Skip to main content

The car enthusiast’s outcry of “save the manuals!” will soon come to a quiet whisper as stick shift-equipped cars slowly make their exit from the market. It’s a sad thought, but the six-speed manual transmission still remains in many new cars. But whatever happened to the five-speed manual transmission, do any automakers still have cars equipped with them? Indeed they do, here are the remaining four new cars on the market that you can buy with a five-speed manual transmission.

The Chevrolet Spark can be ordered with “five on the floor”

2021 Chevrolet Spark
2021 Chevrolet Spark | Chevrolet

It’s no surprise that you’ll have to look at some of the more affordable commuter cars to find an older five-speed transmission, but you won’t have to look far. According to Autoweek, the 2021 Chevrolet Spark can still be ordered with a manual transmission sans a sixth gear, albeit only in its base form.

If you are lucky enough to find a Chevy Spark LS Manual, then you’ll be happy to know that it only comes with a stick shift. What’s even better is that it has a starting price of $14,595 as opposed to its CVT-equipped counterpart that carries a $15,695, so you’ll be paying a lot less for that extra pedal on the floor. If you want more than what the base model offers, then you can opt for the 2LT Manual trim, which adds features like cruise control and keyless entry.

The Mitsubishi Mirage can still get shifty

2020 Mitsubishi Mirage
2020 Mitsubishi Mirage | Mitsubishi

It might only have an engine with three cylinders, but the Mitsubishi Mirage also comes with a manual transmission with five gears. The base ES model is available with a five-speed manual transmission and is priced at $14,295, while its CVT-equipped counterpart is priced at $16,220. Autoweek noted that not only is the Mirage one of the last cars with a rare five-speed transmission, but it’s also the cheapest on the market.

The Nissan Versa comes with five gears

2021 Nissan Versa
2021 Nissan Versa | Nissan

If you would rather have a compact sedan with a five-speed manual transmission, as opposed to the aforementioned hatchbacks, then the Nissan Versa could work for you. The 2021 Nissan Versa S comes standard with a manual transmission and is priced at $14,980, which means it’ll cost a little more than the last two cars, but it has more horsepower than either of them. And if you decide that you would rather have an automatic, don’t worry, it’s available with a CVT as well, but that one costs around $1,500 more.

The Subaru Impreza drive four wheels with five speeds

The Subaru Impreza in silver, photographed driving through an underpass
2020 Subaru Impreza sedan | Subaru

Anyone looking for a car with an all-wheel drivetrain and a manual transmission will find what they are looking for in a base 2021 Subaru Impreza. Both the entry-level sedan and hatchback models are available with a five-speed manual transmission both are priced below $20,000. However, if you would rather have a CVT-equipped Impreza, then you will end up spending around $21,000.

Are five-speed manual transmissions here to stay?

Probably not. Considering automakers are currently phasing out manual transmissions altogether, we would be surprised if any five-speed manuals make the cut over the next few years. But if you’re the type that likes to be nostalgic and drive a car with five on the floor and a new car warranty, then one of these four cars could suit you well.

Related

Cheap Doesn’t Mean Bad in the 2021 Nissan Versa