Unfortunately for automotive enthusiasts who prefer to drive stick shifts, the manual transmission is on its way to becoming obsolete. In the year 2000, over 15 percent of new and used cars sold by CarMax included manual transmissions. Just 20 years later, that number dropped to a paltry 2.4 percent. Out of the hundreds of new car models available in the United States in 2022, only about 30 of them have the option to buy with a manual transmission.
Here is a closer look at what is behind the impending demise of the stick shift and why auto enthusiasts are lamenting its descent into obscurity.
The History of the Manual Transmission
Manual transmissions dominated the auto industry for the first half of the 20th century, with only a handful of automatic options on the market. Automatic transmission production saw a boom by the 1970s, but manual transmissions were still superior and more popular. Manual transmissions also offered more gear choices until the turn of the 21st century—four to six on average, compared to just three for automatics. Additionally, 20th century manual transmissions had better torque control and better overall control for climbing and descending hills.
The manual transmission was faster, better quality, and more reliable until about the year 2000, when automakers began producing superior automatic transmission models.
Why Do Some Drivers Prefer Stick Shifts?
While most modern drivers prefer automotive transmissions, there are still many purists who stand by the stick shift. There are numerous reasons why these purists prefer stick shift:
– Many stick shift enthusiasts believe that a manual offers a stronger feeling of control over the vehicle.
– Some drivers feel like they are more connected to the vehicle when driving stick.
– Driving with a stick shift is simply more fun for some drivers.
– Manual transmissions typically have less expensive maintenance costs.
– Models with manual transmissions are usually less expensive.
– Cars with manual transmissions are less likely to be stolen.
– Stick shift vehicles can be easier to manage in harsh weather conditions.
Why Is the Manual Transmission Dying?
In 2021, Car and Driver magazine led a Save the Manuals campaign based on the common auto enthusiast sentiment that a manual transmission is a superior and much more enjoyable way to operate a car. This campaign led to a #SaveTheManual hashtag, where car lovers from across the world voiced their concerns over the demise of the manual transmission. There are a few reasons why manual transmission has become much less common in the past few decades:
– Early automatic transmissions were once reserved for high-end vehicles, but they have become a standard feature in modern vehicles of all price points.
– The first automatic transmissions were much more expensive and offered as an option for an additional fee. Manual transmissions were the more economical option for decades.
– Automakers have been gradually moving away from manual transitions. While 3.4 percent of new cars sold had manual transmissions in 2010, this figure dropped to just 1.4 percent by 2020.
The Evolution of Automatic Transmissions
Automatic transmissions have become much more advanced in the past two decades, which has contributed to the decline of manual transmission. Modern automatic transmissions have much better performance and a wider selection of high quality choices compared to their predecessors. New automatic transmissions come with between six and eight gear choices on average, with higher-end models offering nine or 10 gears.
Today’s automatic transmissions are faster, of better quality, and more reliable than their manual counterparts. Many drivers find automatic transmissions to be much more comfortable and convenient compared to stick shifts. Unfortunately, most drivers who prefer stick shifts are auto enthusiasts and purists. The casual driver strongly prefers an automatic for its ease of use.
The economic evolution of automatic transmissions from luxury items to standard features is likely to be one of the main reasons the manual transmission dies out. Automakers have a significant financial incentive to phase out stick shifts in favor of automatics, as they are now cheaper to manufacture.
Where Can Consumers Find Manual Transmission Vehicles?
Many of the world’s most popular sports car manufacturers have fully transitioned to automatic transmissions. Ferrari and Lamborghini both only offer automatics. While the future of the manual transmission looks grim, some automakers still offer manual models. Porsche and Honda have both remained dedicated to producing manual transmission vehicles.
Honda’s most recent Si, Type R, and Civic Hatchback models all offer consumers the choice of either manual or automatic. According to Porsche, over 20 percent of Porsche 718 and 911 buyers choose the manual transmission option. Nearly 70 percent of the 2018/2019 model year 911 GT3 buyers chose manual in the US, and about half of 718 Cayman GT4/718 Spyder models.