Since you opened this article, we take it you’re actively or passively interested in learning to drive manual cars. But why? Why would anyone want to do that when automatic can make all the decisions for you? Perhaps you’ve heard about the emotional connection to the car chaired by stick-shifts? Or maybe you’ve realized they are not as complex as automatic and, therefore, more durable and easier to maintain?
Or perhaps you’ve heard a skilled stick-shift driver can burn less fuel than automatic counterparts? Well, these are all valid points, although we neglected to mention that being able to drive a stick shift is akin to a badge of honor – a feather on your cap. Don’t be offended if someone says you haven’t learned to drive until you can drive a stick shift. No one can be a pro without shifting the stick. That’s right.
Besides the vanity of a “badge of honor,” manuals offer a unique set of advantages automakers haven’t been able to replicate with their paddle shifters. You have more control of your car, enjoy superior gas mileage (although that’s disputed), and are not useless when automatics aren’t available. The best cars to help you master the art should have a smooth, forgiving clutch and a responsive gearbox. We recommend these 10.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Why the Miata? Isn’t that obvious? It was the first to come to mind when we got the topic for this article. The Miata’s light clutch, precise shifter, and legendary driving feedback make it our first recommendation for drivers looking to master the art of stick shift. It has the chops to simplify the nuances of a manual transmission.
So, which should you buy or borrow? Well, most MX-5 model years, from its debut in 1989 till present, have a manual variant. Even the current (ND) generation offers a 6-speed manual transmission, as did the NC (2006–2015) generation before it, the NB (1998–2005), and the NA (1989–1997). That’s a wide pool to fish from.
Honda Civic (Older Models)
We didn’t pick this one because you can go ahead and wreck it without feeling as much as a pinch in your pocket. The 2000 model, for instance, goes for $3,499 to $6,500 in the used market currently, which is good news for you because these cars are known for their reliability, light, forgiving clutch pedal, and smooth-shifting gearbox.
Most of them from the 1980s to 2000s featured 4- and 5-speed manual shifters, although we’d pick the 6-th gen (1996–2000) as the best for mastering the stick-shift due to the forgiving spirit of its 5-speed manual transmission and light clutch action.
Ford Fiesta ST
The performance-oriented Fiesta may not have taken the first spot on this list, but we guarantee it deserves the spot as much as anyone else. It’s compact, fun to drive, sporty, and exclusively manual. A 6-speed manual is the standard shifter across all ST models offered in America between 2014 and 2019. What’s not to like already? But there’s more.
The Fiesta is also perfect for learners due to its learner-friendly pedal placement and manageable power output. We’ll probably be looking at the Golf R or something if we want 300 to 400 hp.
The 2019 Fiesta ST, for instance, featured a 1.6-liter EcoBoost producing 197 hp and 202 lb-ft of torque – peppy but manageable, especially with those high-mounted rear spoilers and 17-inch Rado Grey-painted aluminum wheels.
Volkswagen Golf (Manual Models)
No, we’re not two-timing you here. It’s the Golf R models we mentioned earlier as a no-no for learners, not the standard Golfs. While not the performance-oriented variant, the regular Volkswagen Golf is well known for its balanced performance and, luckily for you, smooth shifting manual transmission with a forgiving clutch.
It’s a good one for mastering the basics of driving a manual car, and you have a wide pool to pick from. From the 1st generation (Mark I, 1974–1983), the Golf has always offered a 4- or 5-speed manual shifter. While automatic dominates the current generation (Mark VIII, 2020–present), some standard and GTI models offer optional 6-speed manual shifters.
Subaru Impreza
The Impreza is ideal for first-time stick-shift learners due to its relatively simple manual gearbox and light clutch pedal. It’s a good thing, then, that many Impreza models over the years featured a manual transmission, from the first generation in 1993 to the 5th and latest generation (2017–present).
The best part is even the regular models and performance-focused trims like the WRX (before becoming a standalone model) benefited from Subaru’s manual gearboxes. We’re partial to the 4th-gen (2012–2016) models, with their 5-speed manual transmission and light clutch, with Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system aiding stability and control.
Toyota Corolla (Older Manual Models)
The Corolla has one of the strongest resale values in the industry. Thankfully, the older, more affordable models are just fine. While the newish Corolla models favor a CVT (continuously variable transmission) to help with fuel efficiency, many came with a manual shifter over the years.
Of course, some modern Corollas, especially the Hatchback and some trim levels of the sedan, offer optional 6-speed manual shifters for those who crave more control over their driving. However, the affordability of older Corollas and their simpler manual gearboxes makes them perfect candidates for learners.
If you could find the E90 generation (1987–1992) with 4- and 5-speed manual transmissions, grab them with both hands. The E100 (1991-1997) and E110 (1995-2002) are great choices too.
Chevrolet Sonic
The Sonic is everywhere you look in the used car market, so that’s a good thing for people looking for an affordable way to learn stick. It’s a solid choice for beginners due to its light clutch and easy-to-handle manual transmission.
It used a manual shifter throughout its production years (2012–2020), with a 5-speed as the standard and a 6-speed for the turbocharged performance-oriented models. Both are reportedly smooth and easy for newbies.
MINI Cooper
No matter what you think of the MINI’s reliability, no one can deny it is a playful, engaging car. The Cooper’s precise shifters and responsive handling ultimately make the learning process more enjoyable. It has offered a manual option (typically a 6-speed) since BMW took over the MINI brand in 2002, including the base, S, and JCW (John Cooper Works) models.
We’d recommend the 2nd-gen (R56, 2007–2013) as the best for stick learners due to their 6-speed short throws and lightweight clutch. The car’s compact size also helps, as drivers feel more in control.
Nissan Sentra (Manual Models)
Since affordability is one of the benchmarks for the best cars for learning stick-shift, the Nissan Sentra is a perfect candidate. It’s affordable, especially in the used market, and features a simple manual transmission system guaranteed to feel straightforward to new drivers.
The Sentra offered manual versions since 1982, and while they’re not as common as they used to be, some trims continue to offer them.
We’d go for the B15 (2000–2006) generation due to its relatively simple and user-friendly 5-speed manual gearbox and light clutch. Plus, the B15 is easily accessible in the used market and is one of the most reliable used cars money can buy.
Hyundai Elantra GT
Beginners learning the ropes of manual driving will find the Elantra GT a great companion and teacher, thanks to its light, forgiving clutch, smooth gear shifts, and excellent outward visibility. The GT is a hatchback variant of the Elantra during the 2013–2018 model years, typically featuring a 6-speed manual shifter in the base and sportier trims.
However, we’d pick the MD generation (2013–2016) as the best for manual learners. It came with a 6-speed manual transmission paired with a yielding clutch. It’s a practical, sporty car for everyday use. The AD generation (2017–2018) also benefited from the available 6-speed along with updated styling and features.
