Stick Shifts That Stir Souls
For drivers who still believe a car should ask something of you, the manual transmission is a badge of pride. It's about timing, feel, and connection. In a market moving fast toward automation, these cars remain proudly analog. Some are stripped down, others surprisingly refined, but all require the driver to be present. Here are twenty machines that reward effort—and speak the language only enthusiasts truly understand.
1. 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1991’s MX-5 Miata uses a precise 5-speed manual paired with rear-wheel drive. Thanks to 50:50 weight distribution, it corners incredibly. Inspired by classic British roadsters but engineered with Japanese reliability, the Miata stands among the most affordable cars offering raw driving joy.
2. 2006 Honda S2000
Originally designed as a 50th-anniversary gift, this car delivers 237 hp at a screaming 7,800 RPM, demanding driver engagement. It comes with a high-revving 2.2L engine and a slick 6-speed manual. A 50:50 weight ratio and double-wishbone suspension seal the deal.
3. 2016 Ford Mustang GT350
Here, there’s no automatic—just a 6-speed manual and flat-plane crank V8. Built by Ford’s SVT division, it includes MagneRide adaptive suspension, and its 8,250 RPM redline is rare among V8s. This car was made for purists and offers uncompromised track performance.
4. 2000 BMW M3 (E46)
BMW’s E46 M3 earned multiple awards for “Car of the Year” globally and is praised as one of the best-balanced sports sedans. Besides carrying a 6-speed manual and a naturally aspirated inline-6 (S54) that makes 333 hp, the car’s hydraulic steering setup offers superior feedback.
Alexandre Prévot from Nancy, France on Wikimedia
5. 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STI
Equipped with a 6-speed manual and rally-bred gearing, the WRX STI also features a DCCD system for AWD torque tuning. The Flat-4 engine emits a distinct rumble, and the signature hood scoop and rear wing are more than just for show.
6. 2017 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE
Chevrolet’s 1LE package uses magnetic ride suspension. It adds a 6-speed manual Tremec gearbox and track-specific cooling systems to the Camaro SS. A 6.2L V8 delivers 455 hp to the rear wheels, and visual elements like the hood and spoiler also distinguish it.
7. 1995 Acura Integra Type R
Built for track use, the Integra Type R comes with a close-ratio 5-speed manual and limited-slip differential. The car’s B18C5 engine was factory blueprinted for high-rev performance. With minimal sound-deadening, it’s raw and focused. Only about 3,800 were sold in the U.S.
8. 1994 Toyota Supra Turbo (MKIV)
Toyota’s 1994 Supra Turbo’s twin-turbo 2JZ engine became famous for tuning into four-digit power. Flaunting a Getrag V160 6-speed built to withstand high output, it appeared in the first Fast & Furious movie. The wing and headlights are now pop culture icons.
DOHC Holiday at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia
9. 1987 Porsche 944 Turbo
The layout of this car created a 50:50 balance. Porsche’s 944 Turbo delivered 220 hp via a turbo inline-4 and 5-speed manual transaxle. Optional factory upgrades included a limited-slip and sport suspension. It draws attention as a rising favorite among enthusiasts.
10. 2001 Audi TT Quattro 225
Performance trims of the 2001 TT offered a 6-speed manual only. Quattro all-wheel drive provides year-round confident handling, and its turbocharged inline-4 delivers ample torque. The design is rooted in Bauhaus style, and a roll hoop adds both flair and extra safety.
11. 1990 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo
Super HICAS rear steering helped the 300ZX provide sharp cornering, while a 5-speed manual paired with its twin-turbo V6 allowed access to its full potential. Recognition as Import Car of the Year in 1990 cemented its place, and Lamborghini Diablo later adopted its headlamps.
12. 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10
The 2008 Viper SRT-10 came only with a manual—no automatic was offered. Its 8.4L V10 produced 600 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque and mated a 6-speed Tremec. No traction control in early models. Each was hand-built at the Conner Avenue facility.
Joe Ross from Lansing, Michigan on Wikimedia
13. 2019 Hyundai Veloster N
Tuned on the Nürburgring, Veloster N includes a lap timer and real-time performance gauges. The car received several accolades, including Road & Track’s Car of the Year award, and it features a rev-matching 6-speed manual and a 2.0L turbo-four that makes 275 hp.
The Wikipeadian guy on Wikimedia
14. 2004 Volkswagen Golf R32
The 2004 Golf R32 comes with a VR6 engine, 6-speed manual, and AWD. Though it debuted DSG transmission, enthusiasts wanted the manual version. Its deep exhaust note comes from a unique dual-pipe setup. Only 5,000 were shipped to the U.S.
15. 1993 Ford Escort RS Cosworth
With an engine that sits longitudinally, the 1993 Escort RS Cosworth features a 5-speed manual and AWD. The large "whale tail" spoiler is one thing it’s known for. Despite the Escort branding, it is based on Sierra underpinnings. It was produced in limited numbers.
16. 2013 Scion FR-S
Scion’s FR-S was a joint product of Toyota and Subaru and came with a boxer engine. It was designed with a 6-speed manual and rear-wheel-drive setup. With 200 hp, the focus was on balance over outright speed. Manual sales exceeded automatics.
17. 1988 Honda CRX Si
Returning over 40 mpg while still being interesting to drive, the CRX Si became an icon of efficient fun. This car offered a 5-speed manual, lightweight chassis, and tight steering. Enthusiasts valued its agility, and many versions lacked power steering or AC.
18. 2007 Lotus Elise
The Elise includes a 6-speed manual and weighs under 2,000 lbs. Its mid-engine setup and go-kart feel make it engaging for driving purists. The car uses a Toyota engine with Lotus-specific tuning, and its fiberglass body contributes to its low weight.
19. 2009 BMW 135i Coupe
This car bore a “baby M” nickname. BMW’s 135i Coupe from 2009 came with a turbo inline-6 and a slick 6-speed manual. While the rear-wheel drive made it a throwback to the E30 era, the twin-turbo engine offered great tuning options.
20. 2003 Mini Cooper S
The 2003 Mini Cooper S featured a 1.6L engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. Limited JCW versions were sold only with the stick shift. Its precise chassis tuning gave it a “go-kart” reputation and a center-mounted tachometer added flair.
