10 Best Manual Transmission Cars for 2021: Ranked

PUBLISHED WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2021

Ultimate control for an engaging drive.

A manual transmission is designed to provide the ultimate control over how your car drives. Whether you have a practical reason such as handling tricky weather conditions or you just like an engaging drive, stick shift cars could be for you. You'll find some fantastic off-road vehicles and sports cars that offer a manual transmission option, as well as a few practical daily drivers, too.

If you're shopping for a manual transmission vehicle, you're in the right place. Use this list of the 10 best manual transmission cars for 2021 shoppers (based on CarMax sales data from May 1, 2020, through October 31, 2020) to jump start your search.

If it's off-road prowess you're looking for, the Jeep Wrangler is a great choice, so it's not surprising to find it on a list of best manual cars. 2018 models include a standard 3.6L V6 engine with 285 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Look for four-wheel drive models if you intend to take your Wrangler off-road. Another excellent AWD machine on this list is the Subaru WRX. The WRX's rally pedigree means AWD is standard across all model years and trims, so you can have fun on your drive.

If you're after something compact yet practical, consider the Ford Fiesta or Fiat 500. If you need a good amount of space but still want a hatchback, take a look at the Ford Focus. Manual cars make for an engaging commute, which can be especially fun if you get the chance to take on country roads or mountain lanes. The Volkswagen Jetta and Nissan Versa are two great options if you want dynamic handling alongside commuter car comfort.

One of the best reasons to go for a manual transmission is the control it can give over the responsiveness of the car. This is especially important if you're driving something sporty. The Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro are two muscle cars with available manual transmissions (2017 onward) and they're a whole lot of fun, no matter where you intend to drive.

Looking to explore more options? Check out these related articles:

Recent Articles

Trends

The Coolest Colors for Used Cars

Buying used unlocks unique car colors no longer offered on new models. While neutral tones continue to reign supreme, the used market includes vibrant options with names like Plum Crazy Purple, Orange Fury, and Synergy Green. It's the perfect place to find a car with personality and style.

Published on Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Trends

Driving an EV in Rural America: What You Should Know

Rural drivers have longer trips and less charging infrastructure, but these EV drivers say they’ve learned to embrace electric vehicles in a rural setting by considering range and planning their trips using apps. Here’s how they combat range anxiety and charging challenges.

Published on Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Trends

I Bought a Used 2017 Ford Explorer for Car Camping and I Love It

Are you curious about popular cars for camping? Learn how your SUV, minivan, or car could become your weekend adventure vehicle. Angela shares how her 2017 Ford Explorer Sport allows her to travel easily and on a budget.

Published on Monday, November 4, 2024

Trends

3 Parents Reveal How They Chose the Best First Car for Their Teens

Are you shopping for your teen's first car? Three parents share how they decided on a car for their teenager, what features they looked for, and how they included their child in the process.

Published on Monday, September 23, 2024

Reviews And Comparisons

Minivans vs. SUVs: What's Better for Your Family?

Minivans are known as the kings of family cars. But are modern SUVs that much of a trade-off? We take a close look and find out.

Published on Tuesday, July 30, 2024