Summary
- There are few cars remaining with a manual transmission due to electrified powertrains.
- The majority of manuals are expensive performance-based models, but there are affordable options.
- Manual transmissions in cars provide drivers with engaging and fun driving experiences, and are more secure.
- One of the cheapest new cars available in the US has a manual transmission as standard.
Between hybrid and electric vehicles, and people preferring a stress-free driving experience, manual transmissions are slowly but surely becoming extinct. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate a good automatic transmission. In fact, there are several automatic sports cars that don’t make me miss a stick shift, but there’s a magical connection between the road and the driver through a manual transmission.
On top of that, owning a manual car can bring passive safety and security. Since most Americans never learned to drive a stick, the chances of a manual car being stolen are lowered. They also keep your brain engaged as you shift up and down gears, compared to simply cruising along in a daze.
Most cars left with a stick tend to be sports cars, so, while this list showcases the most affordable new cars that are available with a manual transmission, some of them are expensive. That said, they are all under $40,000, which is much less than a fully-loaded Honda Odyssey. Plus, there’s a huge drop in price between second and first place on this list — which happens to be the cheapest new car you can buy.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites. This list focuses on cars, excluding SUVs and trucks. Rankings are based on starting MSRP for manual transmission models, from most to least expensive.
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10
2025 Toyota GR Corolla
Starting MSRP: $38,650
Toyota
As I mentioned in the introduction, the first entry on our list isn’t exactly cheap, but you can get a popular rally-inspired hot hatch with a manual transmission for less than $40,000. Essentially, the Gazoo Racing team matched a four-wheel-drive system to a manual gearbox and squeezed 300 hp from a three-cylinder engine to create a road-legal rally car for the masses. No wonder it’s so popular.
9
2025 Acura Integra
Starting MSRP: $38,000
Acura
The return of the Acura Integra was a significant moment for the brand and enthusiasts. Unlike the controversial comeback of the Toyota Supra, which is essentially a BMW Z4, the Integra has stayed true to its heritage with Honda Civic DNA.
It comes with a CVT automatic transmission as standard, but the A-spec with Technology trim is available with a six-speed manual. The Integra Type S is manual-only with a bigger engine, but starts at $52,900, so it didn’t make this list.
8
2025 Subaru WRX
Starting MSRP: $37,750
Subaru
Another car with a rich history in motorsport is the Subaru WRX. Although the 2025 model isn’t as pure as its predecessors, this WRX can still be raced on a rally stage with Subaru’s famous four-wheel drive system as standard. That said, most of these will probably stay clean on the road. Regardless, owners will have plenty of fun working through the six-speed manual gearbox.
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7
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
Starting MSRP: $34,350
Hyundai
The Hyundai Elantra N is an underrated car, and it’s a shame. Not everyone loves the dynamic styling, but I like the pre-fitted body kit that people would pay lots of money for anyway.
As well as being one of the few cars left with a manual transmission, it’s a short-shift, making gear changes quicker — ideal for racing more expensive cars. The N division don’t care how cheap the car will cost when completed; their only goal is to make the best performance car they can within a set budget.
6
2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Starting MSRP: $32,715
Volkswagen
Volkswagen decided to cut the stick from the 2025 Jetta line-up, probably to save money on manufacturing costs. However, the performance-based Jetta GLI was saved from the axe. It uses a six-speed manual gearbox paired with a small but mighty 228-horsepower engine.
If the Elantra N looked a bit wild, this more mature German sedan will be to your taste.
5
2025 Honda Civic Si
Starting MSRP: $30,995
Honda
Another staple car in America that now requires an upgrade to get a manual is the Honda Civic. Lower trims only come with a CVT transmission. On the flip side, the sportier Civic Si and Type R are only available with a six-speed manual.
As smooth as the automatic is, a stick shift is more engaging for cars like this.
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4
2025 Mazda 3
Starting MSRP: $30,850
Mazda
Sandwiched between all these sports cars, the Mazda 3 is a sensible hatchback with safety, comfort, and efficiency in mind. It’s plain compared to all the cars before it, though it’s designed to be easily driven by anyone.
The Mazda’s stick glides through gears like a hot knife through butter.
I don’t know how they do it, but the Japanese know how to make a smooth-shifting manual. In other cars, you can feel the parts inside the box engage and disengage, but the Mazda’s stick glides through gears like a hot knife through butter. It’s an unusual but pleasant feeling. Anyway, it’s impressive and well worth the money.
3
2025 Toyota GR86
Starting MSRP: $30,000
Toyota
The Toyota GR86 might not seem all that impressive, but it is one of the most fun budget sports cars you can buy, and comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. It looks great and sounds even better, though the handling could be sharper.
The GR86 is built alongside the Subaru BRZ, which shares the same transmission, but that will cost you $3,310 more.
2
2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Starting MSRP: $29,530
Representing even better value for money, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has been a favorite of car journalists and driving enthusiasts for decades. Mazda keeps it simple with three key ingredients — lightweight chassis, maximum fun, and affordability. This is a recipe for success that has, and will always, keep this fantastic roadster alive.
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1
2025 Nissan Versa
Starting MSRP: $17,190
It may seem like crossovers rule the road at the moment, but the humble sedan is making a comeback, and the Nissan Versa is the cheapest one you can buy new today. Admittedly, the Versa is pretty dull. However, it’s not ugly, and will reliably get you from A to B for under $20,000.
The small 122-horsepower engine leaves a lot to be desired, though it makes this compact sedan extremely efficient. Generally speaking, ownership costs for the Nissan Versa should stay low.
2025 Nissan Versa performance specs
Engine | 1.6-liter 4-cylinder |
Horsepower | 122 hp |
Transmission | 5-speed |
Drivetrain | FWD |
Price | $17,190 |
