The short answer
For most buyers, no — for enthusiasts, yes. Only about 29 manual models are sold in the US for 2026, under 2% of new sales. A manual costs roughly $800–$1,000 less and is cheaper to repair, but modern 8–10-speed automatics now beat it on fuel economy. Choose a manual for engagement, not savings.
How many cars still offer manual transmissions?
Only about 29 manual-transmission vehicles are available in the US market for 2026, down from 35-plus five years earlier. Manuals now account for under 2% of new US vehicle sales, concentrated in sports cars, off-roaders, and a handful of economy and enthusiast models. The selection shrinks almost every model year.
- About 29 manual models offered for 2026, down from 35+ in 2021.
- Under 2% of all new US vehicle sales are manuals.
- Mostly sports cars (Subaru BRZ, Mazda MX-5), off-roaders, and a few economy cars.
Are manual transmissions cheaper to buy?
Usually, where offered. A manual typically costs $800 to $1,000 less than the automatic version of the same trim. The savings are modest and shrinking, since many cars now offer the automatic as standard with no manual option at all. Where a manual exists, it's the budget choice on the spec sheet.
If you're weighing total purchase cost, our financing guide covers how trim choices roll into the loan.
Are manual transmissions more fuel-efficient than automatics?
Not anymore. Modern 8- to 10-speed automatics are now more fuel-efficient than manuals on the EPA cycle, according to Consumer Reports. The decades-old fuel-savings argument no longer holds for most new vehicles, where the automatic usually posts the higher mpg thanks to more gears and computer-optimized shifting.
You can confirm the manual-versus-automatic mpg for a specific model at fueleconomy.gov, the EPA's official database.
Which transmission type is cheaper to repair?
A manual is generally cheaper to repair. A manual rebuild runs $1,500 to $3,000, while an automatic runs $2,500 to $5,000-plus, per RepairPal. The clutch is a separate wear item on a manual — it wears out between roughly 30,000 and 100,000 miles — but replacing it is far cheaper than rebuilding an automatic.
| Repair | Manual | Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Rebuild | $1,500–$3,000 | $2,500–$5,000+ |
| Wear item | Clutch (separate) | Fluid/valve body |
For lifespan and warning signs across both types, see how long a transmission lasts.
Who should still choose a manual?
Enthusiasts and drivers who value engagement, control, and lower repair costs should still choose a manual where it's offered. Take rates prove the demand: roughly 90% of Subaru BRZ buyers and 22% of 2025 Acura Integra buyers chose the manual. For commuters in traffic, an automatic is the easier daily pick.
- Choose manual if: you enjoy driving, want control, or want cheaper repairs.
- Choose automatic if: you face heavy traffic or want maximum mpg.
- Resale can be strong for manuals in enthusiast models, weak in mainstream ones.
Is the manual transmission dying?
It's fading from the mainstream but surviving among enthusiasts. Manuals are under 2% of US sales and only about 29 models offer one for 2026, yet take rates stay high where it counts — roughly 90% of Subaru BRZ buyers and 22% of 2025 Acura Integra buyers picked the stick. The manual is becoming a niche, deliberate choice.
- Mainstream sedans and SUVs have largely dropped the option.
- Sports cars and enthusiast models keep it alive with strong take rates.
- Expect the manual to persist as a low-volume, enthusiast-driven offering.
If you prefer a self-shifting alternative, compare it with the CVT transmission.
Frequently asked questions
How many cars still offer a manual transmission?
Only about 29 manual-transmission vehicles are available in the US market for 2026, down from 35-plus five years earlier. Manuals now account for under 2% of new US vehicle sales, concentrated in sports cars, off-roaders, and a handful of economy and enthusiast models.
Are manual transmissions cheaper to buy?
Usually, where offered. A manual typically costs $800 to $1,000 less than the automatic version of the same trim. They are also cheaper to repair: a manual rebuild runs $1,500 to $3,000 versus $2,500 to $5,000-plus for an automatic, per RepairPal.
Are manual transmissions more fuel-efficient than automatics?
Not anymore. Modern 8- to 10-speed automatics are now more fuel-efficient than manuals on the EPA cycle, according to Consumer Reports. The decades-old fuel-savings argument for manuals no longer holds for most new vehicles, where the automatic usually posts higher mpg.
Which transmission is cheaper to repair, manual or automatic?
A manual is generally cheaper to repair. A manual rebuild runs $1,500 to $3,000, while an automatic runs $2,500 to $5,000-plus, per RepairPal. The clutch is a separate wear item on a manual, but replacing it is far cheaper than rebuilding an automatic.
Is the manual transmission dying?
It is fading from the mainstream but surviving among enthusiasts. Manuals are under 2% of US sales and only about 29 models offer one for 2026, yet take rates stay high where it counts: roughly 90% of Subaru BRZ buyers and 22% of 2025 Acura Integra buyers chose the manual.
Sources
CarsLens is editorial guidance, not individualized advice. Fuel-economy findings draw on Consumer Reports; repair-cost ranges come from RepairPal and EPA mpg data is at fueleconomy.gov. Take-rate figures reflect manufacturer and industry reporting (Motor1).