The Comeback of the Manual Transmission: Why Stick Shifts Are Hot Again in 2025
By Rafael Benavente
The Comeback of the Manual Transmission: Why Stick Shifts Are Hot Again in 2025
In 2025, something unexpected is happening in the automotive world: the manual transmission is making a comeback. Once dismissed as outdated and inconvenient, the stick shift is now being celebrated by car enthusiasts, driving purists, and younger generations alike. At a time when the world is moving toward electric and autonomous vehicles, the raw and analog nature of a manual gearbox has become a symbol of authenticity, engagement, and rebellion. In a world filled with automated convenience, there's something inherently satisfying about mastering a manual shift. This resurgence is about more than driving—it's about reclaiming a hands-on experience in an increasingly hands-free world.
1. Manual Is Rare — and That’s the Point
In the U.S., fewer than 1% of new vehicles sold in 2025 are equipped with manual transmissions. But this rarity has only fueled interest. With so many vehicles shifting toward automation and digital controls, the simplicity and purity of a stick shift have gained status among enthusiasts. Owning a manual car today signals a connection to driving’s roots, a deliberate choice to be more involved, more skilled, and more present behind the wheel.
2. Automakers Are Listening to Enthusiasts
Major brands like Toyota, Porsche, and BMW are responding to demand. Toyota continues to offer stick shift options in the GR86 and even the Supra. Porsche’s 911 GT3 and Cayman models still come with manual gearboxes. BMW has gone so far as to confirm manual options will remain in its M2 and M4 models through the end of the decade. Dodge, as it transitions to electric muscle cars, is releasing limited-edition manual Challengers as a tribute to the past. Mazda is another notable brand, continuing to support manual variants of the MX-5 Miata. Even niche automakers like Morgan and Caterham have stayed true to manuals, while Aston Martin has committed to producing a few select stick-shift models in its high-end lineup.
3. Resale Value Is Climbing
Manual cars are holding their value—and in many cases, appreciating. A 2020 Honda Civic Type R in manual can now sell for nearly what it cost new, sometimes more. Porsche 911s with stick shifts are trading at a premium over their PDK-equipped siblings. Collectors are snapping up low-mileage Miatas, S2000s, and even early WRXs for long-term investment.
4. Engagement Over Efficiency
For many, the appeal of a manual transmission isn’t about performance specs—it’s about engagement. Shifting gears manually adds a layer of control and presence that automatic transmissions simply can’t match. On twisty roads or mountain passes, being able to control engine braking and feel the car’s rhythm is a joy. It’s a driving experience that rewards skill, timing, and intuition.
5. Learning to Drive Stick Is Back in Style
Driving schools report a rise in requests for manual transmission lessons. On YouTube and TikTok, young drivers are documenting their first experiences learning to shift. There’s a sense of pride and nostalgia that comes with mastering the manual gearbox—especially for Gen Z drivers who’ve grown up around automation. In many circles, being able to drive stick is a badge of honor, proof of being a ‘real driver’.
6. Collector Market and Future Outlook
Manuals are increasingly viewed as collectibles. Models like the Porsche 911 Carrera T, Acura Integra Type S, and the last-gen Camaro SS are already becoming sought-after. As EVs dominate the roads and driverless cars gain traction, stick shifts will only grow more rare—and more revered. Like vinyl records or film cameras, the manual transmission offers a tactile, analog experience that resists the trend toward digital sameness. And for that reason, it’s here to stay—for those who still want to feel every mile. As car manufacturers continue to prioritize electric drivetrains and autonomous features, the manual transmission serves as a powerful reminder of what driving used to feel like—mechanical, personal, and skillful. It’s likely that in the coming years, we’ll see a continued rise in appreciation for classic, analog cars, especially among younger generations seeking authenticity in a digital age. With nostalgia playing a huge role in the automotive world, stick shifts are now seen as the equivalent of vintage timepieces—timeless and emotionally resonant. Auction prices are reflecting this trend, with some rare manual sports cars fetching premiums never seen before.
7. A Brief History of the Stick Shift
The manual transmission has been a cornerstone of driving history since the early 20th century. Long before automatic gearboxes became widespread, every car required the driver to engage with the mechanics of movement. The H-pattern shifter became iconic, not just as a functional necessity but as a symbol of driving skill. Throughout the golden age of automobiles in the 1960s and 70s, muscle cars, sports cars, and even family sedans proudly featured manual transmissions. To drive was to shift—an action that linked the driver to the machine in an intimate, mechanical dialogue.
8. Track Performance and Motorsport Heritage
In motorsport, manual gearboxes are still revered for their simplicity and control. While paddle-shift and dual-clutch systems dominate today’s racing circuits, many amateur and club-level racers still choose manuals for the tactile feedback and direct engagement they offer. On the track, learning to heel-toe downshift or perfectly time a gear change is part of the thrill. It connects the driver to the car’s limits. Even racing schools continue to use manuals in their training fleets, preserving essential skills that define great drivers. This motorsport legacy keeps the stick shift alive in the hearts of enthusiasts around the world.
9. The Modern Manual Driving Community
Beyond the cars themselves, a vibrant community has formed around the love of manual driving. Across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, car meets and online forums celebrate the connection between driver and gearbox. Groups like 'Save the Manuals' and local driving clubs promote stick-shift education and host events tailored for manual drivers. Whether it's a sunrise canyon run, an autocross event, or simply sharing clutch techniques on YouTube, this culture fosters camaraderie. Manual owners often feel part of an exclusive club—one built on tradition, skill, and the pure love of driving.
By Rafael Benavent