The 10 Most Gratifying Manual Transmissions We’ve Ever Encountered

The slow demise of manual transmissions has been a hot topic among car enthusiasts for decades. Most gearheads can’t live without them because of the extra driver involvement and control they offer. But electrification and homogenized vehicle platforms have pushed manuals to the sidelines.

It’s not all bad news, though. A handful of manufacturers still offer manual transmissions on their budget models, and some are now reintroducing them on certain niche sports cars. We also have a whole catalog of great classic manual cars to pick from, and in this piece, we look at 10 of the very best manual transmission cars we have ever experienced. All the cars on this list have been driven by our team of reviewers, and it was tough. That’s why we urge you to include your favorite manual in the comment section below.

2024 BMW Z4 M40i

$71,125

The current generation BMW Z4 has been around since 2019, and it has received several detail updates to sharpen the driving experience since then. The most important one was the introduction of the six-speed manual to the range-topping M40i. It is a tweaked version of the ‘box used in the Toyota Supra, turning the Z4 into the daily-drive sports car we always wanted. The ratios are spot on, and rowing through the gears yourself brings back some of the driving fun that is in such short supply in most new cars. It’s also one of the few new BMW models that still have a self-shifter.

However, whereas a manual used to be the no-cost option, you have to part with $3,500 for the privilege of shifting the gears yourself. Well worth it, if you ask us. This ’Handschalter’ manual transmission package also adds a retuned chassis, mixed-size tire setup, and unique paint color.

2024 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

$94,890

The number of V8s with manual transmissions these days can be counted on one hand, and the CT5-V Blackwing would most aptly be represented by the middle finger. It packs a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 under its hood that guzzles gas like, well, a supercharged 6.2-liter V8.

The 10-speed automatic may be a bit quicker, slightly more fuel efficient, and easier to handle in traffic, but in every other way the six-speed manual version is way better. Despite the massive power, the shift action is precise and slick.

2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse

$60,635

The Ford Mustang is another American sports car that can still be had with both a V8 and a manual transmission. It is best sampled in Dark Horse trim, which gets you the Tremec TR-3160 gearbox, instead of the less desirable Getrag MT-82 found in the standard Mustang.

Rev-matching and no-lift shifting are standard; the only option we would add is the limited-slip rear diff for $1,295. If you plan on using it for track days, the $5,495 Handling Package is worth having, but either way, the Dark Horse offers a slick and direct shift feel that is enjoyable at any speed.

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1999-2009 Honda S2000

$20,000 – $50,000

Our first modern classic tends to sneak into any list comparing manual transmission vehicles. The Honda S2000 is best known for its screaming four-cylinder engine and its short-throw manual shifter. The earlier 2.0-liter engines revved to a stratospheric 8,800rpm, at which point you would slam the stubby little shifter into the next gear and repeat the process.

A lower-revving, higher torque 2.2-liter engine was introduced in 2004, and, happily, the manual shifter remained as sweet as ever. Honda transmissions tend to be good in general, and if you can’t find one of these classics, a current Honda Civic Type-R is also a great choice. Even the second-generation Honda Fit 1.5 Sport’s manual gearbox feels special, especially if you replace the standard knob with a heavier ball.

2009-2021 Lotus Evora

$49,900-$94,500

Lotus may be teetering on the brink of financial ruin most days, but it still manages to build some of the world’s best handling and driving cars. An excellent manual shifter needs to be well-weighed without too much slack and feel solid and precise as each gear is engaged.

The Evora’s ‘box has all these traits, and that’s because Lotus engineers spent ages honing and refining it in all sorts of driving conditions. It’s even more impressive when you realize the basic transmission is from a Toyota Avensis diesel. So it’s a supercharged Toyota V6 mated to the gearbox of a boring diesel sedan, and yet they come together and work magic.

1989-1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata

$5,000 – $17,900

The MX-5 is another high-water mark when it comes to a well-balanced driving experience. None more so than the first-generation model, which was all about lightness and finesse. Changing gears in a Miata is a core part of its appeal; much of it comes down to its natural feel and accuracy.

Like several direct and precise-feeling manuals, the Miata’s shifter is mounted directly to the transmission housing. This removes any chance of floppiness or looseness that can be experienced when linkages or cables are used.

We debated whether to include the NA or ND Miata, but two senior editors with NAs vetoed the idea.

2016-on Porsche 718

$72,800 (718 Cayman)

The Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman duo are still at the top of their game despite having been around since 2016. Purists may lament the introduction of four-cylinder engines to the base models, but every one is still superb to drive. A 6-speed manual transmission is available on every trim and is a no-cost option.

It’s also a no-brainer as it makes driving this little mid-engine sports car an even more immersive experience. It is worth noting though that the GTS 4.0 versions have seriously long ratios in the lower gears, which means that you won’t get to hear their flat-six wail until you are traveling way faster than you should be.

2021-on Subaru WRX

$32,735

The original road-legal rally hero has softened a bit over the years, but it has enough all-wheel-drive turbocharged lunacy in its DNA to make even the shortest drive a blast.

A manual shifter is standard on the lower trims. It has great short throws and well-spaced pedals, which allow you to rev-match on the downshifts. Add whatever extra you want to your Subaru build as long as it’s not the ‘Performance Transmission’ option. This is just a horrible Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that really doesn’t belong in a WRX.

2021-on Toyota GR86

$29,300

The first-generation Toyota 86 was a great car, but it lacked some power. The GR86 remedied that complaint and also introduced sharper handling and an even slicker manual shifter.

It may not have the mid-range torque of some turbocharged rivals, but the combination of rear-wheel drive, a revvy naturally aspirated engine, and a great 6-speed manual makes it one of the best driver’s cars at its price. It seems like sports car buyers think so, too.

2010-2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI

$6,900 – $15,000

The sixth-generation Golf GTI was more of a major update of its predecessor than a completely new model, but this sometimes results in a more polished product than a clean-slate design.

This was the case with the sixth-gen GTI. The manual transmission was also much improved, with a far more pleasant shift feel and none of the vagueness that plagued the Golf 5. The latest GTI is a class leader, but the Golf 6 GTI is still a great daily driver, and used examples can be found at very reasonable prices.

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