Celebrating Stick Shifts: Cars That Deserve Manuals

National Stick Shift Day might be a nostalgic nod to the past, but for many automotive enthusiasts, it's a reminder of a time when the connection between man and machine was raw, engaging, and real. The decline of the manual transmission is undeniable in today’s technologically driven auto industry. Yet, the passion for the stick shift hasn’t disappeared—it’s evolved into a symbol of purist driving.

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The Endangered Art of Driving Stick

Once a staple in most vehicles, the manual transmission has become a rare breed. Market trends and consumer demands for convenience and performance have led automakers to focus on automatic and semi-automatic gearboxes. Today’s advanced automatics are faster, smoother, and more fuel-efficient than ever before, leaving little reason for brands to continue investing in manuals—except for one: driving engagement.

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Why Manuals Still Matter

While automatics dominate for practicality, driving purists argue that manual transmissions offer unmatched control, mechanical simplicity, and a visceral connection to the road. In enthusiast communities, stick shifts are revered for the skill they demand and the joy they provide. This cultural significance keeps the manual alive in a few key segments—mostly performance and affordable fun cars.

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Cars That Should Still Offer a Manual Transmission

1. Genesis G70 3.3T

The Genesis G70 is a compact luxury sports sedan that delivers impressive dynamics, especially with the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6. While the base model offers a manual option, enthusiasts crave the same experience in the more powerful variant. A manual gearbox paired with this potent engine would elevate driver involvement and make it a true BMW 3 Series contender.

2. Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

Boasting a Ferrari-derived 505-hp V6, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio has the power and character deserving of a manual transmission. Though its 8-speed automatic is sharp, enthusiasts argue that a stick shift would better complement its Italian soul and racing heritage.

3. Mazda3

The Mazda3 remains one of the last affordable compacts to offer a manual, but it's buried in limited trims. This car’s balance and feedback make it perfect for a manual setup—more so than many pricier competitors. Wider availability across trims would reintroduce younger drivers to the stick shift lifestyle.

4. BMW 3 Series

Few vehicles symbolize driving pleasure more than the BMW 3 Series. The manual has long been a hallmark of this model, but with the G20 redesign, it’s absent in the U.S. Enthusiasts lament its loss, even if the automatic is competent. The manual represented BMW’s roots in precision engineering and driver-first philosophy.

5. Honda Accord Coupe V6

Before its discontinuation, the Honda Accord Coupe V6 with a manual was a sleeper performance car—refined, powerful, and engaging. Its disappearance leaves a void in the affordable grand tourer segment. Reintroducing this combination could rejuvenate interest in midsize coupes.

6. Mercedes-AMG G63

Though seemingly absurd, a manual Mercedes-AMG G63 would be a thrill for diehard off-roaders and performance fans alike. The juxtaposition of a brutish luxury SUV with a manual transmission is exactly the kind of automotive lunacy enthusiasts appreciate.

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Manuals We Don’t Miss

1. Subaru WRX/STI

While the Subaru WRX lineup offers manual options, some critics argue they’ve never truly excelled. The gearbox feels clunky, the clutch lacks feedback, and automatics in later models outperform them in daily usability and track responsiveness.

2. BMW M5 (2013-2015)

The manual version of the BMW M5 felt more like a marketing concession than an engineering triumph. Poorly integrated and less refined than the car’s automatic variant, it never lived up to the M badge’s expectations for seamless performance.

3. Toyota Supra

Although controversial, the latest Toyota Supra proves that a well-tuned automatic can match or exceed a manual. Its 8-speed ZF transmission is razor-sharp, providing rapid, intelligent shifts that maintain peak performance. While a manual version has since arrived due to fan demand, the automatic more than holds its own.

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The Future of Stick Shifts

As electrification becomes the new standard, manual transmissions are unlikely to find relevance in EVs, which lack traditional gearboxes. However, niche models may continue offering sticks as a homage to driving heritage. Brands like Porsche, Mazda, and even Toyota acknowledge the demand and continue to cater to enthusiasts where possible.

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Final Thoughts

Manual transmissions may be fading, but they aren’t forgotten. As technology redefines mobility, the stick shift remains a badge of honor for drivers who cherish the journey as much as the destination. Automakers like MotorVero should continue advocating for enthusiast-driven options that prioritize joy over convenience. Because sometimes, the best way forward is by keeping a hand in the past.