10 Best 6-Speed Cars in Production Today
Few new cars offer a manual transmission anymore, but the ones that do are better for it. Here are some of the best cars you can still buy today.
BMW M2
BMW makes several cars with a manual transmission option. But the 2-Series is arguably the most focused, most direct descendant of BMW's original M cars. The manual transmission is available on most of the cars in the 2-Series lineup including the 230i, M240i, M2 Competition, and M2 CS. Lately, there's been sightings of the new 2023 M2 on the Nurburgring. Rumored to be the last gasoline-powered M2 before electrification takes over, let's hope it still includes a manual.
Photo: BMW
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
Twenty years ago, the idea of a manual-transmission Cadillac seemed absurd. Then came the CTS-V, a thinly disguised four-door Corvette Z06. It was capable of running down Germany's fastest sedans on their home track, the Nurburgring. Today the CTS-V is the CT5-V and it's better than ever - 668 hp of resonant 6.2-liter supercharged thunder coupled with a six-speed manual. What could be better than that? How about a $500 cash allowance towards the purchase of a new one? At a time when new cars sell for more than MSRP, it sounds too good to be true.
Photo: GM/Cadillac
Chevrolet Camaro
Some people look down on the Chevy Camaro as a working-class hero, driven by mullet-clad boys listening to Poison. But if you've driven one, you know what a great car it is. In fact, Chris Harris of Top Gear fame is a huge fan, having owned a Z28 Camaro for several years. Best of all, you can still get a Camaro with a manual transmission in every trim level, from the base 1LS all the way up to the ZL1 1LE.
Photo: GM
Dodge Challenger
Since 2009 the Dodge Challenger has struck a balance between classic muscle and modern performance. It's not as track-focused as either the Camaro or Mustang, but if you want a big, fast, comfortable coupe with presence, look no further. The Challenger is one of three cars still sold by Stellantis, and the only one you can buy with a manual transmission. Part of its mystique is due to the cult movie Vanishing Point, featuring a white 1970 Challenger. But you don't have to be a fan of the movie to be a fan of this great car.
Photo: Stellantis
Ford Mustang
Speaking of the Ford Mustang, there are few cars that are as iconic yet approachable as the original pony car. Everyone has a Mustang story, whether they owned one, or know someone who owned one. And countless people learned to drive a stick in a Mustang. That's why it's a great thing that you can still buy a Mustang with a manual transmission. Only it has to be a base, four-cylinder turbo, or the 5.0 GT. Cars like the Shelby GT500 pictured can only be ordered with an automatic.
Photo: Ford Motor Company
Honda Civic Type R
Honda gets criticized for playing it safe in recent years. And when they've tried to spice things up styling-wise the results have been a little mixed. But the Honda Civic has always been a great car, and each generation is incrementally better than the last. For the price, nothing, except perhaps the Mazda Miata or Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86, matches it for sheer enjoyment, especially when equipped with the precise, buttery six-speed manual transmission.
Photo: Honda Motor Company
Lotus Evora
Lotus has always made special cars. Quirky, odd, eccentric, sometimes maddening, but always magical and a sheer pleasure to drive. The Evora is no exception. The styling, while interesting, lacks the beauty of an Aston Martin or Jaguar. The interiors look tacked together, and the rear seat has the same space as a Porsche 911. But when you drive one equipped with the six-speed it connects with you like it's hardwired to your brain. And when you leave it, you won't be able to get it out of your mind.
Photo: Lotus Motor Cars
Mazda MX5 Miata
Some enthusiasts will tell you the answer is always Miata. Need a reliable, fun, cheap car that seats two? Miata. How about a second car that doesn't require a lot of maintenance? Miata. What about a commuter car you can use to rack up miles, that's a convertible, and you don't mind road noise? Miata, Miata, and Miata. The MX5 Miata is a throwback to the MGB, Lotus Elan, and Triumph Spitfire of a bygone era. It's cheap fun, and if you love a great manual transmission, the six-speed in the Miata is one of the best.
Photo: Mazda
Porsche Cayman & Boxster
The Porsche 911 could also be included on this list, but I'm of the opinion that the Boxster and Cayman are better cars with a manual gearbox. Sacrilege? Maybe, but there are people who think the 911 has grown too large. Other people think it's a better car with the PDK - I have a friend who tracks a 991 and she's convinced. But where the 911 is more GT than an outright sports car, the Cayman and Boxster are closer to the Lotus Evora in terms of visceral fun. And while not as cheap as a Miata, they constantly rank among the best sports cars you can buy.
Photo: Porsche AG
Subaru BRZ / Toyota GR86
The first generation Toybaru was the best cheap sportscar nobody bought. People complained for years about the lack of small, light, inexpensive sports cars not named Miata in the market. So Toyota and Subaru teamed up to build one. It offered a great driving experience - all it needed was more power. By all accounts, the BRZ and GR86 should have died before 2021. But it's good to have it back. Not only does the second generation retain all of the good things of the last car, but it finally has more power.
Photo: Subaru
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Honorable Mention: Aston Martin Vantage
Aston Martin seems like the last car manufacturer that would still make a car with a manual transmission. But the Vantage gets a rare seven-speed manual to accompany its sonorous V8. Made by Mercedes-AMG, the 4.0 liter, twin-turbo V8 is ideally suited to a manual transmission. And when clad in the Vantage's gorgeous body, it's an ideal pairing. The only thing better is Aston-Martin's own epic V12. Sadly it can't be ordered with a manual transmission, and according to the company, the current V-12 will be the last.
Photo: Aston-Martin