The manual transmission has not quite gone the way of the Dodo Bird as of yet. While more cars than ever are only built with automatic transmissions and so many young drivers aren’t even exposed to how to drive a car that has three pedals we are seeing fewer and fewer vehicles with the ability to do your own shifting. Some automatics give you a set of paddle shifters which let you feel like you are doing the shifting, but this simply isn’t the same thing at all. For those of us who still want the enjoyment of a drive with a stick in the right hand and a pedal for our left foot, here are some great vehicles that still offer you that opportunity.
Infiniti Q60 Coupe – This is a sporty luxury coupe that will make your friends’ jaws drop to the floor and you can still enjoy the manual in this car. In the Q60S model you have to select either the 6MT or Limited 6MT trim but you will enjoy the power of the 3.7-liter V6 engine and its 330 horsepower while driving with an RWD setup with your favorite transmission setup, at least until this car is discontinued.
Buick Verano – This is a European inspired sedan that offers the fun and excitement of a real driving experience. The Verano Turbo comes with a six-speed manual transmission at no additional cost while giving you the enjoyment of the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that can make 250 horsepower. With the smaller size of this car and the great powertrain you will find yourself seeking out roads that give you the longest route home but also the way that will entice you to see exactly what your driving skills and this car can do on an open road.
BMW M6 Gran Coupe/M5 – The ultimate driving car at least that is what BMW has claimed to be for many years, debuted without a manual originally, which angered many people. The reaction to this omission was so strong BMW put one in right away, at least in the ones offered for North America. Both of these versions of this car come with an awesome six-speed manual attached to a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 putting out 560 horsepower to create some awesome speed and a guaranteed to be remembered driving experience for anyone who chooses to buy one of these awesome models.
Chevrolet Colorado – While most want their midsized truck to feel like a car and drive just as easy, some still love the ability to shift gears by using a manual transmission. The Colorado features a six-speed manual in the RWD extended-cab configuration. This transmission is mated to the 2.5-liter engine that brings in 200 horsepower. This may sound like an under powered truck, and you won’t want to try and haul anything too large, but for the person who needs a truck for a couple bikes or to get them to the trails this truck with this powertrain can be the perfect answer.
Jeep Renegade – The Renegade and Fiat 500X share the same platform which gives you an idea as to how small this SUV is and what is offered. The Renegade has proven itself to be a top performer in the automotive industry, especially for off road driving. The manual transmission comes with the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 160 horsepower. This doesn’t sound like a lot of power, but it’s plenty to get the job done and allow you to have the fun you want, especially if you choose to shift your own gears during the drive.
Mazda CX-5 – One of the favorites in the Mazda lineup is the CX-5. This SUV has a lot of style and the Mazda design along with the fun to drive personality you would expect from this brand. This SUV comes in the Sport trim with a six-speed manual transmission that is mated to the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making only 155 horsepower. Something about that setup sounds familiar and it should because you can have the same thing in the Miata MX-5. With the CX-5 you will enjoy all the aspects of driving Mazda is working toward giving you to make the drive more enjoyable every time you step into your vehicle.
Toyota Corolla – For many years this has been one of the best selling cars in the US although many have thought of the Corolla as dull and boring. This car can be the perfect driver’s car to make the transition from commuter mobile to a fun to drive open road enthusiast. The L trim still brings in a six-speed manual transmission as the preferred choice for shifting. Alternatives are the four-speed automatic and the CVT, which pretty much leads you down the path of the manual, but it’s the right way to go for some driving fun.
Volkswagen CC – This car is one of the least popular on the market today, but it should be one that more of us choose and enjoy. The CC is a larger version of the Passat with more to offer including a manual transmission. With the stick sifter you will enjoy the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 200 horsepower. This setup will give you an exciting drive that is fun and engaging to feel more like a luxury car than a Volkswagen. With this powertrain you will want to drive, even when you have nowhere in particular you need to go.
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