If you’re like the majority of drivers on the road today, your vehicle probably operates using an automatic transmission, which requires no clutch and shifts gears for you while the vehicle is in drive. Today only 13% of vehicles sold in the United States offer a manual transmission, where the driver employs a clutch and shifter to change gears.

So which vehicles still use manual transmissions, and what advantages does a stick shift offer over an automatic? Some of the answers may surprise you.

Heavy Haulers

One place where the manual transmission remains king is in the trucking industry. Manual transmissions offer some clear advantages among this group of drivers. First, they’re cheaper to build and easier to service. Automatic transmissions are more complex and have a wider array of parts, and when you’re hauling 80,000 pounds of freight, you don’t want your transmission to fail because of a $20 part. A manual transmission is also more efficient than its automatic counterpart, so manual drivers get about 2-5 more miles per gallon. And finally, manual transmissions age better than automatics. A 10-year-old manual transmission will retain a greater portion of its efficiency over time than will an automatic over the same decade.

Construction Vehicles

As in trucking, the transmissions that do the really big jobs (in this case, digging, pulling, and more heavy transport) rely on manual transmissions. Again, simplicity of design and ease of service lead the list of pluses. And the fuel savings don’t hurt either.

High-Performance Vehicles

If you’ve ever watched auto racing, from stock cars and Indy-style racers to IROC and beyond, you’re watching manual transmissions in action. As any stick-shift fan can tell you, a manual transmission offers drivers a greater degree of control over the vehicle, providing an almost visceral connection between driver and vehicle. And that added degree of control is invaluable when you’re racing door handle to door handle at 200 mph. The manual’s design allows driver’s to make those split-second adjustments that make the difference between taking the checkered flag or finishing in the pack. You’ll also see manuals continuing to rule the high-end European performance brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche (which offers both the Porsche 911 and Boxster in manual).  Even the Mini-Cooper offers a sport manual ideal for city driving.

Off-Road & Recreation

If you like getting off the paved roadways and exploring some of the country’s more rugged terrain, manual transmissions hold their place among off roaders with familiar names like the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler & Gladiator, and pickups like the Toyota Tacoma profoundly offer a stick-shift option. Manual transmissions offer drivers the ability to “feel” the terrain and to better adjust to potential hazards. And let’s not forget Subaru, which continues to produce manual transmission models in 2023.

The Daily Driver

While about 80% of the world’s manual transmission vehicles are sold in Europe and Asia, American stick shift fans can still get their vehicle of choice. From the Kia Forte (with 6-speed manual) to the Nissan Versa (5-speed) and Acura Integra (6-speed), manual transmission vehicles. The Toyota Supra minivan offers a manual option—great for both family and small business use and ideal for the cost-conscious consumer.

Why Choose a Stick?

Manual transmissions offer some clear advantages over automatics. Here are the greatest hits…

• Inexpensive to Build
• Easy to Service
• Durability
• Fuel economy
• Driver control
• Fewer parts to fail
• Tough jobs, no problem!

See the Manual Transmission Experts

At Main Line Transmissions, our technicians are trained to provide exemplary service for every transmission we see. Whether you need regular service, a diagnostic check, a repair, or a rebuild, MLT has you covered. We’ll diagnose your transmission issue, explain the work before we begin, and use only quality replacement parts to get you back on the road again!

Don’t stress over your stick shift vehicle. Bring it to Main Line Transmissions! Contact us today to make an appointment.