Despite predictions of its demise, the manual transmission isn’t disappearing as quickly as some expected. A recent survey of automakers reveals that a significant portion of buyers still prefer the three-pedal experience, with some brands even seeing increased manual sales in 2025. This trend suggests that enthusiast demand remains strong, even as automatic transmissions dominate the broader market.
Key Findings: Brand by Brand
The data shows a wide range of manual take rates, from niche supercars where manuals are favored by over 75% of buyers, to mainstream vehicles where stick shifts represent a smaller but still notable percentage of sales.
Luxury and Performance Leaders:
- Pagani Utopia: 75% of buyers chose the manual, up from 70% in 2024.
- Porsche 911: Manuals accounted for 83% of sales where available.
- Lotus Emira: A remarkable 88% of buyers opted for the manual.
- Subaru BRZ: 90% of buyers selected the manual, a significant jump from 77.8% last year.
Mainstream Holdouts:
- Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing: Over 60% of buyers preferred the manual.
- Nissan Z: 46.1% of buyers chose the manual, nearly half of all sales.
- Toyota GR Corolla: 71% of buyers opted for the manual, despite the availability of an automatic option.
- Volkswagen Jetta GLI: 44.9% of buyers preferred the manual.
Notable Trends:
- Acura Integra: Manual take rates increased to 22%, up from 19.8% in 2024.
- BMW M Series: Manuals remain popular in performance models, with take rates around 33-50% depending on the specific vehicle.
- Honda Civic Si/Type R: All sales for these models are manual, as they are not offered with automatic transmissions.
- Ford: Declined to provide specific figures, but continues to offer manuals in the Bronco and Mustang.
Why Manuals Persist
The continued demand for manual transmissions isn’t simply nostalgia. For many drivers, the greater driver engagement, control, and overall experience justify the shift. This is particularly true for performance vehicles, where enthusiasts prioritize precision and feel over convenience.
The manual transmission is also a symbol of automotive purity. In a world of increasingly automated vehicles, the stick shift represents a direct connection between driver and machine. This appeal is especially strong among younger generations who are embracing analog experiences in a digital world.
Future Outlook
While the overall trend is toward automation, these numbers prove that the manual transmission isn’t going away anytime soon. Automakers that continue to offer manuals cater to a dedicated customer base that will likely continue to demand this option for years to come. The survival of the manual depends on maintaining a balance between enthusiast appeal and market realities.
The manual transmission remains a viable option for those who value driving experience over pure convenience, and automakers that recognize this will continue to see demand for the three-pedal configuration.
