
Finding a manual transmission car at a standard Hertz rental location in the U.S. is extremely difficult and highly unlikely. The vast majority of their fleet consists of automatic vehicles, as these are what the mainstream rental market demands. Your best chance would be through a specialized service like Hertz's Fun Collection (formerly Hertz Dream Cars) or a rival like Sixt, which occasionally offers sportier models with manual gearboxes at select premium locations. For a reliable selection of stick-shift cars, peer-to-peer rental platforms like Turo are your best bet.
The primary reason is simple economics. Automatic transmissions are far more popular in the United States, and rental companies cater to the broadest possible customer base. Manual cars require a specific skill set that many American drivers don't possess, leading to potential for misuse, quicker clutch wear, and higher costs for the rental company. Stocking manuals is simply not a profitable model for their core business.
If you are determined to rent a manual, your strategy should shift. Instead of relying on the standard airport or neighborhood Hertz counter, investigate these alternatives:
| Rental Source | Likelihood of Manual Transmission | Typical Models (If Available) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz (Standard) | Extremely Low / None | N/A | Standard automatic rentals |
| Hertz Fun Collection | Low, but possible | Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche 911 | High-end, performance-focused renters |
| Sixt | Low to Moderate | BMW 2-Series, Ford Mustang | Renters seeking a sportier option |
| Turo (Peer-to-Peer) | High | Mazda MX-5, Subaru WRX, Honda Civic | The most reliable way to find a specific manual model |

Practically no. I've tried a few times, hoping for a fun drive on a vacation, but it's always a dead end. The regular Hertz lots are packed with automatics. A friend mentioned that some high-end Sixt locations might have a manual or something similar, but it's not a sure thing. Honestly, if you really want a stick shift, just skip the big rental companies and check Turo. You can actually search for "manual transmission" and find exactly what you want from a local owner.

You're looking for a unicorn at a standard Hertz. The American rental market is almost exclusively automatic for convenience and lower . Your only real shot with a major company is through a specialty division. Hertz's Fun Collection, or a competitor like Sixt's premium lineup, might occasionally have a performance car with a manual gearbox. Be prepared to pay a premium and book well in advance, as availability is rare. For a guaranteed manual, Turo is the most effective solution.

As a car enthusiast who has rented across the country, I can confirm the manual transmission is nearly extinct at major rental counters. The business model doesn't support them. However, it's not entirely impossible. Focus your search on luxury or sports car divisions within these companies. For instance, at a Hertz location near a major race track or an affluent area, you might get lucky with a "Fun Collection" car. But for a stress-free experience with real choice, I always go to Turo. It connects you directly with enthusiasts who own the cars you actually want to drive.

While Hertz's primary business is automated transportation, their Fun Collection is the key exception. This is where they keep the interesting cars, and a manual transmission might be part of that package. It's crucial to understand this isn't a standard rental process. You need to contact these specific locations directly by to inquire about current manual transmission inventory. Don't rely on the standard website filters. This hands-on approach is your only real chance with Hertz, and even then, it's a long shot compared to the variety found on Turo.


