The manual transmission may not be dead, but it’s on the endangered species list. In 2025, only 0.6% of new U.S. vehicles — roughly one out of every 170 — were equipped with a manual gearbox. More automakers are ditching this once-quintessential component, with the Honda Civic hatchback, Kia K4, Jeep Gladiator, and Volkswagen among the recent vehicles to drop the option.
Old-school car enthusiasts know there’s nothing like the feeling of grabbing a gear. Yet options are few and far between today, especially when you consider vehicles that the common driver can afford. Many present-day vehicles with manual transmissions are a combination of luxury steeds and high-end sports cars, priced beyond the average.
That’s not to say there’s nothing out there. If you want the unmistakable control and excitement a manual transmission provides, you can still get a vehicle without breaking the bank. If you’re on the hunt for a new car with a standard gearbox, consider these eight models with starting MSRPs under $40,000.
Honda Civic Si
Although the Civic hatchback is no longer sold with a manual transmission (apart from the high-end Type R), you can still experience a stick shift in a classic compact sedan. The Honda Civic Si, a sport version of the Civic sedan, comes exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox. A rev-match control system optimizes the RPMs for smoother, more stable shifting.
As a more tuned-up Civic, the Si comes with a 1.5L turbocharged I-4 engine producing 200 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. Its EPA-estimated 37 MPG on the highway isn’t quite as good as a standard Civic, but that’s to be expected from the added power. It has a starting MSRP of $31,495, making it a reasonably priced everyday car with a touch of adrenaline.
Mazda3 S Premium Hatchback
What if you want to pair a standard gearbox with a hatchback’s added cargo space? Look no further than one of the most famous compacts. A six-speed manual transmission is available on the long-running Mazda3 with the S Premium trim level. It’s paired with a 2.5L I-4 engine and FWD, producing 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel economy takes a slight hit with the manual transmission, dropping from an EPA-estimated 28 MPG combined. But as a high-level trim, you’ll also receive many great amenities, from signature lighting to a high-end Bose sound system. The price tag is slightly higher than the Civic Si at $33,560.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Two entries for Mazda, you say? Yes, because Mazda also offers an affordable two-seat convertible sports car with a manual shifter. Mazda has been making this roadster for 35 years, and while it’s gained cutting-edge features like Kinematic Posture Control, a limited-slip differential, and USB-C ports, it continues to embrace a manual gearbox and RWD.
The six-speed manual, praised for its “solid” feel, is paired with a 2.0L I-4 engine producing 181 hp. The result is a quick, nimble soft-top vehicle that actually gets better fuel mileage than the Mazda3. You can’t beat the starting MSRP of $30,430 for a sports car, and aero and brake packages are available if you want to tune it up.
Jeep Wrangler
You’re not limited to small cars if you want a low-priced stick shift vehicle. The venerable Jeep Wrangler continues to offer a manual transmission option on its fourth-generation models. Manual gearboxes are a must for hill climbing and highly technical off-roading. Jeep knows this and provides exacting control over the power delivery to the wheels.
When you choose the 3.6L V6 engine (producing 285 hp and 260 lb-ft) for this off-road SUV, you can equip it with a six-speed manual transmission on all trim levels except the road-focused Sahara. This is just one of the many ways this iconic SUV continues to deliver the best off-road experience, and it does so at a starting MSRP of $36,035.
Hyundai Elantra N
Another sport-focused compact sedan enters the fray with the Elantra N, a beefed-up version of Hyundai’s daily driver. Although the manual transmission option was recently dropped on the Elantra N-Line, it’s still offered on the full-blown N. The six-speed manual delivers power from a 2.0L turbo I-4 engine that is tuned for 276 hp and 289 lb-ft, plus a temporary N Grin Boost function.
With a base price of $35,300, the Hyundai Elantra N is a budget-friendly way to enjoy manual shifting and a hardcore motorsports feel. That price also includes an upgraded chassis, 19-inch wheels, launch control, an electronic limited-slip differential, and variable exhaust valves. Plus, it still gets an EPA-estimated 29 MPG on the highway.
Toyota Tacoma
Incredibly, there’s only one new truck in North America that can be purchased with a stick shifter. That’s the midsize Toyota Tacoma, a truck that blends utility, thrills, and everyday capability. Even then, it’s limited to certain configurations. Specifically, the manual transmission must be partnered with the regular 2.4L turbocharged engine, 4WD, a double cab, and a five-foot bed.
There are three Tacoma trim levels that can meet the requirements: the budget-minded SR, the athletic TRD Sport, and the ultra-rugged TRD Off-Road. If your driving needs fit any of these grades, you can spice them up with manual shifting. The starting MSRP of $39,150 for the SR equipped with a manual makes it attractive to people who live a thrill-seeking truck life.
Toyota GR86
I’m not done with Toyota, as the GR86 rivals Mazda in the “affordable manual sports car” segment. Born of a Subaru partnership that later gained the Gazoo Racing moniker, the Toyota GR86 keeps manual transmissions alive in a vehicle that starts at $31,500. Its manual gearbox is standard across all three trims, including the Premium and Yuzu Edition.
With its 228-hp 2.4L Boxer-4 engine, standard RWD, racing-tuned coil springs, and available features like SACHS dampers, the GR86 is track-ready out of the box. It even comes with a one-year National Auto Sport Association membership. There’s also the Toyota GR Corolla, which comes in just over the $40,000 barrier, but is another awesome manual hot hatch.
Acura Integra A-Spec
Along with the Civic Si, Honda offers a manual transmission in the compact sedan’s luxury cousin. The Integra disappeared from 2007 to 2022 in favor of the RSX, but made a triumphant return in 2023, bringing the manual transmission with it and appealing to enthusiasts who craved the spirit of the original.
Currently, the manual shift box is available on the Integra A-Spec trim with the Technology Package. This brings it in just under the $40,000 threshold at $39,200. For this, you receive the same 200-hp engine as the Civic Si plus premium features such as an adaptive damper system, a special aero package, microsuede seats, and ELS Studio 3D audio.
Manual Shifting Within Your Budget
As you can see, it’s still possible to find a modestly priced new vehicle that eschews automatic shifters. There might not be the plethora of options found 30 to 40 years ago, but car enthusiasts can still track down stick-shift vehicles for any need, including daily drivers with an edge, tenacious off-road SUVs, capable trucks, and lively sports cars.
Hopefully, this list provides a good starting point for buying a manual-gearbox car without blowing past a budget ceiling. Remember that many used cars are still available with manual transmissions, too, so you can continue to enjoy timing your shifts just right.
