Top 10 Cars with a 6-Speed Manual

2017 Ford Mustang Manual Transmission 6 speed shifter

While an automatic transmission is often smooth and convenient, there are times when you just want to be in control and do things for yourself. When that’s the case, there’s nothing more rewarding than a good-handling car with an intuitive and precise 6-speed manual transmission. Unfortunately, with the advent of dual-clutch paddle-shifted automatics and continuously variable transmissions (to say nothing of electric cars with their complete lack of a transmission), it's getting harder and harder to find a car that lives up to that standard. Thankfully, however, there are still a few on the market. Convenience isn’t everything, so take a look at our list of the top 10 cars with a 6-speed manual transmission.

10) Dodge Dart

The Dodge Dart is a compact sedan available with a choice of three different engines, all of which can be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Power ranges from 160 horsepower for both the normally aspirated 2.0-liter and the slightly more frugal 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder motors, up to 184 horsepower with the top-of-the-line 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. The Dart strikes a good balance between ride and handling in most trims and is fun to drive, though the sportier GT is a bit firm. The interior is surprisingly spacious (especially in the back) and the Uconnect infotainment system is still the best in the class. If you are looking for an affordable car and want a 6-speed manual transmission, the Dart is worth a look.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

9) Scion iA/Toyota Yaris iA

When you first drive the iA with its 106-horsepower 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed manual transmission, you’ll quickly realize that there’s something special about the subcompact car. Most of that comes from the fact that it isn’t really a Scion, but instead, a slightly redesigned Mazda2. Like many of Mazda’s models, the iA isn’t quick, but its excellent handling encourages you to use all the available power whenever possible. The trade-off is an interior that might feel cramped for larger drivers and doesn’t leave much space for cargo. For the 2017 model year, the Scion iA will become the Toyota Yaris iA, as the Scion brand is disappearing, but no matter what it’s called, it’s one of our 10 best cars with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Photo by Scion

8) Honda Accord

The Honda Accord is one of the few full-size cars still available with a manual transmission. The Coupe offers a 6-speed manual transmission with either the 185-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine (189 horsepower in Sport and Special Edition models) or the 278-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, while the Sedan only offers the manual transmission in 4-cylinder guise. Both engines are refined and give you enough power to get the Accord moving quickly.  The ride is comfortable, and handling is secure. Inside, you’ll be treated to a high-quality interior with more than enough space front and rear, though cargo room is only average for the class. Sedan or Coupe, 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder, the Accord is one of the best ways to get a 6-speed manual transmission.

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7) Mazda Mazda3

Are you looking for a compact hatchback or sedan with nimble handling, greatodda3 should be at (or at least near) the top of your list. Powered by either a 155-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder or an 184-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, acceleration isn’t breathtaking but is more than adequate, especially when combined with the stiff chassis and excellent steering that makes it easy to carry lots of speed through the corners. The only real downsides are the slightly cramped rear seats and the smaller than average luggage space. If you can overlook those two faults, the Mazda3 is one of the top 10 cars with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Photo by Mazda

6) Ford Focus

The Ford Focus is a fun-to-drive compact car available as either a 4-door sedan or a 5-door hatchback. The only way to get the 6-speed manual in the sedan is to opt for the frugal 123-horsepower turbocharged 1.0-liter3-cylinder, but hatchback models are also available in high-performance ST trim with a turbocharged 252-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. If you want one of the best hot hatches available, the Focus RS comes with all-wheel drive and a powerful 350-horsepower turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine. All models get a nicely designed interior that belies the car’s price point, though it could be a bit roomier. Whether you choose economical or high-performance, the Focus is one of the top 10 cars with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Photo by Ford

5) Dodge Challenger

The Dodge Challenger is a large 2-door sports car available with a wide range of engine options, from relatively tame 6-cylinders to fire-breathing supercharged V8s. Challenger models powered by V8 engines make between 375 and 707 horsepower and are all available with a 6-speed manual transmission. You also get a comfortable ride and a nice interior with a surprising amount of room. The Uconnect infotainment system is one of the easiest to use. The Challenger isn’t quite as nimble as its pony car competitors, but if instead, you think of it as a modern muscle car, it will more than meet your expectations, and when you look at it like that, it’s one of our top 10 cars with a 6-speed manual transmission.

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4) Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S/Toyota 86

While the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S sports cars aren’t identical, they are twins, and fairly stylish ones at that. Both are powered by a 2.0-liter flat-4 engine that makes 200 horsepower and can be backed by a precise 6-speed manual transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. Though it may be down on power compared to some of its competitors, it’s in the handling department where the BRZ and FR-S shine. Both models have been tweaked since their introduction, and both ride and handling continue to improve. With the demise of the Scion brand, the FR-S will become the Toyota 86 in 2017, but these cars would make our list of the top 10 cars with 6-speed manual transmissions under any name.

Photo by Subaru

3) Mazda MX-5

The Mazda MX-5 is a 2-door roadster powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that generates 155 horsepower. While that might not sound like much, combined with its low curb weight (just over 2,300 pounds) and excellent 6-speed manual transmission, the MX-5 is a joy to drive, especially through the bends. Inside there’s a decent amount of space for the driver and passenger, though luggage and storage space is a bit on the small side. The ride is nicely compliant, though road and wind noise can be a bit intrusive at speed. New for 2017 is the Mazda MX-5 RF, with a retractable hardtop. No matter which way you slice it, the MX-5 is near the top of our list of the top 10 cars with 6-speed manual transmissions.

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2) Chevrolet Camaro

The Chevrolet Camaro is a 2-door pony car available in both coupe and convertible versions. No matter whether you choose the 275-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, the 335-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 or the 455-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 SS, the standard transmission is a 6-speed manual. Even the base engine makes more than enough power to get the car moving quickly, and once on the go, the ride is surprisingly comfortable. It’s no slouch in the handling department either, though visibility is restricted by the high  bodywork. Expect a new top-of-the-line Camaro with even more power than the current SS to make an appearance soon, but until then the current models are good enough for number two on our list of the top 10 cars with 6-speed manual transmissions.

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1) Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang is a 2-door sports car available in both coupe and convertible form. Available with a 300-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, a 310-horsepower 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder or a 435-horsepower 5.0-liter V8, they all come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission. The Mustang also features a nice interior, good handling, and an equally good ride. The GT350 (and even more extreme GT350R) get a 526-horsepower flat-plane V8 and features even higher handling limits. It’s one of the best Mustangs ever built and is available solely with a TREMEC 6-speed manual transmission. There’s not much that can beat this pony car, at least for the money, and so it takes the number one slot on our list of the top 10 cars with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Photo by Ford