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Do Automakers Still Make Cars With a Clutch?

Yes—new cars with a clutch pedal (manual transmission) are still being built, but they’re now a niche. In 2024–2025, availability is concentrated in enthusiast-oriented sports cars, a handful of sedans/hatchbacks, and a few trucks/off‑roaders, with broader offerings outside North America. Models and trims change frequently, so availability depends on the market and model year.

Where Manuals Are Still Available

Sports and performance cars

Enthusiast models remain the strongest refuge for three-pedal driving. While automatic and dual‑clutch gearboxes dominate on paper, several performance nameplates continue to offer a manual for driver engagement.

  • Mazda MX‑5 Miata — 6‑speed manual widely available across trims.
  • Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ — 6‑speed manual offered on multiple trims.
  • Ford Mustang — 6‑speed manual on V8 GT and Dark Horse (EcoBoost is automatic only).
  • Nissan Z — 6‑speed manual available alongside an automatic.
  • Toyota GR Corolla — manual only.
  • Toyota GR Supra — 6‑speed manual on 3.0‑liter models (2.0 is automatic only).
  • BMW M2 — optional 6‑speed manual; broader BMW manuals are increasingly limited.
  • Porsche 718 Cayman/Boxster — 6‑speed manual on many variants; Porsche 911 — manual on select models (e.g., Carrera T, certain GTS/GT models depending on MY).
  • Lotus Emira (V6) — 6‑speed manual offered.

These cars illustrate where automakers still prioritize tactile driving. Availability can vary by trim and year, so checking the latest order guides is essential.

Sedans and hatchbacks

A few compact performance sedans and hatches keep the manual alive, even as mainstream compacts have largely gone automatic in the U.S. and Canada.

  • Honda Civic Si and Civic Type R — both are manual-only.
  • Acura Integra A‑Spec with Tech Package — 6‑speed manual; Integra Type S — manual‑only.
  • Subaru WRX — 6‑speed manual on most trims (the GT uses a CVT).
  • Volkswagen Jetta GLI — 6‑speed manual availability has continued in recent model years in North America, though it can vary by MY and region.

Outside these enthusiast skews, most compact and midsize sedans/hatches in North America have dropped manual options in recent redesigns.

Trucks and off-roaders

Manuals persist in a few rugged, body‑on‑frame models, prized by off‑roaders for control and simplicity.

  • Jeep Wrangler — 6‑speed manual available with the 3.6‑liter V6 on select trims.
  • Jeep Gladiator — 6‑speed manual with the 3.6‑liter V6 on certain trims.
  • Toyota Tacoma — 6‑speed manual offered on select 4×4 trims in the latest generation (availability limited and trim‑dependent).

Offerings are narrower than a decade ago, but these models show manuals still have a foothold where driver control matters.

Outside North America

Manuals remain more common in parts of Europe, Latin America, and Asia, especially in entry‑level cars and work‑focused pickups. While the trend toward automatics is global, many budget and fleet‑oriented models abroad continue to offer manuals as a price‑ and efficiency‑driven choice.

Notable Recent Discontinuations

Manual choices are shrinking as automakers simplify lineups, add driver‑assist tech, and chase efficiency/performance gains from advanced automatics. Several high‑profile models have recently dropped the stick.

  • Ford Bronco — manual discontinued for the 2025 model year in the U.S.
  • Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R — final manual year in North America was 2024; post‑2024 models are automatic only.
  • Chevrolet Camaro — ended production after 2024 (manual ended with it); Dodge Challenger/Charger ended after 2023.
  • Subaru Impreza and Crosstrek — manuals phased out in recent redesigns.
  • Many mainstream compact cars — have shed manual options over the past few years, leaving performance‑focused trims as the primary exceptions.

Industry data peg manual take‑rates in the U.S. around 1–2% in recent years, underscoring why many brands have consolidated around automatics.

Why Manuals Are Disappearing

The decline isn’t just about consumer preference; it also reflects technology and regulatory pressures that favor automatics and electrification.

  • Efficiency and emissions — modern automatics (especially 8–10‑speed and CVTs) optimize fuel economy and CO₂ targets better than most manual calibrations.
  • Performance — dual‑clutch and advanced automatics shift faster and can handle more torque.
  • Driver‑assist integration — features like adaptive cruise and lane centering are simpler to implement with automatics.
  • Cost and complexity — low take‑rates make it hard to justify certification, tooling, and inventory for a separate transmission variant.
  • Electrification — hybrids and EVs reduce or eliminate the role of a traditional clutch pedal.

Collectively, these forces push manuals into low‑volume niches where driver involvement is the selling point.

What About EVs and “Simulated” Manuals?

Battery electric vehicles don’t use a traditional multi‑gear transmission or a clutch pedal. Some performance EVs now offer simulated shift programs and engine‑sound profiles (for example, Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N “N e‑shift”) to mimic engagement, but there’s no physical clutch. A few manufacturers have explored software‑based “manual” experiences or prototype systems, yet mass‑market EVs remain clutch‑free.

How to Buy a New Manual Today

Because manual builds are limited, finding one often takes planning and flexibility. These steps can improve your odds.

  1. Confirm trims and markets — verify which specific trims and powertrains offer a manual in your region for the current model year.
  2. Order early — many manuals are built to order or come in small allocations; ask your dealer about lead times and allocation timing.
  3. Broaden your search — expand to multiple dealers and neighboring states; use automaker inventory tools and enthusiast forums.
  4. Know the pricing — limited supply can mean markups; having comparable quotes helps negotiation.
  5. Consider lightly used — late‑model manuals (e.g., prior‑year GTI/WRX/Si) can be strong alternatives if new supply is scarce.

Patience pays off: most buyers who plan ahead can still land a new manual in today’s market, especially in the enthusiast segments.

Outlook

Manuals should survive through this decade in select enthusiast cars (Honda/Acura performance trims, Toyota’s GR line, Mazda MX‑5, Nissan Z, BMW M2, various Porsches) and a few rugged models (Wrangler/Gladiator, some Tacoma trims). The broader market will keep consolidating around automatics and EVs, so three‑pedal options will likely remain limited but meaningful for dedicated buyers.

Summary

They do still make clutch cars, but mostly as specialty offerings. If you want a new manual in 2024–2025, look to performance coupes (Miata, GR86/BRZ, Mustang, Z, GR Corolla/GR Supra), select sporty sedans/hatches (Civic Si/Type R, Integra, WRX, some Jetta GLI), and a few off‑roaders/trucks (Wrangler, Gladiator, limited Tacoma trims). Availability changes quickly by model year and region, so verify current trims and be prepared to order early.

Can you still buy a stick-shift car?

Yes, you can still buy new and used cars with a manual transmission, though they are a rapidly declining option in the market. While many manufacturers are phasing them out, options still exist across a range of vehicle types, from affordable commuters like the Nissan Versa and Kia Forte to performance cars like the Porsche 911 and Toyota GR86. 
Why Manuals Are Available

  • Enthusiast Appeal: Some drivers prefer the control and engagement that a manual transmission offers, viewing it as more fun and a more connected driving experience. 
  • Performance: Higher-performance vehicles often retain manual options, providing a more direct and less filtered driving experience. 
  • Lower Cost: Manuals can sometimes be found on less expensive cars or offer lower repair costs. 

Examples of Manual Cars Still Available 

  • Entry-level: Nissan Versa, Kia Forte, Subaru Crosstrek.
  • Performance: Porsche 911, Toyota Supra, Honda Civic Type R.
  • Jeeps and Work Vehicles: Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, Toyota Tacoma.

The Future of Manual Cars

  • Declining Numbers: Manual transmissions are becoming rarer, with many automakers choosing to discontinue them for their mainstream models. 
  • Electric Cars: As most electric vehicles use automatic transmissions, the shift away from gasoline-powered cars further reduces the availability of manuals. 
  • Availability of Trims: Even for models that still offer a manual, it’s typically only available on specific trim levels, not the entire model line. 

Is the manual car still available?

While still a minority, automatic sales are increasing due to improved fuel efficiency and growing availability of AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) models. Manual cars continue to dominate as they offer higher resale value, better mileage in smaller models, and lower repair costs.

Does anyone make a manual car anymore?

Yes, many manufacturers still produce manual transmission vehicles, although they are less common than automatics, with options often found in performance cars and some trucks. For 2025, you can find manual options in models like the Ford Mustang, Toyota GR Corolla, Toyota GR86, Toyota Tacoma, and BMW M models, among others.
 
Why Manuals Are Still Available

  • Enthusiast Appeal: Manuals remain popular with car enthusiasts who prefer the engagement and connection to the driving experience. 
  • Performance and Sporty Vehicles: Many high-performance cars and “hot hatchbacks” still offer a manual transmission as a core feature. 
  • Off-Road Capability: Some off-road-focused vehicles, like the Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma, include manual transmission options. 

Examples of Manual Cars (as of 2025) 

  • Toyota: GR Corolla, GR86, GR Supra, and Tacoma models
  • Ford: Mustang models, including the GT and Dark Horse
  • BMW: The M2, M3, and M4 are still available with manual transmissions
  • Honda: The performance-oriented Civic Si and Type R models
  • Porsche: Some models in the 718 lineup

Trends

  • Declining Numbers: The overall number of new vehicles with manual transmissions has decreased significantly over the years. 
  • Niche Market: Manuals have become a niche option, but they are expected to persist in certain segments. 
  • Electrification: The shift towards electric vehicles is a factor contributing to the decline of manual transmissions in new car production. 

Will manual cars be available in 2025?

In 2025, fewer cars let you shift your own gears. But a few Toyota models still give you that choice. If you enjoy the feel of a stick and the control it brings, these models keep the fun alive. The current Toyota stick-shift models are built for drivers who want more than just point and go.

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