I own two cars -- one has a manual transmission, the other is an automatic. Everytime I have the manual vehicle parked by a valet or a new passenger is provided a ride, people always comment -- "You drive a stick shift?!" I don't get it -- what's the big deal about having a manual transmission?

Now, it might only be a big deal in California. I say this only because when I was shopping for my last vehicle, I purposely looked for a vehicle with a manual tranny. Thinking that I'd replace my old 4-Runner with another Toyota, I was rather surprised to learn they don't sell vehicles in California with stick shifts. Really? "Why?", I asked. "They barely sell." Huh...interesting.

My sister and her soon-to-be-ex-husband own two BMW Mini Coopers -- both have manual transmissions. With the advent of more economical cars in the market these days, I'm wondering if more people are driving non-automatic cars.

I'm curious, what kind of transmission do you drive?

Btw, I've also learned that not that many people know how to drive a stick.

I know how to drive a stick and have always enjoyed it, but both of our cars now are automatics. I can't say that I miss driving a manual with some of the hills around here either...

I think that while manuals typically get slightly better gas mileage than automatics that some of the new Continuously Variable Transmissions may get even better gas mileage than manuals..so that might play into some of the more fuel efficient cars no longer having manuals

I drive manual, and live in California. But I've had the car for 9 years and have only lived in CA for two.

Can't everyone drive a manual?

How can we vote if there are no radio buttons?

My Pathfinder has a manual transmission






I love it

If I owned a sports car, then yes. This should be a prerequisite. However, for my day to day driving, I prefer the automatic experience.

currently driving an auto, but I grew up and roundly prefer to drive manual.

It's America, they'll let any half wit behind the wheel which is why it has one of the worst car accident fatality rates in the world, even worse than most third world countries where a typical journey involves a drive up the sheer face of a mountain side on a mud road with the driver out his mind on qaat and 17 people and at least a similar number of goats and chickens loaded up in the vehicle and not so much as a paracetamol for 250 miles, never mind a hospital.

Round here Patrick Wolf would be considered more manly than a guy that drives an automatic.

No self-respecting southern dad allows his son to grow up without learning to drive a manual, usually before age 10.

There are days in traffic when I almost wish I had a scooter with a cvt instead of the normal m'cycle 6 speed. Clutch-1st-gas-clutch-gas-clutch-gas-clutch-gas-clutch-gas-clutch-gas-clutch-gas-clutch-gas-(shoots self in temple)

I'm too lazy anymore to drive a manual.

I love how something as ridiculous as an automobile part becomes a point of pride and masculinity.

automatics are for homos.

And once again.

I agree, but I did some research--cause I was curious.

True, US has the most road fatalities but according to a 1996 survey, Portugal had more road deaths per 10,000 motor vehicles. France and Greece also had more. Though, the telling number is our 41,967 road fatalities to Portugal's 2nd place--12,100.

Also, never drive in Maryland. Its not for the meek.

I feel like we should be making a list.

If that guy who wrote "Things White People Like" can get a book deal, then surely you can get one for these.

I learned to drive manual, but all my cars, for one reason or the other have been automatic. God knows I'd give any passenger whiplash if I attempted to drive stick again.

My brother in law is a huge proponent of manual because you have more control over the engine and its performance. I suppose if you're good at it and constantly mindful of it I can see the benefit in that regard. However, being surprised that someone drives a stick shift is pretty silly. Just don't ask me to split the driving with you on a long road trip. haha

I believe the answer to this is "no." I am in the market for a new car, and have seen a few with manual transmissions, but most of the fuel efficient cars today actually get better gas mileage (overall) with an automatic. However, it's usually ~$1000 more for an automatic vs. a manual.

Personally, I like both, but with the amount of snow we get around here, it's nice having the automatic to deal with getting around in the snow. I've had a few manual transmission cars over the years, and don't mind driving them at all, but my new car will have an automatic.

Ah yes...because there's nothing more manly than wrapping your right hand around a rod (not your own!) for large portions of a car trip.

Driving is for asexuals. I ride the bus.

This from the gentleman who has never passed his driving test.

I was taught to drive a manual once. I have not in at least 1o years
so automatic for me.

I never drive anyway.

I can drive stick - had to learn for my Ford Ranger I had in college.

Agree with tentoze - driving that "y'all got me doin too much"

They are fun, and if I had the money, the time or the wont, I would have a manual sports car or truck...as it is that, again, sounds like work.

And guys, c'mon, since the advent of the automatic it has been a "thing" that guys "should" know how to drive a stick. It's just one of those things you need to know how to do.

I'm thinking "dalenissives - an alternative alternative lifestyle and philosophy"

I've driven both. But yeah, most new cars are automatics. I certainly don't care enough about wanting a manual to special order something...impossible anyway since I buy used. Besides, manuals totally suck when you're doing stop and go in rush hour and considering about 80% of my driving is to work and back...not really ideal.