Percentage of US Cars with Manual Transmissions

Introduction

Manual transmissions are becoming increasingly rare in the United States. In 1980, over 80% of new cars sold in the US had manual transmissions. By 2020, that number had dropped to less than 5%.

There are several reasons for this decline. One is the increasing popularity of automatic transmissions. Automatic transmissions are easier to drive, especially in stop-and-go traffic. They are also more fuel-efficient than manual transmissions.

Another reason for the decline of manual transmissions is the rise of the crossover and SUV market. Crossovers and SUVs are typically larger and heavier than cars, and they require more power to move. Manual transmissions are not as well-suited for these types of vehicles.

Finally, the decline of manual transmissions is also due to the increasing complexity of modern cars. Modern cars are equipped with a variety of electronic systems that can be difficult to operate with a manual transmission.

The Benefits of Manual Transmissions

Despite their declining popularity, manual transmissions still offer several benefits over automatic transmissions. These benefits include:

* Greater control over the vehicle. With a manual transmission, you have more control over the vehicle’s speed and acceleration. This can be beneficial in situations such as driving on slippery roads or towing a trailer.
* Improved fuel efficiency. Manual transmissions are typically more fuel-efficient than automatic transmissions. This is because manual transmissions allow the driver to select the most efficient gear for the driving conditions.
* Lower maintenance costs. Manual transmissions are generally less expensive to maintain than automatic transmissions. This is because manual transmissions have fewer moving parts.

The Drawbacks of Manual Transmissions

Manual transmissions also have some drawbacks, including:

* More difficult to drive. Manual transmissions can be more difficult to drive than automatic transmissions, especially in stop-and-go traffic. This is because manual transmissions require the driver to shift gears manually.
* Less comfortable. Manual transmissions can be less comfortable to drive than automatic transmissions, especially on long trips. This is because manual transmissions require the driver to use their left leg to operate the clutch pedal.
* Not as well-suited for certain vehicles. Manual transmissions are not as well-suited for certain types of vehicles, such as crossovers and SUVs. This is because manual transmissions require more power to move these types of vehicles.

Conclusion

Manual transmissions are becoming increasingly rare in the United States. However, they still offer several benefits over automatic transmissions, such as greater control over the vehicle, improved fuel efficiency, and lower maintenance costs. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy a car with a manual transmission is a personal one.