Bottom line: If you love a stick shift, buy one now before they become rare.
Manual transmissions are disappearing, but there are still a handful of models that deliver pure driving joy. Below is a quick guide to the best manuals on the market, their looks, performance, price, and how they stack up against rivals.
Best Manual Cars to Buy Now – Top Picks, Prices, and Mileage
Image: Best Manual Cars to Buy Now – Top Picks, Prices, and Mileage – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
Each of these cars has a personality you can see at a glance. The Mazda MX-5 Miata feels like a convertible sports car with sleek curves, while the Subaru WRX wears a rally‑inspired aggressive front end. The Honda Civic Si keeps a low‑key sedan profile, and the Volkswagen Golf GTI blends hatchback practicality with a sporty badge. The Toyota GR86 offers classic coupe proportions that remind you of a 1990s sports car.
Performance & Mileage
All the models pair a lively engine with a smooth 6‑speed (or 5‑speed for the WRX) gearbox. Fuel economy varies, but most sit in the mid‑20s MPG combined, which is respectable for a car that wants to rev higher. The WRX stands out with all‑wheel drive for better grip, while the Miata shines with light weight and rear‑wheel drive.
- Miata – 2.0 L I‑4, 181 hp, 27 MPG combined.
- Civic Si – 1.5 L turbo, 200 hp, 30 MPG combined.
- GR86 – 2.4 L flat‑4, 228 hp, 26 MPG combined.
- GTI – 2.0 L turbo, 241 hp, 28 MPG combined.
- WRX – 2.0 L turbo, 268 hp, 22 MPG combined.
Price & Rivals
Pricing starts around $27,000 for the base Miata and tops out near $35,000 for a well‑trimmed GR86. They each face competition: the Miata vs. BMW Z4, the Civic Si vs. Hyundai Elantra N, the GTI vs. Honda Civic Type R, etc. If you want a manual without paying a premium, the Miata and Civic Si give the best value.
| Model | Engine | Mileage (MPG) | Price (USD) | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2.0 L I‑4 | 27 | 27,300 | Lightweight chassis, rear‑wheel drive, convertible roof |
| Honda Civic Si | 1.5 L turbo I‑4 | 30 | 28,500 | Sport‑tuned suspension, Apple CarPlay, paddle shifters |
| Subaru WRX | 2.0 L turbo I‑4 | 22 | 33,200 | All‑wheel drive, driver‑adjustable torque, aggressive styling |
| Volkswagen Golf GTI | 2.0 L turbo I‑4 | 28 | 31,800 | Refined interior, sporty chassis, hatchback practicality |
| Toyota GR86 | 2.4 L flat‑4 | 26 | 35,000 | Rear‑wheel drive, balanced handling, aggressive coupe design |
FAQ
What is the mileage of the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata? The 2024 Miata gets about 27 miles per gallon combined.
Is the Honda Civic Si worth buying as a daily driver? Yes – it blends a sporty feel with good fuel economy and a comfortable ride for everyday use.
Which manual car has the best all‑wheel‑drive system? The Subaru WRX offers a robust AWD system that helps in rain or snow while keeping the manual experience.
Share which manual you’re eyeing in the comments – we love hearing your stories!
Source: Read Official News
