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Do you think the standard transmission will make a comeback?

My two cents: it's the best thing on non-hybrid cars.

I don't think so. People are so d**n widget and gimmick oriented anymore, I just don't think they'd opt for stick most of the time.

I don't think so. People are so d**n widget and gimmick oriented anymore, I just don't think they'd opt for stick most of the time.Possibly you are right. :(

Not willing to use a 5-speed, afraid of hybrids, diesels not as attractive at $5 a gallon, compacts are "too small" - it's gonna cost the people that think this way.

Manual, No.

Manumatic & CVT, Hell Yeah!

I'd go so far as to predict "full-control" manumatics that are essentially clutchless manuals.

And More 5AT and 6MT/ATs.

I say no for manual transmissions making a comeback. How are people going to talk on their phone, eat, steer, and shift at the same time? Another illogical argument (in my mind) that I hear a lot is that manual transmissions have lower resale value. Let's see, spend more money now to get the automatic, burn more fuel than the manual for 5 years, and then hope to get the cost of the transmission back in resale? Doesn't add up to me.

What I think we will see are more CVT's and DSG-like transmissions. What I want to see is more manual transmissions but I just don't see it happening.

While I don't see them coming back in numbers as great as they were 30 years ago, I see the possibility for them to increase slightly among the growing subcompact market. While upscale and mid-market cars will see more 6-speed autos, CVTs and DSGs, I think some of the econo-box makers will increase the number (or keep the same) of manuals as an easy way to offer higher mileage cars to the segment of buyers most interested in FE. What would really help a stick shift comeback would be to offer manual transmission instruction in driver's ed classes. Its sad how many people who have the coordination don't learn because their parents don't have a manual car and therefore never learn, keeping them from driving one in the future. I have taught several of my friends how to drive a stick in my Insight (lowering my mileage and killing my clutch) but doing them an important favor that they can use the rest of their lives.

They will make somewhat of a comeback but you'd be lucky to ever see them above 10-15%.

Some Einstein decided shorter gearing for a manual would make it sound sportier so they stuck that in. And then the manuals return little or no benefit over the automatic in the EPA mileage test because the damn car pulled 4,000 RPM's at 80 MPH. I'm not surprised.

That, and people would rather blabber away on the phone, eat a burger, or do their makeup while driving. God forbid they actually have to pay attention to driving, oh noes.

I wish manuals would become more popular, I was not happy having automatic as my only option with the Prius. However I think most Americans are convinced it's too hard to drive one.

Doubtful we'll see manuals making a comeback. Most people think it's easier to drive auto. Only the enthusiast will still demand it though.

I wish, but it's doubtful. Especially if, as stated above, they keep making them "sporty" instead of economical.

I do have to agree that there may be a small increase. But personally I hope they don't make a big comeback. While I do know how to drive a manual I am physically unable to due to a bad left knee. I can't be pressing on a clutch 20+ times a day.

I hope manuals don't come back. They don't play well with auto-stop engine features. And for average driving, I car with std-auto and auto-stop should out perform a manual on mileage.

And CVT outperforms both, keeping the gearing nearly perfect in all conditions. And being automatic, it does play well with auto-stop. I suspect that it will become the dominate transmision on all EVs and PHEVs (with gas provided electrics).

I don't think it will (in these parts where it is a dinosaur) but I wish it would. I have the damndest time trying to find a manual when I buy new cars. It's all I will ever own, if I can help it. I prefer the control I have, saving gas as well as when on bad roads.

Edit: Of course, I don't know much about how hybrids and the like work in detail, so not sure about the impact there... may be completely unneccessary feature then... but I still find a stick more fun to drive...

The trans of the future will be the twin clutch manumatic. The efficiency of manual with the e convenience of auto. CVT loses a lot of efficiency driving the oil pump to move the pulleys in and out. 6 and 7 speed automatics are more for marketing and one upsmanship.

I didn't realize manual transmissions were in need of a "come back" until I recently read that only 9% of new cars sold in the USA are manual. When I went shopping for my last three vehicles, the ones that best suited my needs just happened to be 4 or 5 speed manual. I really thought standard transmission held a larger percentage of the market.

Doubt an MT comeback. Lazy americans don't like to shift plus shifting isn't good as far as I understand for hybrids. It seems safer to go the CVT road since you can't trust consumers not to run down cars early with bad driving habits.

I hope manuals don't come back. They don't play well with auto-stop engine features.

How not? I have an MT Insight and autostop and FAS both work great. I can't figure out where the problem would be?

I was actually wishing that manufacturers would build these features into non-hybrids.

I agree that US drivers are fairly lazy, but OTOH at some point the gas prices may motivate them. It willl be interesting to see.

Having driven a lousily-programmed CVT, it seems to me that the efficiency of a CVT will depend on the tradeoff between acceleration and economy that is programmed into it. A "learning" CVT (driver programmable) would be very cool.

As for DSG's, I've never been able to determine whether you can get from any gear directly into any other gear (6th to 2nd, say) and whether neutral is available from any gear. These are useful things that can be done with a regular MT.

Doubtful, the vast majority of my friends and people younger than myself (the ripe old age of 23) do not know how to drive a manual. Especially considering few vehicles are made with them and it is not taught in driver's education. I have limited experience and that's only because when I was learning how to drive my dad had a Ranger with MT. So, considering most younger people (in this country anyway) don't even know how, I doubt they will seek them out when they buy cars, hence, you won't see a comeback from the automakers.

Lazy americans don't like to shift
Bingo! The same way many non-hypermiling Prius owners expect but don't get the EPA MPGs, because of the way they drive.

I don't think they'll become more popular. People are too lazy or too reluctant to learn.

I answered yes, but I never knew they disappeared.

I've never owned anything but a manual transmission. Everyone in my family can drive a stick shift and when the grandkids get old enough to drive, that's what they're going to learn on.

Doubtful, the vast majority of my friends and people younger than myself (the ripe old age of 23) do not know how to drive a manual. Especially considering few vehicles are made with them and it is not taught in driver's education. I have limited experience and that's only because when I was learning how to drive my dad had a Ranger with MT. So, considering most younger people (in this country anyway) don't even know how, I doubt they will seek them out when they buy cars, hence, you won't see a comeback from the automakers.

I'd have to agree, sort of. The percentage of manuals I see on campus (turned 19 a month ago...) are probably in the 20% range. Thing is, probably if they don't own a manual they can't drive one, period. The number of people who know how to drive one will go down over time, but the actual number of manuals will increase. I think.

Although having a MT is now a security feature. I've heard stories of people being carjacked and then the carjacker can't get very far because he doesn't know how to drive manual. :D

My new 2008 Civic EX is a manual, which is what I wanted. I'd say that the Civics on dealers lots were about 80% auto, 20% manual. The sales guy I bought my car from didn't even know how to drive a manual transmission! I'm afraid manual transmissions will become relegated strictly to sport cars over time.

Two of the four cars in the stable are 5 speed. I learned to drive on a standard. My X wasn't co ordinated enough to drive a standard and I believe there are more people like her out there. They know where the gas pedal is and I hope they know what the break pedal is.

Did anyone see Gene Simmons on his "reality" show trying to figure out what the clutch pedal was. "I only have two feet, why are there three pedals?" Shannon had to drive the car with the manual transmission.

I didn't know how to drive one till I started selling cars. :o It was pretty much a job requirement. I'm still not very good at it, but at least I can get from A to B.

Anyway, I'm not really sure. For the cars that we sell that are MT standard, the Auto is a ~$1K option. Not chump change. So when people look increasingly towards fuel efficiency and realize that the manuals are also cheaper to buy to begin with, you might just see them show up more and more.

But someone brought up a good point. there are just so many people like me that rule them out because they couldn't drive it if they were given them for free. It would be different if it were required to pass a drivers test, that's for sure.

I love driving a manual. My wife also likes driving a manual (but she has auto at this time)

We live and grew up in Minnesota. I think a manual on icy roads gives you more control.
-Better feel if the wheels are slipping.
-Having trouble starting – to much power and spinning wheels, just sift up a gear.
-keep the clutch engaged when slowing on ice, the engine will keep the tires form locking up. poor mans ABS.

How are people going to talk on their phone, eat, steer, and shift at the same time?

Hold the phone with your left hand, steer with the right hand, hold the steering wheel in place with your knee while turning when you have to shift. Hold the steering wheel straight with your knee and eat with your right hand.

I know I know, it sounds dangerous, but is it really that much worse than doing the same with an auto? Is it?

I'd say no. Auto makers can get more profit from an automatic transmission.

I think CT will stop all MT's at the border, Why?

Everytime you use the clutch, you are operating the vehicle out of gear.

I've informed the missus that the next car is going to be a stick, since it'll be my commuter. I got a "but I can't drive a stick". My response, "you're going to learn". We tried teaching her to drive a stick in my 88 Civic, but she only tried it once... it didn't really hold her interest, and the car died before she had a chance to get comfortable with it. She firmly believes that she's just not co-ordinated enough. However, if you've got the will to try, it should be possible ;).

Nope.. CVT will rule..

Ya gotta remember how hard it is to talk on your cell and shift at the same time.;)
And of course those who like to 'text' while driving will never want a standard..

Emissions laws are also pushing the auto -- easier to keep emissions down during shifting if the ECU controls everything. I agree manuals are better for winter driving, also beat all but hybrids for hypermiling.
Serial Hybrids & Battery EV's may not have any geartrain.

The days of MT may well be near over. Americans are just flat out lazy behind the wheel. Stick key in hole, twist, stomp two pedals. Its all most know now days.

Its really a damn shame. I hope CR-Z gets a MT as Honda eluded to. If they stick a darn CVT in it. I will walk from Honda cars like I did there motorcycles.

I may be leaving Honda too! I've been shifting for myself
for the last 30 years (and 4 cars) and I'm getting too danged old for it.

My first two cars had auto trannys (Ford & GM) but they were too poorly
made to actually be reliable transportation.

My next car is going to be a plug-in (Toyota maybe?) Hybrid with a CVT.

I just thought of something... I have a manual transmission x173 John Deere lawn tractor. And the missus can drive that. Hah! That shoots down the old, "I'm just not co-ordinated enough to drive a stick".

Nope.. CVT will rule..

Ya gotta remember how hard it is to talk on your cell and shift at the same time.;)
And of course those who like to 'text' while driving will never want a standard..

I'm a bit leery of Cvt's. Especially since it takes the control entirely out of your hands.

I do text while driving. :o

What an interesting thread

for those of you trying to convince friends and relatives that they CAN drive an MT if they will only put the effort in to learn, a piece of information:

here in the UK if you pass your test in an AT that's all you can legally drive, so EVERYONE learns on a manual. If you look hard enough you can find an instructor who'll teach on AT, but it's more or less limited to those with some sort of physical disability which prevents them from operating the clutch. Buying AT here is so expensive and so limiting on the cars you can get that no one wants to be stuck with it. For example my Skoda has about 5 engine options on 5sp manual but only 1 in 4sp AT.

It seems unlikely that Americans are actually less co-ordinated than Brits, so if we can all do it, so can you (except of course for those with injured/missing left legs).


I learned to handle the clutch in a Series III Land Rover aged 14, at which point in my life I was so uncoordinated that if I tried to run too fast I tended to trip over my own feet.

Here in Norway, we have recently changed our car-tax system. Basically we pay roughly 100% tax for a new car (for the compacts), I.E. double the amount americans would pay.

This tax is calculated from horsepower (pure luxury tax), weight and CO2 emissions.

The CO2 part is very non-linear, so that a few onces of CO2 difference above the 35mpg/average compact car gives a huge hit to the tax. Because of this the automatic option has now doubled its price differene compared to standard, and DSG has become very popular.

Same goes in some degree or other for most of Europe.

It seems unlikely that Americans are actually less co-ordinated than Brits, so if we can all do it, so can you (except of course for those with injured/missing left legs).

When I was young I had a GF who also drove a manual. When I broke my collarbone (bicycle crash) she would take care of the shifting while I handled the clutch. Our conversation would be sprinkled with "first", "second", "neutral", etc. It worked extremely well. I think I was doing the driving because it was my car and she drove very fast, which terrified me even though she was an excellent driver. She had an 850 Mini, which would do about 80mph foot to the floor. That was how she drove it most of the time. She tended use the same technique on my car, which was faster. Switchbacks were especially horrifying.

What a woman!

I'm a bit leery of Cvt's. Especially since it takes the control entirely out of your hands.

I do text while driving. :o

If you ever come to Boston, please let me know. In the meantime I'll stay away from Covington, KY.. :eek:

:driveby1:


When I was young, and going up for my Extra class ham license,
I used to read all the street signs on the way to work and covert them into Morse code (in my head).
I didn't think that was so bad, since I had a buddy that had his CW rig (Morse code) in his
car and would carry on conversations (DX QSOs) in code at 20 WPM at 60 MPH..
IMHO, the man was completely:o crazy..

I'm a bit leery of Cvt's. Especially since it takes the control entirely out of your hands.

My list of preference is this:

1. CVT
2. MT
3. AT

I must take exception to the quote above...well, it's accurate in a way...a CVT does take the control out of your hands, and puts it entirely in your foot. I have almost limitless control of RPMs and gear ratio with just simple throttle adjustments on the accelerator. It is the best marriage of control, economy, and convenience between manuals and automatics. Like another poster said, once they mature and become more feature-rich (like learning CVTs), they will rise to the cream of the crop, IMHO.

Edit: Didn't the old Civic HX CVT have a "learning" feature based on driving habits?

My Vibe which I ordered two months ago will come with a 5 speed MT. She who must be obeyed drives a Cooper S with a 6 speed MT. We both learnt to drive in the UK back in the 70's and AT's were for the very rich or the disabled. I also cannot see paying $1250 for a AT when a MT is great fun and more control, when on ice or snow you dump the clutch without thinking thus disconnecting the drive train. I hope they keep building them.

I used to own a 2006 VW GTI with a DSG trans and I do have to say that the DSG transmission is better in every way when comparing it to a manual. It shifts faster and better than anyone could ever do it no matter how good we think we are at shifting the computer does it better. There is a reason that the DSG is .3 seconds quicker 0-60 and you can still put it neutral and coast when you want and get great MPG. Cant wait until everyone make a DSG as good as VW/AUDI