5 Manual Transmission Cars in 2025
If you are one of these aesthetes who enjoy squeezing the clutch, changing gears, hearing the engine growl, and feeling pressed into the seat, check our inventory of manual transmission vehicles. At Indy Auto Man, you can always find an auto with manual transmission for an unforgettable driving experience:
Car manufacturers gradually stopped producing manual transmission cars: according to Kelley Blue Book, only 1% of new models today are manual. The main reason cited by the auto production companies is low demand. Many drivers prefer automatics for convenience and ease of use, especially in a big city like Indianapolis. When stuck in a traffic jam, manually changing gears several times over a short distance may be irritating. However, manual transmission cars also have a range of advantages.
For those who value manual transmissions, we prepared a review of top models to buy in 2025.
Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang with manual transmission has been around for more than 55 years and continues evolving. The standard trim level comes with a turbocharged EcoBoost inline-4 engine producing 310 horsepower and a six-speed manual transmission. The GT trim level gets a V8 engine producing 450 hp. The four-cylinder and V8 engines can be paired with a manual or 10-speed automatic transmission. On the GT Fastback and GT Convertible trim levels, the manual transmission features Rev Matching, which helps to make gear shifts smoother.
The Mustang delivers a comfortable and controlled drive. The electric power steering is light enough in Comfort mode and well-weighted in the other two. The brake pedal has a firm feel that feels touchy in stop-and-go traffic but is easier to press smoothly at higher speeds.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic Si is a front-wheel drive compact sports car. You will appreciate its crisp 6-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive. The manual transmission Civic has a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that produces 200 hp and 142 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration to 60 mph takes about 7.6 seconds.
If you have enough practical experience, you may notice some engine roughness when you press the gas, but there is little turbo lag, and you will appreciate the short throws and easy gear changes. The manual transmission now also has a rev-matching function for drivers who haven't perfected their heel-and-toe technique yet, and it is easy to engage or disengage.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
The legendary Golf GTI hatchback has been around since 1976 and has undergone many changes over its long history. According to Volkswagen, the 2024 model will be the last model with a manual gear box.
The 2023 Golf GTI is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. A standard 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission sends power to the front wheels. The manual version accelerates to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the automatic version takes 5.9 seconds.
BMW M3
Initially, BMW Motorsport models (since 1993 — BMW M) were intended for racing, but later, the range expanded to coupes, sedans, and station wagons for ordinary roads. High performance and the iconic letter M in the name unite all these models. The M3 model is iconic and has all the qualities that made the M series a favorite.
The standard M3 is a rear-wheel drive sedan available only with a 6-speed manual transmission. It is equipped with a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder twin-turbo engine with a power of 473 hp and 300 lb-ft. The car accelerates to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, and its maximum speed is 155 mph.
In addition to the specific sensations of driving a manual transmission, M3 drivers note the impressive maneuverability and pleasant leather-covered steering wheel. However, BMW, like many other automakers, plans to abandon the manual transmission in the future.
Toyota GR Supra
This sports car annually appears in the list of the US top 10 autos according to Car and Driver. Until recently, all Supra models were equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission. However, in summer 2023, the model finally received a manual transmission paired with an inline 6-cylinder engine with a capacity of 382 hp. In addition, there was an exclusive special edition A91-MT with a strut bar and manual transmission. According to the company, the transmission design took a lot of effort: the Supra uses an inline 6-cylinder B58 engine from BMW, which the company does not currently offer.
Despite the Supra having many parts from the BMW Z4, it accelerates faster than its German donor.
Manual transmission fans can always find rare specimens at the Indy Auto Man car lot in Indianapolis. Those who have long since switched to automatics may revive the unforgettable sensations of driving a manual transmission during a test drive of a favorite model. And buy a manual transmission auto with free home delivery within 250 miles of the Indianapolis dealer center.
