Manual transmissions are becoming a rarity on today’s vehicles.
For many, having to work a clutch and shift gears manually is too difficult. And so more automakers are dropping the manual transmissions in favor of computer-controlled automatic transmissions.
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However, there are certain vehicles with a manual gear clutch that’s remarkably easy to use.
Read on to find examples of cars with the easiest manual gear clutch!
1. Honda Civic Si
The Honda Civic is already one of the most iconic vehicles to come from Honda.
The Civic models check the box for high fuel economy, generous storage options, and great utility.
However, the Civic Si takes things further by infusing extraordinary performance into the Civic lineup.
Reviewers of the Civic Si have also praised the car’s nimble handling qualities.
Part of why the Civic Si handles so well is due to an easy-to-use manual transmission.
The clutch on the Civic Si sedan is very easy to work with, making it great for beginners.
They say using a manual transmission brings out your true driving spirit.
In that case, we recommend the Civic Si for anyone looking for a manual transmission that guarantees ease of use and good handling.
Please also read our article about common car clutch problems (with solutions).
2. Ford Fiesta ST
While Ford has discontinued the Fiesta, you can still find used examples selling at affordable rates.
The Fiesta ST is the performance-focused counterpart to the tamer Fiesta sedan.
Unlike its compact sibling, the Fiesta ST provides a ride that’s more engaging. For example, its EcoBoost engine offers close to 200 horsepower for straight-up driving fun.
But a more impressive feature of the Fiesta ST is its use of a manual gearshift mechanism.
This feature makes it even easier for performance enthusiasts to push the ST hatchback to its limit on the track.
What is even more impressive is that the manual transmission on the Fiesta ST is easy to use—even for beginners.
The manual gears and clutch work seamlessly that you won’t need to put that much effort into shifting while driving.
Fast cars with manual transmissions are rare, those with easy-to-use manual transmissions even rarer.
Thus, we recommend the Fiesta ST for anybody looking to master the manual gearshift.
3. Hyundai Veloster Turbo
Before, Hyundai was seen as “that Korean automaker”.
But it has grown into a prominent vehicle manufacturer, with cars like the Veloster Turbo showing its competence at creating exciting models.
Here are the best and worst Hyundai Veloster years.
With its red-hot performance specs, the Veloster Turbo puts the ‘P’ in Performance.
While the performance car segment is crowded, the Hyundai Veloster Turbo stands out. This is majorly because of its smooth handling and exciting horsepower and torque output.
To top it all off, the Veloster Turbo comes with one of the most forgiving clutches you can find in any vehicle.
Even if you’re a novice, shifting on the Veloster Turbo is fairly straightforward and stress-free. You couldn’t stall this vehicle even if you tried!
Make sure to also read our article about 11 cars with push-button to start.
4. Mazda 3
The sport compact category may be filled with many outstanding models, but the Mazda3 is in a league of its own. Like most sports compacts, the Mazda3 is affordable, practical and extremely fun to drive.
The Mazda3 offers a slew of engine options that promise varying levels of performance.
Complementing the powerful engines is the availability of a manual transmission that lets you enjoy the awesome performance provided by the Mazda3.
“Manual transmissions? Aren’t that difficult to use”, some might ask. Not with the Mazda3. This compact offers a simple six-speed manual gearbox that doesn’t require expert knowledge to use.
Working with the manual gear clutch on the Mazda3 is easy and is something you’ll get used to with practice.
Looking to enter the exciting world of stick shifters? The Mazda3 is a great starting point.
5. Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata has been in production since 1989, making it one of the older models on the market. Such longevity is testament to the MX-5 Miata’s excellent value.
The MX-5 Miata is beloved for many reasons — its affordability, value for money, performance, and so on.
But, for us, the defining feature of the MX-5 Miata is the sheer amount of driving fun it offers.
A big reason the MX-5 Miata is so fun to drive is because of its manual transmission.
The manual transmission enables you to achieve maximum control whether you’re turning a corner or sprinting down a racetrack.
It doesn’t hurt that the clutch on the MX-5 Miata is quite easy to use. This only makes it better for those who are new to the world of manual shifting.
Please also read our article about cars with a really small turning circle.
6. Scion tC Coupe
For financial reasons, the Scion tC coupe was discontinued—along with the Scion brand—in 2016.
Still, you will find many used versions of this once-popular sedan on the market.
During its lifetime, the Scion tC coupe competed against models like the Honda Civic coupe and Hyundai Veloster. While it doesn’t measure up to most of them, it is still worthy of consideration.
Note that it’s a used model and will cost less than most cars—an important consideration, especially for first-time owners.
Another reason the Scion tC coupe is great for beginners is its simple manual gearbox.
According to reports, both gear and clutch in the tC coupe are less complicated, making them great options for novice drivers.
Also read our article about cars with digital speedometers.
7. Chevrolet Corvette
With its top-dollar pricing, the Chevrolet Z06 is perhaps the odd one out of the vehicles in the list.
But, if you’re willing to look past the pricing, this Corvette promises extreme racing fun.
Powering the Corvette is a supercharged V8 engine that churns out an unearthly 650 horsepower. To make things better, the model comes with a seven-speed manual transmission for maximum control.
The best part? The transmission requires little effort to use. Just follow the directions and using the clutch or gear on the Z06 is a breeze.