Manual Cars are Dying. Here’s Why That Sucks

The manual transmission (https://www.aamcoknoxville-stekoialane.com/Blog/Article/Introduction-to-Manual-Transmissions)

Manual or Automatic, the Age-Old question

There are a ridiculous number of transmissions out there, and they’re all quite different. You’ve got your CVTs (continuously variable transmissions), your DCTs (dual clutch transmissions), your IMTs (intelligent manual transmissions), and then the classics; the manual transmissions that car enthusiasts cling to like a life line. 

The manual has been around since the dawn of cars, and while it’s evolved over time, it’s still simple, reliable, and moreover, fun. Shifting gears with a clutch is about feeling the car and controlling it, not just getting from A to B. 

But manuals are slowly disappearing. The rise of electric cars and a growing population of drivers who just want easy commutes has pushed manuals into the background. In the U.S., only a small fraction of new cars come with a manual option. This means that hardcore stick enthusiasts are left looking for older models or niche sports cars just to get that enjoyment.

Even in motorsports, there’s a reason rally and drift cars use sequential gearboxes instead of manuals. They’re not built for speed and precision, but for daily driving, and nothing beats the engagement of a stick shift.

The Manual Transmission Preservation Society

Why Manuals are Still Loved

There’s something satisfying about being in control with every shift. Unlike automatics or CVTs that do the work for you, a manual lets you choose how you overtake or how you navigate a corner. You’re managing torque, timing your shifts, and basically owning the link between the engine and wheels. It’s simple, yet mechanical, and thrilling in a way that computers can’t replicate.

Also, manuals tend to be cheaper to repair, easier to maintain, and last longer if you take care of it. Sure, they do take practice and patience, but for many enthusiasts, that’s what makes it more fun. 

The BMW M2 - offered with a manual transmission (https://www.carscoops.com/2024/02/bmw-board-member-says-the-days-of-the-manual-are-over)

How Modern Transmissions Compare

CVTs are smooth and efficient, but they feel boring. DCTs give you faster shifts but you don’t have a clutch you can control. IMTs are basically manuals, but again, no clutch, so what’s the point of learning a stick shift? Automatics dominate the industry because they’re easy, efficient, and require zero effort, but that means they kill the engagement and fun factor.

It’s no surprise that some carmakers like BMW, Volkswagen, and a few others still offer manuals, but even then, they’re a small minority. Recently, I’m guessing manual enthusiasts are forced to compromise by buying older cars or niche imports to keep the experience alive.

Why Manuals are Declining

Learning a manual is becoming even rarer, especially in the U.S. Fewer drivers know how to use a stick, and automakers respond to demand. Electric vehicles are even worse for manuals because most EVs have no gears at all. People are starting to want convenience over the true experience of driving, so manuals are no longer convenient. And Tesla’s full self-driving just backs this up; it’s essentially a PC on wheels, which literally gets you from point A to B and nothing else, maybe with a high top speed and quick acceleration, but that's it. It feels quite superficial.

The Future of Stick Shifts

Even with the decline, manuals aren’t dead. Sports cars, track cars, and enthusiasts’ builds will keep them alive. There’s still a market for drivers who want that experience, and who knows> maybe a revival is waiting, like vinyl records in music or film cameras in photography. For now, though, manuals are still a niche, a hobby, and a skill that everyone should have.