Manual Transmission Vehicles: The Ultimate List
Save the Manuals? There's Still a Wide Range of Offerings for the Shift-for-Yourself Crowd
Zach Galewriter
For purists, even the best automated manual transmission simply isn't good enough. They howl and proclaim there aren't any shift-for-yourself vehicles available anymore, but that's simply not true. What we have here is a comprehensive rundown of manual transmissions available in the U.S., focusing on 2011 vehicles--and there are a lot of them.
From front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive, flat-four to V-12, manual transmissions are all over the market, especially if you're willing to special order a car. A diesel, gas, or (one) hybrid powertrain can be had for those who insist on rowing their own gears.
Go to the right automaker and a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission becomes more than just an entry-level loss-leader on compact cars. Whatever your reason, manual transmission vehicles are alive and well in the U.S. -- at least for now. While their numbers continue to dwindle as single and dual clutch boxes and 8- and 9-speed autos take over, as this collection on the following pages shows, a wealth of manual transmission-equipped vehicles are still out there if you know where to look.
Pair a slick-shifting Honda manual transmission with the premium appeal of an Acura and you have the 305-horsepower, all-wheel-drive Acura TL. The 2012 TL's revised styling can't come soon enough, however.
Engine: 305-hp 3.7L V-6; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: AWD; Estimated Base Price: $43,445
Currently Acura's entry-level car, the manual transmission is available in four-cylinder sedan form. It's a package we tested and thoroughly enjoyed on a 2010 model.
Engine: 201-hp 2.4L I-4; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: FWD; Estimated Base Price: $30,470
2011 ASTON MARTIN DB9A manual transmission DB9 is one of many options for Aston Martin enthusiasts who won't drive with an automatic transmission. Choose wisely...
Engine: 470-hp 5.9L V-12; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: RWD; Estimated Base Price: $185,000
2011 ASTON MARTIN DBSStunning looks meet a manual transmission and a V-12 engine. What more could you want from an Aston?
2011 ASTON MARTIN V8 VANTAGE Get the most out of Aston Martin's 420-horsepower 4.7-liter V-8 with the addition of a six-speed manual transmission. And it's far less expensive than the V12 Vantage.
Engine: 420-hp 4.7L V-8; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: RWD; Estimated Base Price: $125,000
2011 ASTON MARTIN V12 VANTAGE It's the combination of the V-12 engine, and a six-speed manual transmission, that really makes this Aston Martin come alive, impressing on the track and the boulevard.
2011 AUDI A3Audi's entry-level car, the A3 has received a boost lately from its TDI diesel variant. If you want a manual transmission on your A3, however, you'll have to go with the 200-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
Engine: 200-hp 2.0L turbo I-4; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: FWD; Estimated Base Price: $27,270
2011 AUDI A4Audi's popular A4 sedan has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine full of torque. The available six-speed manual transmission is offered only with all-wheel drive and in four-door form.
Engine: 211-hp 2.0L turbo I-4; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: AWD; Estimated Base Price: $32,850
2011 AUDI A5 Unlike some luxury cars offering a manual transmission, Audi's A5 can be had as a base model or fully loaded. Power comes from a 211-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 258 pound-feet of torque.
2011 AUDI S4Now powered by a supercharged V-6 engine in its latest generation, the S4 can be bought with an automatic, but wouldn't you rather have the six-speed manual transmission for $1000 less?
Engine: 333-hp 3.0L supercharged V-6; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: AWD; Estimated Base Price: $46,600
2011 AUDI S5 All-wheel drive, a 4.2-liter V-8, and a six-speed manual transmission meet in the S5, which starts around $53,000.
2011 AUDI R8 A metallic gate adds to the experience of shifting the R8. This German supercar is available in 420-horsepower V-8 and 525-horsepower V-10 forms, but you already knew that.
Engines: 420-hp 4.2L V-8, 525-hp 5.2L V-10; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: AWD; Estimated Base Price: $118,000
Decisions, decisions. Would you rather have a six-speed in the BMW 1 Series M Coupe or a similarly priced 335i two-door? If you simply want a regular 1 Series with the manual, you can get it in any flavor.
Engines: 230-hp 3.0L I-6, 300-hp 3.0L turbo I-6, 335-hp 3.0L twin-turbo I-6; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: RWD; Estimated Base Price: $30,325
2011 BMW 3 SERIESBy far BMW's most popular car, you can order a 3 Series as a coupe, convertible, sedan, or wagon with a naturally aspirated or turbo engine -- all available with a manual transmission.
Engines: 230-hp 3.0L I-6, 300-hp 3.0L turbo I-6; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: RWD/AWD; Estimated Base Price: $34,525
2011 BMW M3At the very least, the six-speed manual transmission is a money-saving option here. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission costs nearly $3000 more.
Engine: 414-hp 4.0L V-8; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: RWD; Estimated Base Price: $57,575
2011 BMW 5 SERIESThe 528i is the only 5 Series sedan engine in which a manual transmission is not available. Order the 300-horsepower turbo I-6 or the 400-horsepower twin-turbo V-8 and a six-speed manual is standard equipment.
Engines: 300-hp 3.0L turbo I-6, 400-hp 4.4L twin-turbo V-8; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: RWD; Estimated Base Price: $50,475
2012 BMW 650i We have a feeling that buyers who stick with the six-speed on this grand tourer will be driving an especially rare vehicle. All 2012 6 Series coupes and convertibles have a 400-horsepower 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 under the hood.
Engine: 400-hp 4.4L twin-turbo V-8; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: RWD; Estimated Base Price: $75,000
2011 BMW Z4 Manual transmission enthusiasts should head straight for the Z4 sDrive 35is, though at $62,000 to start, this drop-top variant is pricey.
Engines: 255-hp 3.0L I-6, 300-335-hp 3.0L twin-turbo I-6; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: RWD; Estimated Base Price: $47,375
2011 Buick Regal TURBO
This is the car that helped spike interest in the Regal lineup. The idea of a sporty Buick with a turbocharged engine and a manual transmission captured the attention of car-lovers and GM fans everywhere.
Engine: 220-hp turbo 2.0L I-4; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: FWD; Estimated Base Price: $29,495
2011 CADILLAC CTS
So you could mate the CTS' base 270-horsepower V-6 to a six-speed manual transmission, but wouldn't you rather have it with the 304-horsepower V- or the CTS-V's supercharged V-8? We thought so.
Engines: 270-hp 3.0L V-6, 304-hp 3.6L V-6, 556-hp supercharged V-8; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: RWD; Estimated Base Price: $36,040
As we say goodbye to the Aveo nameplate and hello to the Sonic, the outgoing subcompact still has a five-speed manual transmission, a 108-horsepower I-4 engine, and a low base price of about $13,000.
Get the most out of your Camaro SS with a manual transmission. Go for the automatic and you lose 26 horsepower.
Engine: 312-hp 3.6L V-6, 426-hp 6.2L V-8; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: RWD; Estimated Base Price: $23,530
A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the Colorado with its 185-horsepower 2.9-liter I-4 engine. A four-speed automatic transmission is the only option on five- and eight-cylinder Colorados.
Engine: 185-hp 2.9L I-4; Gears: 5; Drivetrain: RWD/4WD; Estimated Base Price: $17,855
What would a Corvette be without the option of a manual transmission? You'll find one on all three engine options, from the base Vette to the all-conquering ZR1.
Engines: 430-hp 6.2L V-8, 505-hp 7.0L V-8, 638-hp 6.2L V-8; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: RWD; Estimated Base Price: $49,900
A six-speed manual transmission serves duty as the base Cruze and in one of the two Cruze Eco models that hit 40 mpg on the highway, meaning you can get a manual with the 1.8-liter I-4 and the 1.4-liter turbo-four.
Engines: 136-hp 1.8L I-4, 138-hp 1.4L turbo I-4; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: FWD; Estimated Base Price: $16,995
Yes, they still make the HHR. In fact, 75,000 units were sold in 2010. A number of those Heritage High Roof cars had a five-speed manual transmission mated to a 2.2- and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Get them while you can, as the HHR is not long for this world.
Engines: 155-hp 2.2L I-4, 172-hp 2.4L I-4; Gears: 5; Drivetrain: FWD; Estimated Base Price: $19,440
2011 DODGE CALIBER
The hatchback that's "anything but cute" drives into the 2011 model year offering a five-speed manual transmission with two four-cylinder engines. If that doesn't excite you, there's always the used car market for a Caliber SRT4 and its six-speed manual.
Engines: 158-hp 2.0L I-4, 172-hp 2.4L I-4; Gears: 5; Drivetrain: FWD; Estimated Base Price:$17,630
Opt for the V-8 Challenger and you'll have the privilege of choosing to pair a six-speed manual transmission to a 376-horsepower 5.7-liter V-8 or a 470-horsepower 6.4-liter V-8. The V-6 model may be much improved over the 2010 Challenger, but it is only available with an aging five-speed automatic.
Engines: 376-hp 5.7L V-8, 470-hp 6.4L V-8; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: RWD; Estimated Base Price: $30,495
2011 Ferrari 599 GTB FIORANO
Don't look now, but at Ferrari manual transmissions are becoming increasingly rare. Give thanks, then, that the 599 GTB Fiorano offers a six-speed manual transmission with its 6.0-liter V-12.
It's cute and even smaller than a Mini. The 500 is a bubbly city car that mates a five-speed manual transmission to a 101-horsepower 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine.
Don't get the V-6 Escape if you want a manual transmission. Before this generation Escape is replaced, the five-speed manual transmission is paired with a 171-horsepower 2.5-liter I-4.
You won't achieve 40 mpg on the highway (officially) with the five-speed manual Ford offers on the Fiesta. Fuel economy is 28/37 mpg with the manual and 29/38-40 with the automatic.
The new and much-improved 2012 Focus is available with a five-speed manual transmission in sedan and hatchback body styles. We might need to revisit this space if and when the Focus ST arrives in the U.S.
The fun-to-drive nature of the four-cylinder Fusion with a six-speed manual transmission was a part of the reason why the popular midsize sedan became Motor Trend's 2010 Car of the Year.
Ford's pony car beckons with a six-speed manual from the V-6 to the GT and Shelby GT500. Would you get a Mustang with an automatic or manual transmission? We know what we'd get.
Engines: 305-hp 3.7L V-6, 412-hp 5.0L V-8, 550-hp 5.4L supercharged V-8; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: RWD; Estimated Base Price: $22,995
2011 FORD RANGER Ford's aging Ranger can be had with a five-speed manual transmission, and is available with either the four- or six-cylinder engine.
Engines: 143-hp 2.3L I-4, 207-hp 4.0L V-6; Gears: 5; Drivetrain: RWD/4WD; Estimated Base Price: $18,755
Like the Colorado, the Canyon is available with a five speed, but only if you choose the I-4 engine option, mated to either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. You can roll out of a GMC dealership with a five-speed Canyon for under $22,000.
As a four-cylinder model, the Accord offers a five-speed manual transmission on the coupe and sedan variants. Step up to the 271-horsepower V-6, however, and the Accord coupe is your only option with its six-speed manual.
Engines: 177-190-hp 2.4L I-4, 271-hp 3.5L V-6; Gears: 5/6; Drivetrain: FWD; Estimated Base Price: $21,930
The Civic remains one of the most popular vehicles in the U.S. today. For the 2011 model year, a five-speed manual is mated to the Civic's 140-horsepower 1.8-liter engine while the sporty Si gets a six-speed with its 197-horsepower 2.0-liter four.
Engines: 140-hp 1.8L I-4, 197-hp 2.0L I-4; Gears: 5/6; Drivetrain: FWD; Estimated Base Price: $16,355
2011 HONDA CR-Z
This controversial sporty hybrid gets most of its sporting credibility from the six-speed manual transmission. At present, it's the only hybrid in the U.S. to offer a manual transmission.
Engine: 122-hp, 1.5L I-4 + elec motor; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: FWD; Estimated Base Price: $19,950
The Fit is a lovable subcompact that feels bigger on the inside than it looks on the outside. Make the most of your Fit experience with a five-speed manual transmission.
2011 Hyundai Accent
Hyundai fought with Nissan's Versa to become the least expensive new vehicle in the U.S. Making possible the pre-destination price of under $10,000 is the Accent's five-speed manual.
The new compact Elantra sedan makes available a six-speed manual transmission. Don't forget about the Elantra Touring small wagon, which mates a five-speed manual to a 138-horsepower 2.0-liter I-4 engine.
Don't discount this sporty rear-wheel-drive two-door -- the V-6 is fully capable of fending for itself against domestic competitors. The 2.0-liter turbo-four and 3.8-liter V-6 can be driven with a six-speed manual transmission.
Engines: 210-hp 2.0L turbo I-4, 306-hp 3.8L V-6; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: RWD; Estimated Base Price: $23,050
You might not expect an SUV the size of the Santa Fe to offer a manual transmission, but as long as you choose the 175-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine on the front-wheel-drive version, a six-speed is standard.
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA
One of the biggest sales gainers in 2010, the Sonata midsize sedan does offer a six-speed manual transmission, but, sadly, not on the higher-powered turbo model.
2011 Hyundai Tucson GL
The base model of the Tucson compact crossover - the GL - not only has a five-speed manual transmission, but a smaller engine than other Tucsons. The GL's 2.0-liter I-4 makes 165 horsepower.
2011 Infiniti G37 SPORT/IPL COUPE
Get the most out of Infiniti's 3.7-liter V-6 with the close-ratio six-speed manual transmission and the short-throw shifter. On the coupe, convertible, and sedan, the manual transmission models are placed at the very top of the G lineup.
Engine: 328-348-hp 3.7L V-6; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: RWD; Estimated Base Price: $40,325
The now-refreshed Compass still offers a five-speed manual transmission with your choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and two different four-cylinder engines at reasonable prices. Now that the Compass resembles a Jeep Grand Cherokee from the front, is it time to reconsider this compact crossover?
Engines: 158-hp 2.0L I-4, 172-hp 2.4L I-4; Gears: 5; Drivetrain: FWD/AWD; Estimated Base Price: $19,995
In terms of styling, the Patriot is as close as Jeep gets nowadays to the classic design of the old Cherokee. Available with a 2.0- and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, the Patriot offers a five-speed manual transmission instead of the CVT.
The Wrangler rolls into the 2011 model year with a fresh interior. If you want complete control of your Jeep as you're offroading, go for the six-speed manual transmission.
Engine: 202-hp 3.8L V-6; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: 4WD; Estimated Base Price: $22,795
The compact Forte hasn't been on the market for long, but already Kia is making changes. The five-speed manual transmission is gone, replaced by a six-speed manual on certain trims of the sedan, coupe, and five-door hatch.
One of the boldest midsize sedans in the U.S., the Optima offers a six-speed manual transmission with its 200-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. As with the Hyundai Sonata, the turbo Optima doesn't offer a manual.
The Rio sits at the bottom of the Kia lineup, using a five-speed manual transmission with a 110-horsepower four-cylinder engine. Nearing the end of its lifespan, the Rio offers a manual transmission on the sedan but not the five-door hatchback.
The Soul has become more popular than the Nissan Cube and Scion xB boxy hatchbacks. The reason could be the Soul's light-up speakers or its successful advertising campaign. Then again, it's possible some people really like the Soul's style combined with its five-speed manual transmission.
2011 KIA SPORTAGEThe Sportage with the six-speed transmission is the only trim that falls below $20,000. If you want remote keyless entry, step up to the LX trim and an automatic transmission.
How can you distinguish your Gallardo from all the others on Rodeo Drive? Try mating the 5.2-liter V-10 to a six-speed manual transmission.
Engine: 542-562-hp 5.2L V-10; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: RWD/AWD; Estimated Base Price: $200,100
2011 LAMBORGHINI MURCIELAGO
There's still time to grab a Murcielago, with its 6.5-liter V-12 and six-speed manual transmission, before it's replaced by the LP700-4. May we suggest the SV model?
Engine: 631-661-hp 6.5L V-12; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: AWD; Estimated Base Price: $355,000
2011 LEXUS IS
Good luck finding the manual transmission model of the IS in dealerships. On the IS 250 sedan and convertible, a six-speed manual is available as the base trim level. No, the V-8 powered IS F doesn't offer a manual.
2011 LOTUS ELISE
Pure driving enjoyment is a Lotus Elise and its 1.8-liter Toyota-derived four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
Engine: 189-218-hp 1.8L I-4; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: RWD; Estimated Base Price: $47,500
2011 LOTUS EVORA
More comfortable than the Elise or Exige, the six-speed Evora is powered by a 276-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6.
2011 LOTUS EXIGE
The Exige is made for the track. Lotus supercharges the 1.8-liter four-cylinder in the Elise to increase driving thrills when rowing the six-speed manual's gears.
Engine: 240-257-hp 1.8L supercharged I-4; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: RWD; Estimated Base Price: $66,000
Bring out the Mazda2 hatchback's character by pairing the 100-horsepower four-cylinder engine to the five-speed manual transmission -- you won't regret it.
All the way up the Mazda3 lineup, a manual transmission is available. A five-speed is used as a base trim on the Mazda3 i and you'll find a six-speed with the Mazda3 s and its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. We're not forgetting about the flagship Mazda3, the Mazdaspeed3. That hatchback's 263 horses are controlled only by a six-speed manual.
Engines: 148-hp 2.0L I-4, 167-hp 2.5L I-4, 263-hp turbo 2.3L I-4; Gears: 5/6; Drivetrain: FWD; Estimated Base Price: $16,595
Simply put, you can't buy any other minivan besides the Mazda5 with a manual transmission. Sure, it's smaller than most in the minivan segment, but if you crave the feel of a manual transmission as you accept carpool duties, you should consider the Mazda5.
Only on the four-cylinder model does Mazda provide a manual transmission for its midsize sedan. Making 170 horsepower, the Mazda6's four-cylinder engine with the manual transmission see one mpg more in combined mileage for the 2011 model year.
The MX-5 Miata has seen competitors come and go in the two-plus decades it has existed. For 2011, the fun roadster offers either a five- or six-speed manual transmission, plus an automatic.
Engine: 167-hp 2.0L I-4; Gears: 5/6; Drivetrain: RWD; Estimated Base Price: $23,905
2011 MAZDA RX-8
There's nothing like the rotary-powered RX-8 on the market. Before the RX-8 ends its production run, it offers a six-speed manual with the 232-hp, 1.3L twin-rotor Wankel engine. The automatic transmission model gets 212 horsepower.
Engine: 232-hp 1.3L twin-rotor Wankel; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: RWD; Estimated Base Price: $27,590
For those who find the Ford Escape too common, Mazda has the Escape-based Tribute. The manual on this low-volume SUV is connected to the 171-horsepower four-cylinder engine.
2011 MERCEDES-BENZ C300
Get it while you can: The six-speed manual option on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class disappears for 2012, when a four-cylinder engine replaces the V-6 on the 2011 C300.
2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK300
Like the Mercedes C300 sedan, the SLK lineup may soon remove the option of a manual transmission. Right now, an SLK300 with a 228-horsepower V-6 can be yours for just under $50,000.
Whether you choose the 121- or 181-horsepower four-cylinder engine, using the six-speed manual transmission is a great way to increase driving thrills as you exploit the Mini's handling abilities -- just watch out for that torque steer.
Engines: 121-hp 1.6L I-4, 181-208-hp 1.6L turbo I-4; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: FWD; Estimated Base Price:$20,100
2011 MINI COUNTRYMAN
Mini's largest-ever vehicle, the Countryman has the same two four-cylinder engines as the Cooper and Cooper S, along with the choice of a six-speed manual transmission.
Engines: 121-hp 1.6L I-4, 181-hp 1.6L turbo I-4; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: FWD/AWD; Estimated Base Price: $23,000
2011 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE
As long as you don't want the power of Mitsubishi's V-6 engine, the Eclipse can be yours with a manual transmission. The five-speed is mated to a 162-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine on the Eclipse GS.
There's a five-speed manual Lancer for every budget. The Lancer DE sits at the bottom of the lineup with a 148-horsepower 2.0-liter I-4 and a base price of about $16,000. The GTS adds a slightly more powerful engine and "go-fast" trim bits.
2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo GSR
If the six-speed twin-clutch semi-automatic gearbox isn't for you, the Evo GSR offers the connection some say only a five-speed manual transmission can provide.
The larger Outlander SUV doesn't offer a manual transmission, but the Outlander Sport can be had with a five-speed manual. In front-wheel-drive form with a 148-horsepower four-cylinder engine, don't expect high-speed thrills with this one.
2011 NISSAN 370Z
Like Motor Trend's 370Z convertible fleet vehicle, all 370Zs with the manual transmission offer the SynchroRev Match feature. It's a piece of technology that's proved controversial on our long-termer.
2011 Nissan Altima COUPE
Nissan no longer offers a six-speed manual transmission on the popular Altima sedan, but it is still available on the coupe. It's an option on the four- and six-cylinder models.
Engines: 175-hp 2.5L I-4, 270-hp 3.5L V-6; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: FWD; Estimated Base Price: $23,690
2011 NISSAN CUBE
A six-speed manual is standard equipment on the distinctive Cube. The 1.8 and 1.8 S models have a manual, but the 1.8 SL and top-of-the-line Krom Edition stick with the CVT.
A manual transmission isn't offered on the full-size Titan truck, but it is available on the smaller Frontier. A five-speed manual is paired with the 152-horsepower I-4 engine while a six-speed comes with the 261-horsepower V-6.
2011 NISSAN JUKE
This tiny crossover may be compromised when it comes to interior space, but it certainly isn't when it comes to driving enjoyment. A 188-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo-four is the only engine option.
The base Sentra and SE-R Spec-V let you choose a six-speed manual transmission, but not the regular SE-R.
The Versa is at the top of the U.S. subcompact car segment in volume. A five-speed manual comes on the basic 1.6 model with a 107-horsepower I-4. Most models are powered by the 122-horsepower 1.8-liter I-4 mated to a six-speed manual.
2011 NISSAN XTERRA
Both generations of the Nissan Xterra have earned Motor Trend's Sport Utility of the Year award. The 2011 Xterra has a 261-horsepower 4.0-liter V-6, which can be paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
Engine: 261-hp 4.0L V-6; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: RWD/4WD; Estimated Base Price: $24,650
It seems a new 911 variant is introduced every couple months. The classic Porsche offers a six-speed manual transmission on a number of variants from the basic Carrera to the GT3 RS, which the automaker estimates can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds.
Engines: 345+-hp 3.6L flat-6, 385+-hp 3.8L flat-6; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: RWD/AWD; Estimated Base Price: $78,750
You don't need to head straight for the Spyder to enjoy a six-speed manual in a Boxster. The 255-horsepower Boxster and 310-horsepower Boxster S offer one, as well.
Engines: 255-hp 2.9L flat-6, 310-320-hp 3.4L flat-6; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: RWD; Estimated Base Price: $48,600
Even in a vehicle as big as the Cayenne, Porsche uses a six-speed manual on the V-6 model. Looking for the eight-speed automatic? That'll be $3000.
2011 PORSCHE CAYMAN
A great driver's car, the Cayman can be yours with a six-speed manual transmission. The U.S.-spec Panamera sedan has the PDK transmission as standard equipment.
2011 RAM HD
The Ram HD's optional six-speed manual transmission gives you ultimate control of the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel. Plus, Ram deducts $1170 from the base price if you choose the manual transmission.
Engine: 350-hp 6.7L turbodiesel I-6; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: RWD/4WD; Estimated Base Price: $34,940
A new version of the 9-3 sedan, wagon, and convertible lineup is just around the corner. The current-generation Saab offers a six-speed with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 210 horsepower.
Engine: 210-horsepower 2.0L turbo I-4; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: FWD/AWD; Estimated Base Price: $29,725
Saab is clawing its way back from the brink, starting with the 9-5. Offered with two engines, you can get a six-speed manual transmission with the 220-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant.
Redesigned for the 2011 model year, the tC is an inexpensive coupe made for a younger audience. A six-speed manual transmission is mated to a 180-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
2011 SCION xB
This boxy hatchback is extremely customizable, like all Scions. The xB offers a five-speed manual transmission to mate with the 158-horsepower four-cylinder engine.
Until the iQ arrives in dealerships, the xD is the least expensive Scion sold today. A five-speed manual transmission can be paired to the car's 128-horsepower 1.8-liter I-4.
Our 2009 Sport Utility of the Year, the Forester has a five-speed manual on non-turbo models.
Engine: 170-hp 2.5L flat-4; Gears:5; Drivetrain: AWD; Estimated Base Price:$21,190
Fuel efficiency isn't the strong suit of the compact, all-wheel-drive Impreza, which offers a five-speed manual transmission with the 170- and 265-horsepower engines on the base and WRX models, respectively.
Engine: 170-hp 2.5L flat-4; Gears: 5; Drivetrain: AWD; Estimated Base Price:$18,220
A manual transmission with six speeds is offered on Subaru's performance flagship, the WRX STI. It's available regardless of whether you want the base or Limited trim.
Engines: 265-hp 2.5L turbo flat-4, 305-hp 2.5L turbo flat-4; Gears: 5/6; Drivetrain: AWD; Estimated Base Price: $26,220
Subaru really shows its dedication to manual transmissions with the Legacy. The Legacy offers a six-speed manual transmission on the naturally aspirated 170-horsepower in addition to a CVT and the 2.5GT Limited model is only available with a manual.
Engines: 170-hp 2.5L flat-4, 265-hp 2.5L turbo flat-4; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: AWD; Estimated Base Price: $20,720
Like the Legacy 2.5i, the Outback pairs Subaru's 170-horsepower flat-four to a six-speed manual transmission. Motor Trend's 2010 Sport Utility of the Year, the Outback also offers a 256-horsepower 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine.
Engine: 170-hp 2.5L flat-4; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: AWD; Estimated Base Price: $23,920
2011 Suzuki Equator
The Equator is based on the Nissan Frontier but only offers a five-speed manual transmission with the four-cylinder engine. Go for the six-cylinder Equator and you'll get a five-speed automatic.
Engine: 152-hp 2.5L I-4; Gears: 5; Drivetrain: RWD; Estimated Base Price: $18,390
2011 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA
Suzuki's Grand Vitara SUV no longer comes with the option of a V-6, but it was always the 166-horsepower four-cylinder engine on which a five-speed manual was offered.
2011 Suzuki Kizashi
You can't get the Kizashi's six-speed manual transmission with all-wheel drive, but even in front-wheel-drive form the four-door offers more fun-to-drive dynamics than many other midsizers. The Kizashi's manual transmission is not exclusively available on the base model.
2011 SUZUKI SX4
Hatchback or sedan, front- or all-wheel drive, the versatile SX4 can be purchased with a six-speed manual transmission. Pricing starts at $16,000.
Engine: 148-150-hp 2.0L I-4; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: FWD/AWD; Estimated Base Price: $16,000
As featured in our popular list of 10 vehicles you didn't know you could get with a manual transmission, the Camry - the best-selling car in the U.S. - makes available a six-speed/four-cylinder engine combination.
Engine: 169-179-hp 2.5L I-4; Gears: 6; Drivetrain: FWD; Estimated Base Price: $20,480
It should come as little surprise that the Corolla compact sedan offers a five-speed manual transmission. The Corolla's 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine produces 132 horsepower.
It's unclear what the future holds for this slow-selling yet boldly designed offroader. For now, though, buyers can enjoy the 260-horsepower 4.0-liter V-6 with the six-speed manual transmission.
Based on the Corolla, the Matrix offers more cargo space thanks to its flexible five-door hatchback body style, and it offers a five-speed manual transmission mated to a 132-horsepower engine.
From the Regular Cab to the X-Runner, Toyota's Tacoma pickup truck offers available five- and six-speed manual transmissions depending on whether you have a four- or six-cylinder model.
Engines: 159-hp 2.7L I-4, 236-hp 4.0L V-6; Gears: 5/6; Drivetrain: RWD/4WD; Estimated Base Price: $17,175
The Yaris is being redesigned for the 2012 model year. One aspect about the car that will not change is the availability of a manual transmission.
There are plenty of ways to get Volkswagen's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual transmission. The CC just happens to be one of the most attractive options.
2011 VOLKSWAGEN EOS
We're guessing the six-speed manual version of the Eos hardtop convertible (with a sunroof) isn't the volume model. If you're pinching pennies but most have an Eos, a manual is the way to go.
In gas or diesel forms, there's a manual transmission Golf to fit different needs. The GTI's six-speed manual is connected to a 200-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
Engines: 170-hp 2.5L I-5, 140-hp 2.0L turbodiesel I-4, 200-hp 2.0L turbo I-4; Gears: 5/6; Drivetrain: FWD; Estimated Base Price: $18,735
A significant element of Volkswagen's plan to lower the price of the new Jetta is the base model priced at $15,995 (before the destination charge). That entry-level model pairs a 115-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual transmission.
Engines: 115-hp 2.0L I-4, 170-hp 2.5L I-5, 140-hp 2.0L turbodiesel I-4; Gears: 5/6; Drivetrain: FWD; Estimated Base Price: $16,765
A six-speed manual transmission is part of the base model of Volkswagen's compact SUV. Powered by a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the Tiguan starts in the mid-$20,000 range.
2011 VOLVO C30
Though the six-speed manual transmission is no longer an option on the related S40 sedan, the refreshed C30 continues into the 2011 model year with a manual to go along with the 227-horsepower 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine.