For generations of drivers, the manual transmission has been more than just a way of changing gears it’s been a direct connection to the car itself. While most modern vehicles have shifted toward automatic gearboxes and dual-clutch setups, a handful of brands still refuse to let the stick die. These twenty cars prove that in 2025, the manual transmission isn’t gone it’s simply become a symbol of passion and tradition for drivers who still want to be in full control.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Miata continues to be the go-to car for anyone who believes driving should be about fun rather than numbers on a spec sheet. Offered with a slick six-speed manual, the MX-5 remains the benchmark for lightweight sports cars. Its gearbox is short, crisp, and mechanical—arguably one of the best-feeling sticks on the market. This is a car that turns even a mundane drive into something special, and its survival with a manual proves Mazda understands the importance of driver involvement.
Honda Civic Si
Few manufacturers understand the love for manual gearboxes like Honda. The Civic Si doesn’t even bother with an automatic option it comes exclusively with a six-speed stick. Revving its turbocharged four-cylinder and rowing through gears is as close as most drivers will get to experiencing Honda’s racing heritage on the street. Affordable, practical, and fun, the Civic Si continues to attract buyers who want performance without breaking the bank.
Honda Civic Type R
The Civic Type R is the hardcore, track-ready sibling of the Si, and it too comes only with a six-speed manual. This car is living proof that Honda has stayed true to enthusiasts, even while competitors dropped the stick. The turbocharged engine delivers big power, but the reward comes from mastering its gearbox. It’s raw, fast, and makes you feel part of something bigger every time you slide into the driver’s seat.
Subaru BRZ
Subaru’s BRZ has been an enthusiast darling since it launched, largely because it offers rear-wheel drive, a naturally aspirated engine, and of course, a manual transmission. The six-speed gearbox makes the BRZ a car you can enjoy even at normal speeds, and it’s this driver-first focus that has kept it relevant in a world obsessed with horsepower and tech. For those who want a pure sports car on a budget, the BRZ is still the answer.
Toyota GR86
Toyota’s GR86 is the spiritual twin to the BRZ, but it comes with Toyota’s Gazoo Racing flavor. A six-speed manual makes this coupe incredibly engaging, and the car rewards precise shifts with responsive handling and playful dynamics. It’s a true nod to affordable fun, giving younger buyers and purists alike a reason to believe the manual isn’t dead yet.
Toyota GR Corolla
The GR Corolla is Toyota’s wild hot hatch built with rally heritage in mind. Packing all-wheel drive and a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, it already stands out as unique. But Toyota didn’t stop there they insisted on a six-speed manual as the only transmission option. That choice instantly made it one of the most exciting and enthusiast-focused hot hatches available today.
Toyota GR Supra
The return of the Supra brought excitement but also criticism since it initially lacked a manual option. After heavy fan demand, Toyota introduced a six-speed gearbox for the six-cylinder versions, instantly transforming the car’s reputation. The manual Supra now feels like a true driver’s car, blending BMW engineering with Toyota’s performance image. It’s a perfect example of how enthusiasts’ voices can still shape the industry.
Ford Mustang
Ford’s Mustang has always been about freedom, power, and choice. In 2025, buyers can still choose a six-speed manual whether they go with the turbocharged EcoBoost model or the fire-breathing V8 GT. For many muscle car lovers, a Mustang without a clutch pedal just wouldn’t feel right, and Ford has wisely kept the stick alive. Few things are as satisfying as dropping the hammer in a V8 Mustang and running through the gears yourself.
Chevrolet Camaro
Like the Mustang, the Camaro remains a true American pony car that can be had with a manual. Available in both V6 and V8 trims, it allows buyers to experience classic muscle car thrills the way they were intended. Even though the Camaro’s future looks shaky, Chevrolet hasn’t abandoned the manual yet. For collectors and purists, these final years of stick-shift Camaros may become highly prized.
Chevrolet Corvette (C7 and classics)
The C8 Corvette made headlines by going mid-engine and dropping the manual option entirely. But enthusiasts haven’t forgotten the C7 and earlier generations, which still feature a manual gearbox and are still widely available at dealerships and through certified pre-owned programs. These cars are already gaining value as the last of the stick-shift Corvettes, making them not just fun to drive, but also smart to collect.
Porsche 911
Porsche understands better than most that a manual gearbox is part of what makes driving special. That’s why the 911 Carrera T and the track-focused GT3 can still be ordered with a stick. Even though Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch is lightning fast, enthusiasts continue to gravitate toward the manual because it delivers something priceless: a visceral connection to one of the most iconic sports cars ever built.
Porsche 718 Cayman
The Cayman has always been celebrated for its balance and handling, and Porsche knows its buyers demand a manual option. The six-speed stick is still available in the base, T, and GTS trims, giving drivers the chance to experience Porsche engineering in its purest form. On a twisty road, the Cayman with a manual is nothing short of sublime.
Porsche 718 Boxster
The Boxster, Porsche’s roadster sibling to the Cayman, also continues to offer a manual option. Driving with the roof down and a six-speed gearbox at your command is exactly the kind of experience that made Porsche famous. It’s proof that driving pleasure isn’t about being the fastest—it’s about engagement.
BMW M2
The new M2 stands out as one of the last compact sports coupes with a manual. Despite its turbocharged power and advanced tech, BMW still sells it with a six-speed gearbox. That’s a deliberate choice, catering to enthusiasts who want to enjoy every gear change themselves rather than leaving it to software. For many, the M2 is the modern definition of a driver’s car.
BMW M3
BMW has also kept the manual alive in its legendary M3 sedan. Offering a six-speed stick alongside blistering performance, the M3 appeals to enthusiasts who want practicality without losing driver involvement. It’s one of the few four-door cars left that can still deliver the thrill of a proper manual transmission.
BMW M4
The M4 coupe, the sleeker sibling to the M3, carries the same manual tradition forward. It’s rare to find a high-performance coupe with such monstrous power that still allows drivers to choose their own gears. BMW’s decision to keep the stick here is a nod to loyal fans who demand both power and connection.
Nissan Z
The reborn Nissan Z represents a return to form for the brand. With its 400-hp twin-turbo V6 and six-speed manual gearbox, it’s a throwback to the original spirit of the Z-car. Affordable, powerful, and enthusiast-focused, it’s one of the strongest arguments today for why manuals still matter.
Mini Cooper S
Mini has long marketed itself as a fun-to-drive small car, and nothing reinforces that more than a manual option. The Cooper S and the high-performance John Cooper Works models both offer a stick, giving buyers a chance to enjoy go-kart-like handling while shifting through gears themselves.
Hyundai Elantra N
Hyundai’s N performance division shocked the industry by producing genuine enthusiast cars. The Elantra N, with its turbocharged four-cylinder and crackling exhaust, is at its best with a six-speed manual. It proves Hyundai is serious about performance and willing to cater to buyers who still want to drive, not just ride.
Hyundai Veloster N (remaining stock and used market)
Though officially discontinued, the Veloster N still lingers at dealerships and remains hot on the used market. Every version came with a manual, and its quirky three-door layout combined with strong turbocharged performance has made it a cult favorite. It may be gone from showrooms soon, but the Veloster N’s stick-shift legacy will keep enthusiasts hunting for them for years to come.
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