The manual transmission is dying (at least here in the US).
With fewer and fewer people learning the art of slipping a clutch and dowshifting, auto makers have stopped producing them (even the Corvette fell off the list a few years ago).
Below are the few and the proud holdouts, grab one before the accountants do the math on them too.
2025 Acura Integra and Integra Type S (Reborn Premium Sport Compact)
Acura’s Integra returns as a stylish hatch with a premium interior and sporty handling.
A turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder plus six-speed manual delivers everyday thrills, blending Honda reliability with an upscale twist.
For more punch, the Type S borrows from the Civic Type R, packing a turbo 2.0-liter, bigger brakes, and sharper suspension.
It’s exclusively manual, giving performance enthusiasts a refined yet ferocious ride.
2025 BMW M2 (Compact Powerhouse)
BMW’s second-generation M2 continues its legacy of punchy performance in a tight footprint.
Many fans love it for its raw driving character and old-school BMW feel.
Early models had some reliability quirks in their turbo setups, but the current version is well-sorted and offers enhanced cooling and chassis tweaks.
Under the hood, you’ll find a twin-turbo inline-six pushing serious horsepower.
A six-speed manual remains an option for those seeking a visceral connection.
It’s a gem for folks wanting a pure sports coupe with daily drivability and track-day fun.
2025 BMW M3 and M4 (Performance Icons)
The M3 sedan and M4 coupe have always symbolized BMW’s performance heritage.
For 2025, these two maintain the brutal power of their twin-turbo sixes, refined suspension tuning, and aggressive styling.
Historically, they’ve gone through design evolutions, but the fundamental formula of usable performance carries on.
A six-speed manual is still offered on certain trims, preserving that classic M experience.
Whether you need four doors or two, these machines deliver corner-carving agility, high-speed stability, and everyday usability in a single, thrilling package.
2025 BMW Z4 (Modern Roadster Feel)
BMW’s two-seat roadster is all about open-top freedom, but it’s also a serious performer under the skin.
Past generations earned praise for nimble handling, though some criticized earlier models for ride harshness.
Today’s Z4 is more refined, but still plenty engaging on twisting back roads.
Several powertrain choices let you pick your level of punch.
A manual transmission option on select trims sets it apart from many modern roadsters that have gone fully automatic.
If you crave sunshine and spirited driving, the Z4 is a solid pick.
2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing (Compact American Muscle)
Cadillac’s V-Series models blend American luxury with track-ready performance, and the Blackwing badge represents the pinnacle of that philosophy.
The CT4-V Blackwing, introduced not too long ago, quickly earned respect for its balanced chassis and powerful twin-turbo V6.
Remarkably, it still comes with a six-speed manual right from the factory, delighting folks who crave old-school muscle vibes.
This smaller Cadillac sedan combines plush comfort with serious cornering grip, making it a unique choice for drivers who want both refinement and rowdy fun.
2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
The CT5-V Blackwing takes Cadillac’s formula and cranks it to 11, featuring a supercharged V8 for explosive horsepower.
While older Cadillac super sedans could feel a bit soft in corners, the Blackwing treatment includes track-focused suspension and upgraded brakes.
A manual gearbox here is a rarity in the luxury sedan world. Despite the performance focus, you’ll find plenty of upscale amenities and a spacious cabin.
If you want to tear up the back roads in a first-class seat, this is your blend of comfort and chaos.
2025 Ford Bronco (Look Cool + Go Off-Road)
The Bronco’s comeback was an instant hit, bringing robust off-road ability and a retro-modern design.
People have gone nuts for its removable doors, rugged suspension, and countless add-ons.
While it’s far from a sports car, the Bronco’s main mission is conquering trails and looking good doing it.
Ford continues to offer a seven-speed manual with a crawler gear on the four-cylinder model.
This gearbox adds an extra layer of control for tricky off-road situations.
If your weekends revolve around mud, boulders, and scenic vistas, the Bronco is ready.
2025 Ford Mustang (The Last Old School Stick)
Few cars represent American performance like the Mustang.
The 2025 update keeps the muscular styling and big power, while refining the tech and interior comforts.
For many, a V8 with a stick is the essential Mustang recipe.
Ford caters to enthusiasts by offering a six-speed manual on both four-cylinder EcoBoost and GT V8 trims.
Over the years, the Mustang’s independent rear suspension has boosted handling without losing straight-line thrills.
Whether you’re cruising Main Street or hitting the track, the Mustang never dissapoints
2025 Honda Civic Si and Type R (Reliable Thrill Machines)
Honda’s performance Civics have been go-to options for practical fun.
The Si strikes a balance for daily commuting and spirited weekend drives, while the Type R ramps up power and handling for track enthusiasts.
Previous generations gained a cult following thanks to tuner-friendly engines and bulletproof reliability.
Both models retain their beloved six-speed manual with crisp, well-weighted shifts. They also feature limited-slip differentials to help manage power.
If you want a sensible sedan or hatch with a playful streak, these Civics have you covered.
2025 Hyundai Elantra N (Sporty Compact Surprise)
Hyundai’s N division took the compact segment by storm with fun, budget-friendly performance cars.
The Elantra N, in particular, impresses with a lively turbocharged engine, upgraded suspension, and edgy styling.
It sits alongside the Veloster N’s legacy, continuing Hyundai’s push into enthusiast territory.
Crucially, the Elantra N still packs a six-speed manual that’s becoming rarer among rivals. Expect a sport-tuned chassis, serious stopping power, and a daily-drivable ride.
It’s a practical sports sedan that doesn’t break the bank or compromise on engagement.
2025 Jeep Wrangler (Off-Road Legend)
The Wrangler’s roots trace back decades, maintaining the go-anywhere spirit that made it famous.
Despite modern comforts like touchscreen infotainment, the Wrangler stays true to its rugged past with a solid axle setup, removable doors, and open-air design.
Under the hood, most trims still offer the classic 3.6L V6, and a six-speed manual remains available.
With high ground clearance and an aftermarket that supports endless customization, the Wrangler is a manual-transmission machine for exploration—whether crawling rocks or cruising the beach.
2025 Lotus Emira (Exotic Mid-Engine Experience)
Lotus is known for lightweight handling and minimal frills, focusing on driver feedback above all else.
The Emira replaces the outgoing Evora and carries on the mid-engine layout with striking looks.
Historically, Lotus has used Toyota-sourced engines for reliability and performance.
This sports car can be had with a manual gearbox, a rarity among exotic-leaning coupes.
The experience is all about precise steering and a chassis tuned for nimble cornering.
If you want an exotic you can still row through the gears, the Emira is your ticket.
2025 Mazda 3 Hatchback (Everyday Hatch With a Twist)
Mazda has built a reputation for sharp handling and stylish design in affordable packages.
The Mazda 3 Hatchback continues that tradition, featuring an upscale interior and a peppy engine lineup.
Earlier models had some rust issues, but the new generation is a clear step up.
A manual transmission is still available on certain trims, appealing to those who want practicality and a bit of driving involvement.
Stylish, efficient, and surprisingly premium, the 3 is a well-rounded pick for manual enthusiasts.
2025 Mazda Miata (Beloved Roadster)
The Miata is the quintessential lightweight roadster that introduced many to the joys of top-down motoring.
It’s known for its nimble chassis, perfect balance, and bulletproof reliability.
Previous generations were sometimes criticized for modest power, but the current iteration is significantly livelier.
You can still get it with a manual that’s famous for short, precise throws.
Add in a simple, intuitive interior and an affordable price tag, and you have a timeless formula for open-air driving bliss.
2025 Nissan Versa (Budget-Friendly Option)
A manual transmission might seem unexpected in a subcompact commuter car, but the Versa stands out by offering a five-speed manual in its base form.
Nissan’s little sedan is designed for maximum affordability and solid fuel economy.
Though not performance-focused, it’s easy to maneuver in tight city streets and cheap to run. If you’re just looking to preserve the ma
nual shifting experience without splurging on a performance car, the Versa is an approachable gateway.
2025 Nissan Z (Reborn Sports Coupe)
After much anticipation, Nissan revived its legendary Z car with a sleek, retro-modern design and a twin-turbo V6.
Earlier Z models had a reputation for reliability and a robust aftermarket, and this newest version keeps that tradition alive.
Crucially, it’s offered with a six-speed manual, giving enthusiasts the chance to row through gears and hear that exhaust snarl.
Performance-oriented chassis tuning and an improved interior make the 2025 Nissan Z a serious contender in the affordable sports car realm.
2025 Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman (Mid-Engine Precision)
Porsche’s 718 lineup offers surgically precise steering and a mid-engine layout that yields near-perfect balance.
Over the years, the brand moved from naturally aspirated engines to turbo fours, creating some debate among purists, but performance remains top-tier.
You can still get these with a six-speed manual, especially in GTS and special trims.
Whether you prefer open-top thrills in the Boxster or a sleek coupe experience in the Cayman, these sports cars deliver driving engagement that’s hard to match.
2025 Porsche 911 (Iconic Rear-Engine)
Perhaps the most recognizable sports car of all time, the 911 continues to evolve while keeping its rear-engine roots.
The formula is proven: a flat-six engine, timeless styling, and everyday usability.
Porsche ensures performance is staggering, but there’s also comfort and refinement inside.
A seven-speed manual can be had on select models (like the Carrera T and certain performance trims).
This is a rarity among supercars, giving purists the chance to connect directly with the engine’s famed power band.
2025 Subaru BRZ (Lightweight Rear-Wheel Drive)
The BRZ captured hearts by offering rear-wheel drive and a balanced chassis in an affordable package.
Developed alongside Toyota’s GR86, it focuses on handling finesse over outright horsepower.
Early torque dips are largely resolved with the newest engines.
Expect a six-speed manual and a playful, naturally aspirated boxer engine.
Its lightweight construction and low center of gravity let you flick it around corners with confidence.
If you’re after a pure driver’s car that won’t break the bank, the BRZ is a strong contender.
2025 Subaru WRX (Rally-Bred Sedan)
Born from Subaru’s rally heritage, the WRX carries a turbocharged flat-four and standard all-wheel drive.
Past generations gained a reputation for unstoppable grip in poor weather and punchy acceleration.
The new model refines the formula with improved interior quality and tech.
Crucially, a manual transmission remains central to the WRX experience, letting you spool the turbo on your own terms.
For those who love the rush of a boost gauge climbing alongside a shift lever, this sedan delivers.
2025 Toyota GR86 (Featherweight Fun)
Co-developed with Subaru, the GR86 is the Toyota sibling to the BRZ.
Both share the same chassis and low-mounted boxer engine.
Like the Subaru, the early GT86/FR-S models drew some criticism for limited torque, but upgrades over time have added more punch.
A six-speed manual helps you make the most of the powerband on winding roads.
Lightweight, responsive, and affordable, the GR86 stands as a spiritual successor to beloved analog sports cars.
2025 Toyota GR Corolla (Hot Hatch Hero)
Toyota stunned everyone with a high-performance Corolla that packs a turbocharged 1.6-liter triple making serious horsepower.
The GR Corolla’s advanced all-wheel-drive system and rally-inspired engineering give it cornering prowess that belies its compact size.
Best of all, this hatch comes exclusively with a six-speed manual—no automatic here.
It’s a bold move that’s been celebrated by die-hard enthusiasts who want practicality and performance in one small package. If you love hot hatches, this one’s a must-drive.
2025 Toyota Tacoma (Dependable Truck for Enthusiasts)
Well-known for bulletproof reliability and off-road capability, the Tacoma remains a top pick in the midsize truck segment.
The new model boasts more powerful turbo-four engines, updated interiors, and improved off-road trims.
Toyota also continues to offer a six-speed manual behind certain versions of its 2.4-liter turbo engine.
Configuration is limited, but if you want a manual truck that can handle daily tasks and rugged trails, the Tacoma is tough to beat.
Multiple trims, including the SR, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road, keep it versatile for different lifestyles.
2025 Toyota GR Supra (Turbocharged Legend)
Reviving the legendary Supra nameplate was huge news for Toyota, and the resulting sports coupe earned praise for its rowdy turbocharged performance and track-ready handling.
Some questioned the BMW collaboration, but the final product speaks for itself—a modern Supra that’s both comfortable and fast.
Toyota added a manual transmission option for the 3.0-liter inline-six models, answering the prayers of traditionalists.
This setup amplifies driver engagement, making the GR Supra a genuine competitor in the premium sports car arena.
2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI (Understated Sport Sedan)
Volkswagen’s GLI is essentially the GTI’s sedan sibling, blending European handling with practicality.
For years, the Jetta GLI has packed a punchy turbocharged four-cylinder, sporty suspension tuning, and an interior that’s comfortable enough for family duty.
A six-speed manual version underscores Volkswagen’s commitment to the enthusiast crowd.
It offers brisk acceleration, playful handling, and decent fuel economy.
If you need a grown-up sedan but refuse to give up shifting your own gears, the GLI fits the bill.
That’s quite a mix, from sporty coupes to off-road warriors and practical sedans.
If the joy of a clutch pedal and a shifter still calls to you, these 2025 models prove the manual transmission is alive and well.
Take your pick and relish the simple pleasure of rowing your own gears.