Save the Stick Shift! 8 Awesome Manual Cars You Can Still Buy in 2025

Everyone's been writing obituaries for the manual transmission for years now, but guess what? There are still some awesome cars out there where you can row your own gears. Sure, they're getting rarer by the day, but for folks who know that feeling when you nail a perfect downshift – that sweet spot where everything just clicks – there's still hope in 2025.

BMW M2: Small But Mighty

BMW's little M2 is a bit of a weirdo looks-wise (seriously, what's with those kidney grilles lately?), but damn if it isn't a blast to drive. For about 70 grand, you get a twin-turbo straight-six with 473 horses and a proper six-speed stick. It's basically the spiritual successor to those old-school M3s everyone goes nuts for at auction now.

911 GT3: If You Have to Ask...

OK, so not everyone has $225K burning a hole in their pocket, but if you do, the GT3 with a manual is basically automotive nirvana. That naturally-aspirated flat-six revs to the moon, makes ungodly noises, and paired with that slick six-speed, it's basically a street-legal race car. Yeah, the PDK is technically faster, but who cares? This isn't about lap times – it's about the experience.

Regular 911: Still Pretty Damn Special

If the GT3 is way out of reach (join the club), the "regular" 911 Carrera is hardly slumming it. Starting around $120K, it's still not cheap, but it's one of those cars that somehow justifies its price tag every time you drive it. Some trims offer a seven-speed manual that makes even a trip to the grocery store feel special.

BMW M4: The Practical Choice

Need backseats that actual humans can use? The M4 has got you covered while still offering manual fun. Only the base model gets the stick shift option, which is actually kind of perfect – it's the lightest, purest version anyway. At around $80K, it's not exactly a bargain, but you're getting a serious performer that can handle track days and Costco runs with equal aplomb.

Boxster: Mid-Engine Magic

Honestly, the Boxster might be the sweet spot in Porsche's lineup. For about $75K, you get that perfect mid-engine balance that makes you feel like a driving god even when you're not. The base four-cylinder isn't the most soulful engine, but paired with that sweet six-speed manual, who cares? The way this thing changes direction should be illegal.

Subaru BRZ: Affordable Fun

Finally, something mere mortals can afford! At just over $31K, the BRZ proves you don't need deep pockets to have a good time. Its 228-hp boxer engine won't win many drag races, but on a twisty road, this little coupe is pure joy. The manual comes standard on every trim because Subaru still gets it.

GR Supra: The BMW in Disguise

After years of complaints, Toyota finally gave the Supra a manual, and it's about time. For around $57K, you get BMW power (let's be honest about where that straight-six comes from) with a Toyota badge and a properly engaging six-speed. It's a weird mashup that somehow works brilliantly.

Miata: Still The Answer

"Miata Is Always The Answer" isn't just a meme – there's truth to it. At under $30K, nothing delivers the pure joy of driving like this little roadster. Sure, it only has 181 hp, but it weighs nothing and handles like a go-kart. Every single version offers a sublime six-speed manual that feels like it was benchmarked against bolt-action rifles for precision.

Look, automatic transmissions make sense on paper. They're faster, more efficient, and easier in traffic. But there's something about a manual that connects you to the machine in a way that paddles never will. These cars are the holdouts – the last of a dying breed. If you care about driving as an experience rather than just transportation, maybe grab one while you still can.