The 'Death of the Stick Shift' is Almost Here for Americans (msn.com)
- Reference: 0184499674
- News link: https://tech.slashdot.org/story/26/07/18/0239231/the-death-of-the-stick-shift-is-almost-here-for-americans
- Source link: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/the-death-of-the-stick-shift-is-almost-here/ar-AA286FOc
"That's a precipitous drop from the 34.6 percent of vehicles with manual transmissions produced in 1980."
> [T]he stick shift's popularity hit multiple new lows in recent years, with no signs of a turnaround, thanks to new technologies and a rapidly changing marketplace. Buyers and automakers increasingly have turned to the sophisticated automatic drivetrains that now smoothly swap gears in fractions of a second and with better fuel efficiency. The average new vehicle today comes with seven gears, thanks to computers, twice as many as in 1980 and more gears than any ordinary driver would want to shift through using a manual gearbox. At the same time, sporty cars — the kind that buyers might demand a stick shift to drive — have fallen out of favor, replaced by interest in hulking SUVs, which are almost always automatics. The stick shift's demise has been hastened, too, by the rise of electric vehicles and increasingly autonomous vehicles. Neither have any need for a manual transmission...
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> Europe has seen a less dramatic decline in stick shifts, with manual transmissions dropping from 91 percent of car registrations in 2001 to 29 percent in 2024 among Europe's largest auto markets, according to industry analyst JATO Dynamics... Subaru made its name with manual cars. But the Japanese automaker stopped offering a manual Crosstrek with the 2023 model year, having already dropped that transmission from its Legacy, Outback and Forester models. Other automakers have followed the same path. Volkswagen announced that it plans this year to ditch its last U.S. stick-shift model, the Jetta GLI.
Even Toyota, Honda, and BMW have all reduced the number of cars for the U.S. market with a manual transmission, the article points out — leaving stick shift-loving Americans with a total of about 24 new-vehicle models to choose from. The articles adds that only 60% of Americans know how to drive a manual transmission (according to a survey from auto parts retailer AmericanMuscle): 83% for baby boomers but 39% for Gen Z. "Respondents were about evenly split on whether knowing how to drive a manual is an important life skill."
But Ford CEO Jim Farley said earlier this year he has no plans to make the Mustang automatic-only. "Out of our cold, dead hands will we not have a manual Mustang." Farley said.
[1] https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/the-death-of-the-stick-shift-is-almost-here/ar-AA286FOc
Ferrari (Score:2)
Ferrari is bringing back a "manual" in the [1]https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/... [ferrari.com] 12 Cilindri Manuale.
I say "manual" in quotes because it's actually a dual clutch automatic that just happens to have an electronically linked, gated gear shift on it and a drive-by-wire clutch pedal. It can even be used in automatic mode. But it's a cool idea and might even be an improvement on the concept of a manual transmission.
Let's see what the reviews say since I doubt I'll ever get a chance to drive one!
[1] https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/auto/ferrari-12cilindri-manuale
Is it a cool idea though? (Score:2)
It sounds a lot like putting speakers in EVs to make vroom vroom noises. Whatever affection people have to it, the manual gearbox worked around a technical problem with engines and isn't in any way superior for driving. Yes having control over the engine is important, but the best option for that is pedal shifters. This seems like Ferrari chasing a nostalgia market rather than developing a performance car.
But then this is the same Ferrari that just released the Luce so that would track.
Re: (Score:2)
> Yes having control over the engine is important, but the best option for that is pedal shifters.
I think you mean "paddle shifters" but some autos have a manual mode with the stick as well.
60%? (Score:5, Funny)
"only 60% of Americans know how to drive a manual transmission (according to a survey from auto parts retailer AmericanMuscle)"
1) that seems like 60% of the readers of American Muscle
2) 'know how to' is covering a lot of ground here. "Knows how to start a stick, and how to probably get it moving from level ground with 25% of killing it" maybe. Can confidently and reliably drive with a stick, knowing basic techniques? 25% or less, certainly.
Having a stick shift is 100% the simplest security system you can have on a car in the US in 2026. Your car might still get broken into, but they'll abandon it quickly.
Re: (Score:3)
I think those numbers are crazy high too.
I had to have a minor procedure at the hospital and they really want you to use their free valet parking. Not only could the attendant not drive a stick, it seemed like he had never seen or even heard of a manual transmission.
Not long after that I was thinking about buying a new car and trading my manual in. The car dealer only had one salesman (out of about 10) who could drive it to the service bay so someone could inspect it.
Re: 60%? (Score:2)
I had a similar thing Japan to me. I went to a nice restaurant for my anniversary and used the valet. No problems when I got there but when I went to get my car after dinner it was taking way too long. After a little bit of hesitation the 19-20 year old valet admitted that he couldn't drive a stick and said that neither of the other two valets on duty could either. He asked if I could go get my own car. Last time we took my car out to eat.
Re: 60%? (Score:2)
Happen not Japan. Stupid autocorrect.
Re: (Score:2)
> Having a stick shift is 100% the simplest security system you can have on a car
That and a choke knob.
Need hands free to operate phone (Score:4, Insightful)
You can't work a stick shift and text on your phone at the same time, so naturally stick shifts are falling out of favor.
Re: (Score:2)
Very much untrue.
Re: (Score:2)
That's why car manufacturers are occupying the passenger seat with Siri.
I learned on stick and never used it again (Score:2)
Stick shift was how I learned but I never actually owned a stick shift vehicle myself. I learned on an old Datsun. All and all, it was 100% complete waste of time but I know how to do it.
With EVs a real viable option, it's even more of a useless skill to force onto your child. What's next, making them learn how an abacus works? Yeah, real good use of time there.
Re: (Score:2)
> What's next, making them learn how an abacus works? Yeah, real good use of time there.
I shall don my fedora for a moment and say, 'ecktually...'
There's value in teaching kids how to use an abacus. I doubt anybody benefits much anymore from learning to use one like an expert, but for basic counting, place value, and addition / subtraction I'd consider it an excellent tool for starting kids down the road to mathematical literacy.
Manual transmissions in a world where we're heading to EVs? Not so much. T
They're obsolete. (Score:4, Insightful)
I love manual transmissions. I love the feeling of using all four limbs to control the vehicle. But that's because I love driving. A manual transmission keeps me mroe involved with the act of driving, and it's part of what turns driving from a passive into an active activity for me. And no, I don't drive a sports car (2012 Outback, the last manual in Canada was sold in 2018 here).
There is no conceivable scenario today in which a modern automatic transmission will be outperformed by a manual. Automatics are faster, more fuel efficient (have been for at least ten years now), and even cheaper now, and that one was a long time coming. Their reliability and dependability is at least on par now, and that too took a long time to achieve. There's just no reason to make manuals anymore, aside from a select few enthusiast cars (case in point the Mustang; the Miata is another example).
But the real reasons? It's twofold:
1: Fuel efficiency targets. Car manufacturers need to meet efficiency targets based on the entire fleet, and automatics are more efficient. They help bring the entire lineup's fuel mileage up.
2: Safety features and self driving. Lane assist (for the most part), traffic jam assist, and park assist are all highly requested features that come to mind that simply cannot be offered with a manual transmission. Self drive is right out. Even emergency braking would be considerably tougher with a manual.
But more than that, because they're more cost effective nowadays, almost nobody, outside of a very few people like myself who take pleasure in their daily drive, actually wants a manual any longer.
Re: (Score:2)
> But more than that, because they're more cost effective nowadays, almost nobody, outside of a very few people like myself who take pleasure in their daily drive, actually wants a manual any longer.
I've driven manuals all my life and enjoy them a lot, but my next car will still be an auto. Performance comes before nostalgia.
Re: (Score:2)
The increasing urbanization comes into it too. A stick shift in city traffic gets really annoying. A stick shift on the Winnemucca to Reno run is no problem at all, nor is it on the Albert Lea to Rapid City run.
And they finally fixed the 'can't figure out what gear to be in going up this hill' problem. That happened sometime between 2008 and 2020. Now if only GM can figure out how to build one that lasts for more than 80,000 miles.
Automatics still suck in the snow, but that's only a few times a year.
Re: (Score:2)
Dual clutch manuals are better in every way than conventional manuals, so even if there was a case where manual had an advantage an old-fashioned manual still loses out. That is, except for the fun factor for some drivers. Racing hasn't used conventional manuals in decades.
Re: (Score:2)
There is just something awesome about using all four limbs to finely control a high powered machine. It is the closest I am likely to ever get to piloting a humanoid mech. Alas, you are right. Those days are gone.
No automatic Ford? (Score:2)
We already have one, it's called the Mustang mach-e (though being one of the worst EVs I've driven maybe we shouldn't acknowledge it exists).
The manual transmission is a work around for a technical problem with ICE engines. The modern automatic is a technically superior solution (with pedal shifters). The modern EV does away with the problem entirely.
Re: (Score:2)
> The manual transmission is a work around for a technical problem with ICE engines. The modern automatic is a technically superior solution (with pedal shifters). The modern EV does away with the problem entirely.
Not entirely, but mostly.
[1]https://www.caranddriver.com/n... [caranddriver.com]
Of course I like shifting through gears so I consider their absence to be the real problem.
[1] https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a71851737/2026-mercedes-benz-cla250-efficiency-tested/
I gave up on manual transmissions decades ago (Score:3)
The biggest deterrent: Girlfriends and/or wives. They don't know how to operate one, and they have zero interest in learning how. Now you have all sorts of logistical problems.
Re: (Score:2)
My dad bought a new truck years ago. The family tradition was that new vehicles always went to my mom and he got hand-me-downs. So he said, "I'm keeping this one for myself. I'm buying a stickshift." Problem was, my mom is a better manual transmission driver than my dad. It was the "no power steering" that sealed the deal.
Re: (Score:3)
> The biggest deterrent: Girlfriends and/or wives. They don't know how to operate one
I can counter this with one anecdotal, funny story: my good friend Brian and his (then) new 2010 Corvette ZR1. Only available with a manual (I had one, too). His wife brought him to the dealer in her SUV so he could pick the new car up and drive it back home. But: he'd not driven a manual in a very long time and was way, WAY out of practice.
Stall. Stall. Jerky take offs and shifting, all the while his wife is behin
Re: (Score:2)
I drove a manual car for almost a decade. My wife practiced in a parking lot and only stalled it twice before getting the hang of first gear. I also live in area with some of the steepest streets in the country. 25% grade anyone?
I'll die with my standard transaxle (Score:1)
Automatics make people lazy as fuck. And the sad part they can't multi-task worth a piss. Standards made your mind more limber and aware. I myself as many I know, were smoking weed, had a drink, sending texts, and other shit while driving a standard. And to date I haven't had one wreck. My sister who drives only automatics? She's totaled five cars already; supposedly not her fault and other drivers. Now automatic drivers can't even read a text message without killing themselves. The ability to multitask h
Re: (Score:2)
The VW crowd is a strange bunch. Denim seats?
Re: (Score:2)
Sounds like complete bullshit. Don't know, have no interest in reading past the first few ignorant words.
Shifters Getting Weird (Score:2)
Shifters have gotten weird with electronically controlled automatics. Knobs, paddles, stalks, switches...
I got into a BMW the other day and it took quite a while for me to find/figure out the little clear plastic "crystal" toggle switch on the console and its weird non PRNDL pattern. It was something like Reverse, Neutral, Drive, Brake and then a separate Park button. Huh? BMW makes some weird decisions, in my mind.
Meanwhile Toyota still has a big honking handle shift stick for... you guessed it... electron
Re: (Score:2)
This.
Give me a Lenco or a Unimog shifter forrest and I'm happy.
We also don't use carbeurators anymore (Score:2)
Technology marches forward, the gas mileage advantage faded years and years ago as automatics got more gears and overall just better. The reliability advantage might still be there slightly but its arguable that something like the Toyota hybrid transmission is even simpler and more reliable than even a manual gearbox.
For people who enjoy driving as recreation and as sport manuals will always have a place but there are not really any reasons for it aside from personal preferences and really consumer choice
Re: (Score:3)
Slight reliability advantage? Entire makes of cars are consigned to the "never buy" pile because of the CVT they use. I loved the Outlander, would never own a CVT one.
I bet it would be fun to be an owner of one of those, can't sell a non-running car, have to spend the few grand on a new transmission.
Re: (Score:2)
One brand, Nissan was, and I don't even think that's the case anymore. Also pretty niche example, Mitsubishi is #25 of selling car brands in the USA and their non-CVT cars don't exactly have a sterling reputation. Why not compare to Dodge too while we're at it if we want to lump all the shitty brands in there too.
Re: (Score:2)
It seems like CVTs are ok if you religiously change the fluid. I’m looking in your direction Nissan. But your typical Altima driver is not the type to preemptively change transmission fluid.
Re: (Score:2)
Wait! What?
I just used one this morning.
Ban automatics (Score:2)
Nobody needs a fully semi-automatic vehicle.
The roads would be a lot less crowded if all cars were stickshifts and those who couldn't handle one just took the bus.
Re: (Score:2)
Or if all cars were bicycles instead. Could happen if billionaires get their way.
It is getting hard to find vehicles with a manual (Score:2)
I drove vehicles with manual transmissions for nearly 50 years. The last truck I had with a manual transmission I had to special order because that was the only way to get it. No dealer within 100 miles had anything available with a manual transmission unless it was a sports car or a sub-compact.
Theft deterrents (Score:2)
Manual transmissions are the ultimate theft deterrents. Most crime is committed by the young and...well...the supermajority of them can't drive a stick.
Yeah (Score:2)
People are buying more EVs.
Re: Yeah (Score:2)
Add to it the emissions regulations making it harder to provide manual gearboxes and it's likely that the stepped automatics also will suffer the same fate.
We lost the clutch, not manual shifting (Score:1)
> People are buying more EVs.
It’s more than that. Modern automatics are equivalent. You can use the controls to switch into manual mode and then push the knob up and down to manually shift. All that we lost is having to use a clutch. I’m been driving manuals for 40 years. I’ve tried the modern automatic’s manual mode. I find it to be functionally equivalent, it solves the same problem, it allows me to fine tune things. This personal appraisal was immediately apparent from the first couple rentals or loaners that