
Yes, several new cars still offer manual transmissions, primarily in the sports car, performance sedan, and off-road SUV segments. While the option list is shrinking, enthusiasts can still find engaging three-pedal setups. The key is that manuals are now mostly reserved for the most driver-focused versions of a vehicle.
For a quick overview, here are some of the most notable new cars available with a manual transmission in the U.S. market:
| Category | Model | Key Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sports Car | BRZ / Toyota GR86 | Often considered the best pure driver's car for the money. |
| Sports Car | Ford Mustang | Available on the EcoBoost and high-performance Dark Horse V8. |
| Sports Car | Chevrolet Camaro | Offered on the turbo and V6 models before its discontinuation. |
| Sports Car | Porsche 718 Cayman/Boxster | The quintessential sports car experience, but at a premium price. |
| Sports Car | Nissan Z | A modern classic revived with a standard manual. |
| Performance Sedan | Honda Civic Si / Type R | The Si offers great value; the Type R is a track-focused beast. |
| Performance Sedan | Volkswagen Golf GTI / Golf R | The hot hatch kings, known for their precise shifter feel. |
| Off-Road SUV | Jeep Wrangler | A manual is still available, perfect for slow-speed rock crawling. |
| Off-Road SUV | Ford Bronco | A very popular option for enthusiasts who want to row their own gears. |
| Economy Car | Hyundai Elantra N | A surprisingly potent and fun-to-drive compact sedan. |
| Economy Car | Mini Cooper | Several hardtop and convertible models offer a manual. |
Beyond this list, your best bet is to look at the performance trim of any model you're interested in. For example, while the standard Honda Civic has gone automatic-only, the sportier Civic Si and Civic Type R proudly carry the manual torch. The same logic applies to cars like the Volkswagen Jetta (available on the sportier GLI model) and the Subaru WRX.
When shopping, be prepared for a potential hunt. Dealers often stock fewer manual transmission cars, so you may need to special order or search inventory across a wider area. However, for those who value the direct connection and control, the effort is well worth it.

As a driving instructor, I always recommend manuals to new drivers. It forces you to pay attention and builds a better understanding of how a car works. The Civic Si is a fantastic place to start—forgiving, fuel-efficient, but still really engaging. It teaches smoothness and coordination better than any automatic. Plus, it’s a skill that lasts a lifetime.

I just went through this hunt. You have to look at the sporty versions of regular cars. The regular Mazda3 is auto-only, but you can get a manual in the Miata, which is a blast. The Volkswagen GTI was my final choice. The shifter is crisp, and it’s practical for my commute. Don’t just browse a brand’s main page; dig into their performance sub-brand, like Hyundai's "N" line.

My dad’s a mechanic, so I grew up with manuals. For me, it’s about the feeling. That perfect rev-matched downshift in a Mustang GT is pure joy. It’s not about being faster than an automatic; it’s about being part of the drive. Modern automatics are brilliant, but they feel a bit sterile. A manual transmission turns a daily commute into something you actually look forward to.

If you're worried manuals are disappearing, focus on the dedicated sports car segment. Models like the Corvette, however, have gone automatic-only. The future is in cars designed from the ground up for enthusiasts, like the Toyota GR Supra (which sadly doesn't offer a manual) or the Subaru WRX (which does). The manual is becoming a specialty feature, not a standard one, so buy one while you still can.


