The Enduring Appeal of Manual Transmissions in Performance Cars
While automatic transmissions dominate the automotive landscape, manual gearboxes continue to hold a significant, albeit niche, appeal, particularly among enthusiasts. This article delves into the unexpected resilience of manual transmissions, examining how certain performance-oriented models maintain remarkably high take rates, defying the broader industry trend towards automatic and electric vehicles. Despite accounting for a minuscule percentage of overall new car sales, the demand for manual shifts in vehicles designed for driving pleasure underscores a persistent appreciation for driver engagement and control.
For those who value the visceral connection offered by a clutch pedal and gear stick, recent statistics offer a glimmer of hope. Although manual transmissions constitute a mere fraction of new car purchases, specific models demonstrate impressive manual adoption rates, keeping the enthusiast's preferred transmission alive. This isn't to say manuals will regain mainstream dominance, but it confirms their ongoing relevance within the automotive community.
The overall market for manual transmissions has undeniably shrunk. Manuals now represent less than 1% of new car sales in America, with fewer than 30 models offering this option for the 2025 model year. This marks a dramatic decline from previous decades when stick-shift vehicles were common. Interestingly, despite this long-term decline, manual transmission take rates nearly doubled between 2021 and 2023, increasing from 0.9% to 1.7%. While these figures remain small, they signal a noteworthy reversal for a transmission type once widely considered obsolete.
Unsurprisingly, performance vehicles lead the charge in manual transmission adoption. The Mazda MX-5 Miata exemplifies this trend, boasting a 70% manual take rate in 2024, a 10% increase from the previous year. This high figure is attributed to the Miata's enthusiast-centric buyer base and Mazda's strategic decision to offer automatic transmissions only on the top-tier Grand Touring trim, making the manual the default for those seeking an unadulterated driving experience.
The Toyota GR Supra also showcases strong manual demand. Initially launched without a manual option, Toyota responded to enthusiast feedback by introducing one for the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six model in 2023. This move proved successful, with the Supra achieving a 65% manual take rate in 2024, a substantial 22% increase over 2023. This robust demand validates the segment of buyers who prioritize an engaging driving experience, leveraging the car's 382 horsepower, balanced chassis, and dynamic capabilities.
Another notable example is the Toyota GR86, which, despite its modest 228 horsepower, delivers an engaging driving experience through its lightweight, naturally aspirated, rear-wheel-drive platform. The GR86's sales are almost equally split between transmission types, with a 53% manual take rate in 2024, up 6% from the previous year. This balance indicates that when manufacturers provide an accessible, driver-focused package with a manual option, a significant number of consumers will opt for it.
Luxury performance vehicles also exhibit strong manual loyalty. The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing both maintain a 50% manual take rate, consistent with prior years. These high-performance sedans, representing GM's most extreme offerings, attract buyers who prioritize engagement over raw speed. This suggests that for a specific demographic, the joy of a manual shift transcends the potential performance benefits of an automatic.
In the mid-level performance segment, manual adoption varies. The 200-horsepower Honda Civic Si, for instance, maintains respectable manual interest. Across all Civic variants offering manuals, Honda recorded a 7.2% take rate in 2024. While this percentage seems low, it translates to a significant volume due to the Civic's high sales. However, manual availability for the 2025 model year has been restricted to the Si and Type R (which is manual-only) variants, potentially affecting future take rates. BMW M models show a diverse pattern; the M2 boasts a 50% manual take rate, while the M3 and M4 are at 20%. This disparity likely reflects the M2's appeal to younger, more purist drivers, whereas M3/M4 buyers increasingly favor automatic transmissions for daily convenience and track performance.
The Acura Integra, a popular model for the brand, also demonstrates solid but slightly decreasing manual interest in the premium compact segment. With a 19.8% manual take rate in 2024, down from 22% the previous year, it still accounts for nearly 5,000 units annually. The manual is standard on the Type S performance variant and an option on the A-Spec Technology package, highlighting its role in enthusiast-oriented trims.
Conversely, manual transmission take rates plummet in affordable, non-performance vehicles. The Nissan Versa, one of the few remaining budget cars with a manual option (only in the base S trim), likely sees minimal manual sales, as Nissan hasn't disclosed specific figures. Here, the five-speed manual serves as a cost-saving measure rather than a performance feature, with most buyers opting for the CVT automatic. Similarly, the Kia Forte GT, which once offered a six-speed manual, was replaced by the automatic-only K4 for 2025 due to low manual sales, underscoring that economy-focused customers overwhelmingly prefer automatics.
The manual transmission continues to exist largely due to the unwavering support of driving enthusiasts. Brands that offer manual options in their performance models acknowledge this segment's value, signaling a commitment to engaging driving experiences. The renewed interest in analog driving from younger generations could potentially sustain the demand for manual gearboxes for years to come.