How many stick shift cars can you name from American brands?
Manual transmissions from American brands are almost extinct except for these vehicles.
Manual transmissions are very rare these days, especially in American car companies.
Most drivers prefer automatics, so stick shift becomes an acquired preference. Most of them remain only in enthusiast cars and the general public has little interest in them, so it doesn’t make economic sense for companies to manufacture them. But for those who are paying attention, there are a few still under construction.
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
Cadillac has specialized in luxury cars for more than a century, and they still have a lineup of great performance cars. The CT4-V Blackwing features a 6-speed manual to match the 3.6-liter V6 engine.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
The CT4-V Blackwing’s big brother, the CT5-V Blackwing, also uses the same six-speed manual transmission. The biggest feature of this model is that it is equipped with a 6.2 liter V8 engine. With the Chevrolet Camaro being discontinued and the Corvette being automatic-only, the Blackwing lineup offers the only manual car that GM still sells.
ford bronco
Most stick shifts are found on road performance cars, but some off-road performers also have them. The classic Ford Broncos came with three-speed, four-speed, and five-speed manual options over the years. The new-generation Bronco is available with an optional manual in base, Badlands, and Big Bend trim levels. For those who want better control over the throttle when tackling tough trails, the manual is a very attractive option.
ford mustang
The Ford Mustang has been equipped with a stick shift since its launch. Although many buyers opt for automatics and some trims don’t include a manual option, stick shifts are still essential to the Mustang lineage. The Mustang GT has a standard six-speed, but the Dark Horse uses a more precise TREMEC manual gearbox.
jeep wrangler
For those interested, the Wrangler still has a manual option. The Gladiator pickup truck used to have a stick shift option, but it was discontinued for the 2025 model year. This will make the Wrangler the only manual car remaining under the Stellantis umbrella for the U.S. market.
polaris slingshot
Although technically an automatic bicycle rather than a car, the Polaris Slingshot does come with a manual option. Available in any Slingshot trim level.
Kenan Thompson is a car culture reporter for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Keenan at kthompson@freepress.com. Follow him on Instagram @keenanaautos. To sign up automotive newsletter. become a subscriber.
