can you still buy a stick shift car

[EmeryLynn]

Yes, you can absolutely still buy a new stick shift car, but your options are increasingly limited and concentrated in specific segments like performance cars, sporty compact cars, and certain off-road SUVs. The prevalence of advanced automatic transmissions, particularly dual-clutch (DCT) and continuously variable transmissions (CVT), along with the rise of electric vehicles (which have no traditional transmission), has drastically reduced the manual's market share. The take rate for manuals in the U.S. is now well below 2% for most models that offer it.

If you're determined to buy new, you'll need to act like an enthusiast and seek out these vehicles deliberately. They are often not stocked on dealer lots and may require a factory order.

Vehicle Category	Example Models (2024/2025)	Key Consideration
Sports Cars	Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR Supra, Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman	Highest concentration of available manuals; often the most engaging versions of these cars.
Sport Compact Cars	Honda Civic Si/Type R, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Subaru WRX	Praised for their balance of daily practicality and driver engagement.
Off-Road SUVs	Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco	The manual is valued for its precise low-speed control in tough terrain.
Economy Cars	Mini Cooper, Mazda Miata (MX-5)	Rare holdouts in a segment now dominated by CVTs; the Miata is a pure-bred sports car icon.

Finding a manual transmission car also means you'll likely be sacrificing some features. Many manufacturers pair their highest trim levels and most powerful engines exclusively with automatic transmissions. For instance, you often cannot get a manual on a top-trim Mustang GT or a Camaro with the V8 engine. The search process itself requires patience; you'll need to use online inventory tools, be willing to travel, or work with a dealer to place a custom order. While the future is automatic and electric, the manual transmission is still alive for those passionate enough to seek it out.

[IsabellaAnn]

It's getting tougher, but it's not impossible. You just have to know where to look. Forget about big sedans, trucks, or family SUVs—they're all automatic now. Your best bet is with the fun stuff. Think sports cars like the Subaru BRZ or the Mazda Miata. Even some hot hatches, like the Volkswagen GTI, still offer a stick. You probably won't see one just sitting on a dealer lot, though. Be prepared to search online inventories or even order one exactly how you want it. It’s a special-order item for a dedicated buyer now.

[SanMelanie]

As a daily driver, I specifically sought out a manual. My Honda Civic Si is fantastic. The connection you feel to the car is something an automatic can't replicate. It makes my boring commute actually engaging. Plus, there's a practical side: manuals are often less expensive upfront, and historically, they've been cheaper to maintain and harder to steal. You feel more in control, especially in bad weather. It's a choice that prioritizes the driving experience over simple convenience, and for some of us, that trade-off is completely worth it.

[CharlesMarie]

I remember when learning to drive a stick was a rite of passage. These days, it feels like a secret handshake among car enthusiasts. When you see another manual driver on the road, there's a little nod of recognition. The market has definitely shifted, but that's made the manual community tighter. We know we're choosing the less convenient option, but that's the point. It’s about the skill, the noise, and the pure fun of it. Cars like the Ford Mustang and Jeep Wrangler are keeping the spirit alive for a niche but passionate group.

[SanKiara]

From a purely market-driven perspective, the manual transmission is a dying breed. The reasons are clear: modern automatics offer faster acceleration and better fuel economy. The widespread adoption of electric vehicles, which have single-speed gearboxes, will accelerate this trend. However, its demise isn't total. Manufacturers like Porsche and Toyota continue to offer manuals in certain models as a brand-building exercise and a nod to their core enthusiast base. It's a low-volume, high-passion offering. So, while you can't walk into any dealership and find one, they remain a deliberate choice for brands valuing driving purity.