045 | Are Manual Transmissions Dying? The Best Stick-Shift Cars to Buy

A "five speed manual" transmission uses a clutch pedal and a gear shifter so you choose the gear yourself. It’s a key part of learning to drive a stick because you have to coordinate clutch engagement, throttle, and shifting.

"Power steering" is a system that reduces the effort needed to turn the steering wheel, usually by using a pump and hydraulic assist or an electric motor. A car without it feels heavier at low speeds and requires more arm strength when parking or maneuvering.

An "after market" (aftermarket) part is made and sold by companies other than the original manufacturer, and it’s installed after the vehicle is built. In this story, it’s used to describe the truck’s air conditioning being added later.

The clutch movement is how you physically release the clutch pedal as you shift. The key is timing and smoothness: releasing too fast can stall or jerk, while releasing too slowly can make the car feel sluggish.

On a manual transmission, throttle (engine revs) and clutch release must be coordinated. If you add too much throttle while releasing the clutch too quickly, the car can jerk; too little throttle can cause the engine to lug or stall.

“Where it grabs” refers to the clutch engagement point—the spot in the pedal travel where the clutch starts transferring torque to the drivetrain. Knowing that point lets you release the clutch at the right speed for smooth launches.

The Nissan Stanza is a compact, boxy-era sedan that was offered with a manual transmission in some markets/years. In this story, it’s used as the speaker’s first real stick-shift learning car, which highlights how clutch feel varies by vehicle.

The speaker mentions “maximas” as another boxy, late-1980s-era sedan that looked similar to the Nissan Stanza. This is a styling comparison rather than a deep dive into a specific Maxima generation.

To “stall it out” means the engine stops running because it doesn’t have enough power while the clutch is being released. In a learning context, stalling is common when the clutch is let out too quickly or the throttle isn’t matched to the clutch engagement.

A manual transmission is a gearbox where the driver selects gears using a clutch pedal and a gear shifter. It requires coordinating engine speed with gear changes, which is why learning it can feel awkward at first.

A shifter is the lever you move to select gears in a manual transmission. When you switch between manual and automatic cars, your muscle memory may make you reach for it even when there isn’t one.

The Mercury Cougar is a personal-luxury coupe/pony-car from the Mercury brand, and this mention highlights that it was offered with a manual “five speed.” That’s notable because many coupes of the era were more commonly associated with automatics.

A “hot rod” is a car (often an older one) modified or configured to feel fast and exciting, typically by improving the engine and drivetrain. The host uses it to describe a pickup that, thanks to a VQ V6 swap and manual gearbox, delivers car-like acceleration rather than typical truck behavior.

The VQ engine refers to Nissan’s V6 engine family (the VQ series), known for smooth power delivery and strong aftermarket support. In this segment, the host says the truck had a VQ engine swap, specifically describing it as a “VQ out of the Z,” which is why it felt like a hot rod.

“Four liter version” refers to the engine’s displacement being about 4.0 liters, which is a key spec that correlates with how much air/fuel the engine can move and therefore how much power it can make. In this context, it’s used to pinpoint which VQ variant the truck had.

The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck known for being offered with a wide range of engines and transmissions over the years. In this segment, the host compares its V8 power to the VQ-powered truck he bought, highlighting how unusual that horsepower figure was for an F-150 at the time.

The Ford F-100 is an older, smaller-generation Ford pickup compared with the modern F-150. In the podcast, it’s mentioned in the context of truck sizing and how certain engines or features differed “at the time.” It’s discussed because older F-series trucks are often part of conversations about classic Ford ownership and how the lineup has evolved.

“VQ platform” is shorthand for the VQ engine family and its ecosystem—how the engine design and related components behave and can be tuned. The host uses it to explain why they became attached to the truck: the VQ V6 was making strong power figures even when paired with a manual transmission.

Gearing ratio refers to how the transmission’s gear teeth multiply engine speed and torque. A “highly geared” setup can make first gear feel like it wants to keep pulling, while also changing how much torque you feel at low speeds.

Torque is the twisting force an engine produces, and it strongly affects how quickly a car accelerates from low speeds. The speaker is describing how the car didn’t feel like it had “a lot of torque” at the low end.

An RPM gauge (tachometer) shows engine speed in revolutions per minute. The speaker notes the car felt “basic” because it likely didn’t have a tachometer, which makes it harder to judge when to shift.

The Nissan 350Z is an earlier Z-car generation known for its enthusiast appeal and straightforward, driver-focused feel. The podcast describes the shifter as “notchy,” which is a common way people talk about the transmission’s mechanical character. It’s discussed because many drivers remember the 350Z as a fun, engaging sports car to drive.

“Notchy” is enthusiast slang for a shifter that feels more mechanical and segmented, with a noticeable “click” or resistance as you move it into each gear. It often comes from how the linkage and synchronizers are tuned, and it can be either satisfying or annoying depending on the driver.

Valet is a service where an attendant parks and retrieves your car for you. In this context, the hosts are talking about the risk of handing a manual-transmission car to someone who may not be comfortable driving it.

The speaker is emphasizing the audible feedback from the engine and exhaust during a valet departure or shop start. For car enthusiasts, these sounds are part of the driving “feel” and can also indicate how the exhaust system is behaving after work is done.

A battery issue means the car’s electrical system isn’t functioning normally, which can cause hard starts, no-start situations, or intermittent behavior. In modern cars, battery problems can also trigger warnings and affect starting even if the engine itself is fine.

An exhaust bay is a service area in a repair shop where exhaust-related work is performed, such as removing, replacing, or welding exhaust components. The speaker is describing hearing their car start while it’s in that specific shop area.

“Manual driving” refers to operating a car with a manual transmission, which requires coordinating the clutch pedal, gear lever, and throttle. The key skill is smoothly engaging the clutch so the car moves without stalling or jerking.

“Rev” is short for engine RPM (revolutions per minute), which indicates how fast the engine is spinning. In a manual car, RPM changes are used as feedback for when the clutch is about to grab and the car is about to move.

In this context, “audible” refers to sound cues from the engine and drivetrain that help a learner judge clutch engagement. These noises can indicate when the clutch is starting to grab and the car is ready to move.

In a manual transmission, the clutch “grabs” when the clutch disc starts transferring torque from the engine to the drivetrain. That’s the moment you feel the car begin to move as you release the clutch pedal and the engine revs stabilize.

To “feather the throttle” means to apply small, controlled amounts of throttle while you’re coordinating with the clutch. The goal is to keep engine revs and drivetrain load smooth so you don’t stall or jerk the car.

Clutch engagement is how smoothly and predictably the clutch connects the engine to the transmission as you release the pedal. Different cars (and different clutch wear conditions) can change how quickly the engagement happens and how much “feel” you get.

Driving classes are structured instruction sessions, often including behind-the-wheel practice and sometimes classroom theory. In the context of learning a manual, they may focus on clutch control, gear changes, and safe low-speed driving.

This refers to supervised driving practice with an instructor or experienced driver. The key automotive detail is that the learner is practicing real vehicle control rather than only studying or using simulators.

This refers to beginner driving practice in a controlled area, typically used to build basic clutch/gear control for manual cars or low-speed handling skills for any car. It’s mentioned as an early “lesson” before more complex driving.

“Standard equipment” means features included as part of the base trim, not added as options. In the transcript, it’s used to explain why manuals were once the default and automatics cost extra.

In the context of transmission choice, “traffic” refers to stop-and-go driving where frequent gear changes (manual) or frequent engagement of drive modes (automatic) can affect driver fatigue and convenience. The transcript frames it as a usability factor favoring automatics.

“Put it in D” means selecting the Drive range on an automatic transmission. In Drive, the transmission manages gear selection for you as you accelerate and slow down.

A dual clutch transmission uses two separate clutches to pre-select the next gear. That lets it change gears very quickly, which is why people compare it to (and sometimes say it beats) manual shift speed.

“Plus and minus” refers to the shift buttons (or selector positions) that command upshifts and downshifts in an automatic transmission. It’s a manual-style control method without a clutch pedal.

A “seven-speed automatic” is an automatic transmission with seven forward gear ratios. More gears can help keep the engine in a more efficient RPM range and can make shifts feel more frequent or seamless depending on calibration.

The Hyundai Veloster is a compact hatchback that was offered with a manual transmission for certain model years. In this segment, it’s mentioned as one of the last “manual cars” available from Hyundai, which is relevant to the episode’s question about whether stick shifts are disappearing.

The Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan that has historically been offered with a manual transmission in some markets and model years. Here, it’s grouped with the Veloster as one of the remaining manual options, reinforcing the “manuals are dying” theme.

Simulated gear shifts are software-driven “gear” changes that imitate the behavior of a multi-gear transmission, even when the vehicle doesn’t have conventional gears (common in EVs). The hosts describe how the car uses a digital rev/redline feel to mimic the sensation of shifting in an ICE car.

Downshift resistance is the physical or simulated “hurdle” you feel when a transmission prevents an incorrect downshift. The host compares the EV’s behavior to a manual car, where trying to shift into the wrong gear can feel resistant or blocked to protect the drivetrain.

In the podcast context, “Z” refers to Nissan’s Z-car lineup, which includes models like the 370Z and 350Z. The discussion about what you can find at local dealerships points to how these cars are searched for by enthusiasts, especially when looking for specific transmission types. It’s brought up because the Z name is strongly associated with a particular kind of sports-car driving experience.

“Turbo tech” refers to turbocharging, where a turbocharger forces more air into the engine to make more power. The speaker contrasts this with the older “370” Z’s more naturally aspirated character, implying the driving feel changes with forced induction.

The Toyota GT 86 (and its Subaru twin, the BRZ) is a compact sports car that’s strongly associated with manual transmission enthusiasts. In this segment, it’s grouped as a “performance car with the manual” and described as rear-wheel drive, which is a key part of why it appeals to stick-shift buyers.

The Subaru BRZ is a compact rear-wheel-drive sports coupe that’s popular with drivers who want a manual transmission. Here it’s mentioned alongside the GT 86 as one of the “big ones” for stick-shift buyers, emphasizing the rear-wheel-drive + manual combination.

The Toyota Supra is a performance sports car that can be found with either manual or automatic transmissions depending on generation and market. This segment uses it as another example of a performance car where automatics exist, but the speaker is focused on how many manual options are actually available at dealerships.

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) means the engine sends power to the back wheels. It’s often associated with a more “classic” sports-car driving feel and is commonly paired with manual transmissions in enthusiast-focused models.

The Ford Mustang GTD is a performance-focused Mustang variant mentioned in the podcast in the context of transmission availability, including an automatic option. The discussion suggests the GTD name is tied to specific years and configurations of the Mustang GT line. It’s brought up because enthusiasts often care about which versions were offered with manual versus automatic transmissions.

Fuel economy is how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel, usually measured as miles per gallon (MPG) in the U.S. Higher fuel economy means you can drive farther on the same amount of gas.

A “10-speed” automatic transmission has ten forward gear ratios. More gears let the engine stay closer to its most efficient operating range during different driving conditions, which can improve fuel economy.

Dual-clutch automatics use two separate clutches—one for odd-numbered gears and one for even-numbered gears—so gear changes can happen with very little interruption. They’re often associated with quick, crisp shifts compared with older torque-converter automatics.

“Rim hang” describes a delayed or awkward transition during an automatic’s shift where the engine speed and driveline don’t match smoothly. It can feel like the car hesitates or “hangs” in the middle of shifting between gears.

“Skip gears” refers to an automatic transmission changing from one gear to a non-adjacent gear (for example, going from 6th to 8th) instead of stepping through every intermediate ratio. This can reduce shift time and keep the engine in a better speed range.

The Toyota Corolla is a compact car best known for being practical and widely available. The podcast references the AE86 specifically through “Initial D,” which ties the Corolla name to a performance-focused enthusiast story. It’s discussed because people often connect the Corolla line to motorsport-inspired versions and driving culture.

The Ford Mustang is a long-running American sports car that has offered manual transmissions on many trims and model years. In this segment, it’s mentioned as one of the newer-car options where you can still find a manual (at least on some configurations).

AMG refers to Mercedes-AMG’s performance models, and the speaker claims that AMG GTs are automatic-only. That’s used to illustrate how some performance brands have largely stopped offering manuals.

In car shopping, “unicorn” is slang for something extremely rare—here, a dealer-ordered manual configuration. The speaker uses it to emphasize that manual-spec cars are uncommon compared with automatic builds.

An “automatic version” means the car is equipped with an automatic transmission, which shifts gears without the driver operating a clutch. The host uses this to explain why manufacturers sell more automatics and therefore stock fewer manuals.

A “manual version” means the car is equipped with a manual transmission, where the driver selects gears using a clutch and gear lever. The episode frames manuals as increasingly rare, so buying one can involve ordering from the factory or paying extra.

“Special ordering” is when a dealer or buyer requests a specific configuration (like a manual transmission) that isn’t readily available on lots. In this episode, it’s presented as a workaround for the shrinking availability of stick-shift cars.

A “surcharge” is an extra fee added on top of the base price for a particular option or configuration. The host suggests manual cars may come with a surcharge because they’re less common and may require special ordering.

“Wide body fenders” are aftermarket body panels that widen the wheel arches to give the car a broader stance and often allow for wider tires. The host is using them as an example of a modified look that didn’t match the paint color properly.

A “flared fender” is a fender shape that bulges outward around the wheel opening. It’s commonly used in styling and wide-tire setups, and the host compares it to the flared look of the aftermarket parts they saw.

“Cut slit vents” are aftermarket vent openings shaped like narrow slits in bodywork. In this episode, they’re part of a custom fender/grille modification described as having mismatched paint.

“Smog” refers to air pollution, and in car ownership it usually means emissions regulations and emissions testing. In places like California, cars may need to pass a smog check to be legally registered and driven.

The Pontiac Solstice is a compact roadster from Pontiac that was offered with a manual transmission, making it a more “enthusiast” alternative to many budget convertibles. In the transcript, it’s paired with the Saturn Sky as a manual-equipped GM-era roadster that’s easy to overlook compared with the Mazda Miata.

The Mazda Miata is a lightweight, driver-focused roadster that became the benchmark for affordable manual fun. In this segment, the host compares the Miata’s styling and evolution (including the pop-up headlight era and later “chiseled” look) to the Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky, and then calls out a specific Miata variant: the RF hardtop convertible.

Pop-up headlights are headlamps that rise out of the front of the car when activated, then retract when off. The host uses this as a styling-era marker for early Miatas, contrasting the older pop-up look with later, more fixed “slick chiseled” front-end designs.

The Miata is Mazda’s lightweight roadster, known for being fun to drive largely because of its low weight. In this segment, the host contrasts its handling reputation with the idea that it can feel underpowered compared with cars that have more horsepower.

Power to weight is the relationship between how much power an engine makes and how much the car weighs. Higher power-to-weight generally means quicker acceleration and more responsive performance because the engine has less mass to move.

The WS6 is a performance package associated with the Pontiac Firebird, typically aimed at boosting handling and overall performance. Here, the host groups WS6 Firebirds with other stick-shift F-body options as cars that deliver a lot of power for the price.

The Nissan Z is a long-running sports-car line known for offering a driver-focused manual-transmission option. In this segment, the host notes that when the Z “came out,” it was offered with a six-speed, which is part of why enthusiasts like the Z’s stick-shift feel.

A “six-speed” transmission means the gearbox has six forward gear ratios. More gears can help keep the engine in a better rev range for acceleration and can reduce engine RPM at highway speeds compared with older fewer-gear setups.

The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle-car platform known for multiple performance eras and drivetrain/gearbox choices. Here, the host compares the Camaro’s character to the Nissan Z, saying the Camaro felt “more subtle” while still being distinct from other GM cars.

“T-tops” are a removable roof panel design where the roof is split into sections, typically with two removable panels and a center support. It’s a distinctive styling and open-air feature that can also affect how the car feels structurally and acoustically.

A “four-speed automatic” is an automatic transmission with four forward gears. Compared to modern multi-speed automatics, it often means fewer gear ratios to choose from, which can lead to higher engine RPM during cruising and less refined shifting.

The Ford Maverick is a compact vehicle line from Ford, and in this segment the host specifically mentions inheriting one. The key detail here is the transmission: they say it had a three-speed automatic, which they use to explain how older automatics can feel busy on the road.

A “three-speed automatic” is an automatic transmission with only three forward gears. With fewer gear ratios, the engine often runs at higher RPM for a given speed, which can make highway cruising feel louder or less relaxed than in cars with more gears.

A tachometer measures the engine’s RPM (revolutions per minute). In a manual transmission car, it helps you choose the right time to shift by showing how fast the engine is spinning.

The Ford Ranger is a compact pickup truck that, in some older configurations, may have been offered with simpler instrument clusters. In this segment, it’s used as an example of a truck that lacked a tachometer, forcing the driver to shift using sound and speed instead of RPM.

The Jaguar F-Type is a sports car known for offering manual transmissions on certain trims and model years. In this segment, the host points to the V6 versions as stick-shift options that can be found at relatively lower prices, including convertible configurations.

A backup camera is a rear-facing camera that displays what’s behind the vehicle when you shift into reverse. It helps reduce blind-spot risk during parking and low-speed maneuvers.

Apple CarPlay is a smartphone integration system that mirrors selected iPhone apps and controls onto the car’s infotainment screen. It’s commonly used for navigation, music, calls, and messages while keeping your phone functions accessible through the dashboard.

Air conditioning (A/C) is the climate-control system that cools and dehumidifies the cabin. In many “basic” trims, A/C is one of the first comfort features people expect.

Automatic parallel parking is a driver-assistance feature that steers the car into a parallel parking spot using sensors and control algorithms. The driver may still need to manage speed, braking, or confirm prompts depending on the system.

Traction control is a driver-assist system that reduces wheel spin when the tires lose grip. It typically works by cutting engine power and/or braking individual wheels to help the car stay controllable.

The Dodge Viper is a hardcore American sports car known for its big-displacement V10 engine and raw, analog driving feel. In this segment, it’s brought up as a “dream car” and as something with a distinct early-model character compared with later versions.

A V10 is an engine with ten cylinders arranged in a “V” shape, usually with two banks of five cylinders. In performance cars, a V10 often provides strong high-rpm power and a distinctive sound, which is part of why the Viper’s V10 is discussed as “lore.”

A turn signal is the vehicle’s indicator light used to communicate your intended direction to other drivers. The host is using it as a humorous example of how certain BMW “M cars” are perceived in terms of driver behavior or styling cues.

The speaker is referring to BMW 3 Series “M” models (commonly called M3s), which are the performance versions of the 3 Series line. They’re specifically discussing how BMW M convertibles can get overlooked by enthusiasts who assume the convertible isn’t “real” performance.

“Hard top manual” describes a coupe/sedan-style car with a fixed roof (not a convertible) paired with a manual transmission. The speaker contrasts this with a convertible, implying the hardtop manual is seen as the more “track-capable” enthusiast choice.