Best Affordable Cars with Manual Transmission
Introduction
For driving enthusiasts, there’s no substitute for a good old-fashioned manual transmission. It gives you a sense of control and involvement that’s simply not possible with an automatic. And while you might think that only expensive sports cars come with manual transmissions, that’s not the case anymore. There are plenty of affordable cars on the market that still offer the joy of rowing your own gears.
Mazda3
The Mazda3 is a compact sedan with a sleek design and a surprisingly sporty driving experience. It’s available with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed manual transmission is a delight to use, with short throws and a precise shifter. The Mazda3 is also well-equipped, with features like a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and blind-spot monitoring.
Starting price: $21,945
Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza is a compact sedan or hatchback that’s known for its all-wheel drive capability and rugged build quality. It’s available with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The five-speed manual transmission is smooth and easy to use, even for beginners. The Impreza is also very practical, with plenty of interior space and a large trunk.
Starting price: $19,395
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is a compact sedan that’s known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. It’s available with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 139 horsepower and 126 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed manual transmission is a bit clunky compared to some of the others on this list, but it’s still a good choice for budget-minded drivers. The Corolla is also very well-equipped, with features like a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and lane departure warning.
Starting price: $20,625
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is a compact sedan or hatchback that’s known for its sporty driving dynamics and high resale value. It’s available with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed manual transmission is one of the best in the business, with short throws and a precise shifter. The Civic is also very well-equipped, with features like a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and adaptive cruise control.
Starting price: $22,695
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan that’s known for its stylish design and affordable price. It’s available with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed manual transmission is smooth and easy to use, even for beginners. The Elantra is also very spacious, with plenty of room for both passengers and cargo.
Starting price: $20,495
Kia Forte
The Kia Forte is a compact sedan that’s known for its sporty driving dynamics and aggressive styling. It’s available with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed manual transmission is a bit notchy compared to some of the others on this list, but it’s still a good choice for budget-minded drivers. The Forte is also very well-equipped, with features like an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and blind-spot monitoring.
Starting price: $19,495
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an affordable car with a manual transmission, there are plenty of great options on the market. The Mazda3, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, and Kia Forte are all excellent choices that offer a fun and engaging driving experience.
