13 Most Exciting Manual Transmission Cars Americans Can Buy in 2025

Brand-new cars with a manual transmission are as rare as hens’ teeth, and to make matters worse, some will disappear during the next couple of years.

Gearheads who enjoy rowing their own gears should certainly consider buying one of the few remaining manual performance cars while they still can.

If you’re in the market for a new car in 2025, check out these awesome manual transmission models that even regular people can afford.

2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Let’s just start with what’s arguably the most fun, and definitely the best-known car on this list — the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Love it or hate it, this is still the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car! And not without reason.

Sporting a great chassis, a reasonably powerful 2.0-liter engine, and, of course, a delightful 6-speed manual transmission, the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata is the perfect companion for driving enthusiasts on a budget.

2025 Toyota GR86

If the Miata is an absolute no-go, how about its closest competitor, the Toyota GR86? It may not be as popular as the Mazda, but with a 2.4-liter boxer engine producing 228 hp, it’s a more powerful option.

In true sports car fashion, the GR86 sends all its power to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission with a short-throw shifter. There are no bonus points for guessing that the GR86 is a ton of fun to drive on twisty roads or a racetrack.

2025 Toyota GR Supra

Naysayers love to complain that the Toyota GR Supra is just a BMW Z4 in a different dress. But what’s the problem with that? Both models are excellent sports cars, in fact, the GR Supra is one of the best sports cars available to regular people.

What makes the GR Supra so good? Well, it has a very tuner-friendly 3.0-liter inline-6 engine fitted with a twin-scroll turbocharger, producing a very respectable 382 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque in stock form. To make things even better, all those horses are sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission, resulting in a 0 to 60 mph time of less than four seconds.

2025 Porsche 718 Cayman / Boxster

While Porsche’s 718 lineup will always live in the 911’s shadow, one could argue that the Cayman and Boxster actually are better sports cars than their big brother. For one, they’re mid-engined, offering better weight distribution than the rear-engined 911.

Speaking of the engine, the base models fitted with a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer unit offer 300 hp, but the GTS 4.0 models with the six-cylinder sound better. In addition, almost all the 2025 Porsche Caymans and Boxsters have a manual transmission as standard. The only exceptions to this are the Cayman GT4 RS and Boxster Spyder RS versions.

2025 Lotus Emira V6

Lotus is slowly but surely transitioning to EVs, but luckily, the Emira will be with us for at least another year. For 2025, the British sports car manufacturer will introduce a turbocharged four-cylinder version, but it won’t have a manual transmission.

Driving enthusiasts who prefer to row their own gears will have to opt for the V6 Emira. That’s not a bad thing, though, as the engine is a near-bulletproof, supercharged Toyota unit that pumps out around 400 reliable workhorses, and it’s mated exclusively to a 6-speed manual.

2025 BMW M4

BMW has always offered its sporty coupes with a manual transmission, and that’s still the case for the latest M4. However, there’s a catch. Only the standard model with 473 hp will be available with a manual. Even if you want the standard convertible, you’re out of luck, as that will only be available with the automatic gearbox.

It’s not a huge problem, as even the “entry-level” M4 will sprint to 60 mph in roughly four seconds. Its top speed is limited to 155 mph, but opting for the M Driver’s Package increases it to 180 mph, which is enough for most real-life scenarios.

2025 Honda Civic Type R

Of all the Japanese carmakers, we’d argue that Honda is the best at building enthusiast cars that are exceptionally fun to drive, and their manual gearboxes are top-notch. Right now, the brand’s Civic lineup offers some exciting versions with a manual gearbox, such as the Sport, Sport Touring, and Si. Depending on the model, you get between 158 and 200 hp.

The one we really want is the Civic Type R, which is only available with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine sending 315 hp to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual. If you’re looking to set tire-scorching lap times around the Nürburgring on Sunday and commute to work on Monday, there aren’t many better options available.

2025 Nissan Z

We really respect Nissan’s decision to offer its latest Z model with a manual transmission. Both the Performance Manual and Sport Manual trims come with a six-speed. Unfortunately, the top-spec NISMO version is only available with an automatic.

Still, all the Z trims are powered by the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 generating 400 hp (420 in the NISMO), and pushing it past that shouldn’t be a problem with some carefully selected aftermarket parts.

2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

The writing is on the wall for the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing. Cadillac is struggling to find buyers, even though prices for this sports sedan start just north of $60,000, making it one of the greatest performance car bargains out there.

This American monster packs a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 that sends a whopping 472 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque to the wheels via a 6-speed manual. If you want one, now is definitely the time to buy it.

2025 Ford Mustang

With the Camaro and Challenger gone, the Mustang is once again the only real American muscle car on the market. While that means there are fewer options available to muscle car enthusiasts, at least Ford will continue to offer the ‘Stang with a manual transmission — at least for the V8 models.

The GT coupe, GT Premium coupe, GT Premium convertible, and Dark Horse will all be available with stick shift, and with power ranging from 480 to over 500 hp, we bet they’ll be fun to drive.

2025 BMW M2

If you wanted a BMW M2 in 2024 but didn’t pull the trigger, we have great news for you: the 2025 model will have 20 additional Bavarian ponies, for a total of 473 hp, along with 406 lb-ft of torque. This little pocket rocket will launch to 60 mph in a mere 4.1 seconds.

The M2 has a six-speed manual transmission that rev-matches downshifts as standard, making it a real pleasure to drive on your favorite stretch of asphalt.

2025 Hyundai Elantra N

Hyundai has become one of the go-to brands for driving enthusiasts looking for affordable performance. The 2025 Elantra N has a turbocharged 2.0-liter pumping out 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque, which is transferred to the wheels via a six-speed manual, although an 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters is available.

The Hyundai sports sedan was molded and honed into corner-carving perfection at the Nürburgring, a Mecca for gearheads with a need for speed.

2025 Subaru WRX tS

Of course we haven’t forgotten about the Subaru WRX! This Japanese legend has been around for decades, and for 2025, Subaru will introduce the new performance-focused WRX tS.

It’s stuffed to the rafters with performance parts, such as the STI-tuned suspension and massive Brembo brakes with 6-piston front calipers. Under the hood, we find a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer engine that sends 271 hp to all four wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox.