Stick Shift Survivors: The Best Manual Cars You Can Still Buy in 2026

Remember when driving meant three pedals and a stick? For decades, that was the standard. But with hybrids and EVs taking over, and most drivers opting for the ease of an automatic, the manual transmission has become a rare breed. Only hardcore enthusiasts or folks with specific needs still seek it out.

Yet surprisingly, 2026 still offers a solid lineup of new manual cars—and they’re not all tiny, pricey performance toys. From affordable sedans to track-ready beasts, here are the top 10 manual cars still on sale, ranked by their BuzzScore (which compares vehicles within their own segment).

At number 10, the 2026 Nissan Z keeps the spirit of the original Datsun 240Z alive. While the Nismo version forces you into a nine-speed auto, the base model offers a six-speed manual paired with a 400-horsepower V6. It’s a modern sports car with old-school soul. Jump to number 9, the Acura Integra, which borrows the Civic Si’s turbo engine and six-speed manual, wrapping it in a more premium package starting around $33,000.

It’s a liftback that blends daily comfort with genuine driving fun. Then there’s the Volkswagen Jetta GLI at number 8—the last VW you can row your own gears in. 5-second quarter-mile, and standard leather seats with CarPlay, it proves manual fun doesn’t have to break the bank.

Moving up, the Porsche 911 GT3 at number 7 is a legend. Its 502-horsepower flat-six revs to nearly 9,000 rpm, and despite Porsche’s push toward electrification, the manual gearbox still feels like the natural partner. The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing at number 6 packs a supercharged 668-horsepower V8 and a Tremec six-speed manual, making it one of the last American rear-drive sports sedans.

Its smaller sibling, the CT4-V Blackwing at number 5, uses the same manual with a 472-horsepower twin-turbo V6 and lighter chassis for sharper cornering. The BMW M4 at number 4 offers 473 horsepower and a six-speed manual in a coupe that still delivers that classic heel-toe thrill.

Rounding out the top three: the Honda Civic Si at number 3 is a manual-only sedan with 200 horsepower and the same tactile gearbox as the Type-R. It’s affordable, engaging, and hard to beat for the price. The BMW M2 at number 2 shares the M4’s 473-horsepower engine in a smaller, more affordable package, offering an old-school driving experience that’s becoming rare.

And taking the top spot: the Honda Civic Type-R. With 315 horsepower, record-setting lap times at the Nürburgring, and a six-speed manual that’s as satisfying as it gets, it’s the best manual car money can buy. It’s practical, relatively affordable, and absolutely thrilling.