The manual gearbox is nearly extinct in today’s car market. Most buyers want the ease of an automatic, and performance automatics are often quicker on paper. But for enthusiasts, the manual transmission is about more than speed. It is about involvement, precision, and the mechanical connection between driver and machine. The cars on this list were either shunned by mainstream buyers or overshadowed by automatic options, but enthusiasts adore them. Let’s look at 15 manual transmission cars that only true gearheads love, complete with years, horsepower, and why they matter today.
Mazda MX-5 Miata (1989 to present)
The Miata is proof that driving fun does not require big horsepower. Its four cylinder engines ranged from 115 horsepower in the first NA models to 181 in the current ND. What made it special was its rifle bolt manual gearbox, widely regarded as one of the best shifters in history. Automatics existed, but they robbed the car of its soul. Today, first generation Miatas can still be found for under 10,000 dollars, and enthusiasts flock to them because the manual makes them endlessly engaging.
Honda S2000 (2000 to 2009)
Honda’s roadster was built around its legendary F20C and F22C inline four engines. The early cars revved to 9,000 rpm and made 240 horsepower, demanding constant use of the six speed manual. The shifter was short, precise, and often described as the best Honda ever built. Casual drivers found it frantic and unforgiving, but enthusiasts adored the car’s purity. Values have skyrocketed, with clean examples regularly topping 30,000 dollars.
Ford Mustang Boss 302 (2012 to 2013)
The reborn Boss 302 used a naturally aspirated 5.0 liter V8 that made 444 horsepower. Ford offered it only with a six speed manual, ensuring that every buyer had to work for their performance. It was aimed at enthusiasts who wanted a sharper, track focused Mustang. Automatics were left on the sidelines, which limited mainstream sales but earned it cult status. Today, prices hover in the mid 40,000 range for well kept examples.
BMW M3 E46 (2000 to 2006)
The E46 M3 came with a 3.2 liter inline six producing 333 horsepower. It was offered with either a six speed manual or BMW’s SMG automated manual. Enthusiasts quickly dismissed the clunky SMG in favor of the manual, which allowed them to wring out the S54 engine to its glorious 8,000 rpm redline. Today, manual coupes are the most sought after E46s, often trading between 35,000 and 60,000 dollars depending on mileage and condition.
Subaru WRX STI (2004 to 2021)
The STI was Subaru’s rally car for the street. With a 2.5 liter turbocharged flat four producing up to 310 horsepower in later versions, it demanded constant shifting to stay in boost. Its six speed manual was durable, precise, and became a defining trait. Daily drivers found it too harsh, but enthusiasts embraced the drama. Prices for clean early STIs are rising quickly, with many exceeding 25,000 dollars.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C5 2001 to 2004, C6 2006 to 2013)
The Z06 models represented the purest form of Corvette performance. The C5 Z06 had a 385 horsepower 5.7 liter LS6 V8, later bumped to 405. The C6 Z06 came with a 7.0 liter LS7 V8 producing 505 horsepower. Both were manual only, ensuring maximum driver involvement. Enthusiasts loved that these cars refused to compromise. Today, C5 Z06s remain performance bargains under 30,000 dollars, while C6 Z06s climb closer to 50,000.
Nissan 370Z (2009 to 2020)
The 370Z carried a 3.7 liter V6 producing 332 horsepower, with the NISMO version hitting 350. Its six speed manual was notable for SynchroRev Match, which automatically blipped the throttle on downshifts. This blend of old school control with modern tech made it an enthusiast favorite. Mainstream buyers often chose automatics, but the manuals are the ones collectors want. Prices today range from 15,000 to 30,000 dollars depending on mileage.
Dodge Viper (1992 to 2017)
Every Viper ever built came with a manual. Early cars packed an 8.0 liter V10 with 400 horsepower, while later versions reached 645 horsepower from an 8.4 liter. The heavy clutch, balky gearbox, and sheer brutality made it too much car for average buyers. Enthusiasts, however, cherished its rawness. Vipers are climbing in value, with early RT/10s starting near 60,000 dollars and later ACR models commanding six figures.
Porsche 911 GT3 (1999 to present, select models)
While many GT3s came with Porsche’s brilliant PDK dual clutch, purists flocked to the manual versions. The 997 GT3 with a six speed and the 991.2 with a seven speed manual are especially beloved. Engines revving past 8,000 rpm and 400 to 500 horsepower made the manual feel alive in a way no automatic could replicate. Manual GT3s are now among the most valuable modern Porsches, often trading over 150,000 dollars.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (2003 to 2015 in the US)
Every Evo sold in America came with a manual gearbox. With engines producing between 271 and 291 horsepower, the Evo demanded constant shifting to keep the turbocharged four on song. The manual emphasized the rally character of the car, while rivals increasingly went to automatics. Today, clean Evos fetch 30,000 to 50,000 dollars, largely thanks to their manual only heritage.
Honda Civic Type R (1997 to present, various generations)
From the EK9 in the late 90s to today’s FL5, every Civic Type R has come exclusively with a manual transmission. Power ranged from 182 horsepower in the first generation to 315 in the current one. Honda’s short, precise shifters and screaming VTEC engines made these cars iconic. Enthusiasts respect that Honda never offered an automatic. Values for older Type Rs are skyrocketing, with clean DC2 Integra Type Rs now well into the 50,000 to 70,000 dollar range.
Lotus Elise (2005 to 2011 in the US)
The Elise was sold in the United States with a Toyota sourced 1.8 liter four cylinder producing around 190 horsepower. It was paired with a six speed manual in a car weighing under 2,000 pounds. The result was one of the purest driving experiences ever made. Mainstream buyers dismissed it as too raw and uncomfortable, but enthusiasts adored it. Today, Elises trade between 40,000 and 60,000 dollars, with demand rising.
Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ (2012 to present)
These twins were designed from the ground up to be driver’s cars. With around 200 horsepower in early models and 228 in current versions, they were not fast in a straight line. But with perfect balance, rear wheel drive, and a slick six speed manual, they became instant enthusiast favorites. Automatics existed, but purists almost universally avoided them. Prices for early cars remain reasonable at 15,000 to 25,000 dollars, while new GR86s with manuals are in high demand.
Acura Integra Type R (1997 to 2001 in the US)
The Integra Type R is often called the best front wheel drive performance car ever made. Its 1.8 liter VTEC engine made 195 horsepower and loved to rev past 8,000 rpm. The manual gearbox was the only option, and it was perfectly matched to the high strung engine. Enthusiasts still revere the car today, with values skyrocketing. Clean, low mileage examples have sold for over 80,000 dollars at auction, making it one of the most collectible Hondas ever built.
Jeep Wrangler (all generations)
The Wrangler is not a sports car, but enthusiasts love it with a manual. Whether paired with four cylinder or V6 engines, the manual gearbox enhances the off road experience. Rowing through gears while climbing rocks or slogging through mud makes the Wrangler feel mechanical and authentic. Casual buyers prefer automatics, but diehards stick with manuals. Used Wrangler manuals still hold value incredibly well, with prices often 20,000 dollars and up even for older models.
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
