The Decline of Manual Transmissions

In the 1980s, over 90% of new cars sold in the United States had manual transmissions. Today, that number is less than 5%. The decline of manual transmissions has been driven by a number of factors, including the increasing popularity of automatic transmissions, the rise of fuel-efficient cars, and the aging of the population.

Automatic transmissions are more convenient and easier to drive than manual transmissions, which makes them more appealing to a wider range of drivers. Fuel-efficient cars often require manual transmissions to achieve their best fuel economy, but most drivers are willing to sacrifice a little fuel economy for the convenience of an automatic transmission.

The aging of the population is also a factor in the decline of manual transmissions. As people get older, they are more likely to experience physical problems that make it difficult to drive a manual transmission. These problems include arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and decreased strength and coordination.

The Advantages of Manual Transmissions

Despite their decline in popularity, manual transmissions still offer a number of advantages over automatic transmissions. These advantages include:

• Greater control over the car. With a manual transmission, the driver has more control over the car’s performance. This can be an advantage in situations such as driving on slippery roads, towing a trailer, or racing.
• Improved fuel economy. Manual transmissions can often achieve better fuel economy than automatic transmissions, especially in city driving.
• Lower cost. Manual transmissions are generally less expensive than automatic transmissions.
• More fun to drive. Many drivers find that manual transmissions are more fun to drive than automatic transmissions. This is because manual transmissions give the driver a more active role in the driving experience.

The Disadvantages of Manual Transmissions

Manual transmissions also have some disadvantages, including:

• More difficult to drive. Manual transmissions are more difficult to drive than automatic transmissions, especially for new drivers. This is because manual transmissions require the driver to coordinate the clutch, gas pedal, and shifter.
• Less convenient. Manual transmissions are less convenient than automatic transmissions, especially in stop-and-go traffic. This is because manual transmissions require the driver to shift gears frequently.
• Not as fuel-efficient as automatic transmissions. Although manual transmissions can often achieve better fuel economy than automatic transmissions in city driving, they are not as fuel-efficient as automatic transmissions on the highway.

Do They Still Make Cars with Manual Transmissions in the USA?

Yes, there are still a number of cars with manual transmissions available in the USA. These cars include:

• Chevrolet Camaro
• Dodge Challenger
• Ford Mustang
• Honda Civic
• Hyundai Veloster
• Mazda MX-5 Miata
• Mini Cooper
• Subaru BRZ
• Toyota 86
• Volkswagen Golf GTI

If you are looking for a car with a manual transmission, you will need to do some research to find one. Most car dealerships do not stock cars with manual transmissions, so you may need to order one from the factory.

Conclusion

Manual transmissions are becoming increasingly rare in the USA, but they still offer a number of advantages over automatic transmissions. If you are looking for a car that is fun to drive, fuel-efficient, and affordable, then a car with a manual transmission may be the right choice for you.