M2 retained its manual transmission, a feature many drivers enjoy. Plus, it comes with a 453 HP twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six engine. Besides the M2, BMW has included a stick shift in its M3 and M4 models.
Subaru STI
“The Subaru STIs have some pretty awesome shifting transmission, especially the 2008+ models,” swears a user. But that doesn’t mean the previous models were terrible. “I had a 2004 STI and loved the transmission. It shifted super smooth, and the clutch made it really easy to do quick launches,” writes another.
Honda Civic Type R
Honda engineers created this racing car to give drivers a thrilling experience. It’s no wonder this model has a 320 HP turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual transmission.
1997 Honda Celica
Another Honda with a smooth-as-butter manual transmission is the 1997 Celica. This stylish, reliable car is also fun to drive with good handling and gas mileage.
Source: Reddit
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