Save the Manuals! A spotter's guide to this endangered species

Jul 30, 2010 9:10 AM

Inspired by a Car and Driver campaign called "Save the Manuals," we recently espoused the virtues of operating a manual transmission. As car enthusiasts, our Cars staff appreciates having more direct control over the car and the entertainment that provides.

Consumer Reports tests have shown that manual transmissions typically use about 10-percent less fuel than their automatic counterparts and allow cars to accelerate quicker, as well. Factor in typical purchase savings of about $1,000 over the cost of an automatic, and what's not to love?

(OK, admittedly manuals can be tedious in congested metropolitan areas.)

Due to dwindling popularity, it has become increasingly difficult to find new cars with a manual transmission. Even if it is technically offered, many dealers may not carry them.

To help with the search for this endangered species, we have put together this spotter's guide to current, mainstream models.

Current new cars available with a manual transmission:
Acura TL, TSX
Audi A3, A4, A5, R8, S4, TT
BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, X3, Z4
Cadillac CTS
Chevrolet Aveo, Camaro, Cobalt, Colorado, Corvette, Cruze, HHR
Dodge Caliber, Challenger, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Viper
Ford Escape, F-250, F-350, Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, Mustang, Ranger
GMC Canyon
Honda Accord, Civic, CR-Z, Element, Fit
Hummer H3
Hyundai Accent, Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Santa Fe, Sonata, Tucson
Infiniti G
Jeep Compass, Liberty, Patriot, Wrangler
Kia Forte, Optima, Rio, Sorento, Soul, Sportage
Lexus IS
Lotus Elise, Evora
Mazda B-Series, MX-5 Miata, RX-8, Tribute, Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda5, Mazda6
Mercedes-Benz C-Class, SLK
Mercury Milan
Mini Cooper, Cooper Clubman
Mitsubishi Eclipse, Lancer, Lancer Evolution, Outlander Sport
Nissan Altima, Cube, Frontier, Juke, Sentra, Versa, Xterra, Z
Porsche 911, Boxster, Cayenne, Cayman
Saab 9-3, 9-5
Scion tC, xB, xD
Subaru Forester, Impreza, Impreza WRX/STi, Legacy, Outback
Suzuki Equator, Grand Vitara, Kizashi, SX4
Toyota Camry, Corolla, FJ Cruiser, Matrix, Tacoma, Yaris
Volkswagen CC, Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, New Beetle, Tiguan
Volvo C30, C70, S40, V50

—Jeff Bartlett and Mike Leung