I honestly believe that there are less than 100 of us left in the United States. We are an endangered species. Why does everyone only know how to drive an automatic car (and most of them even suck at that)?
2006-12-17 13:56:07 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
You answered your own question. Most drivers can't maneuver in a vehicle with an automatic tranny. Can you imagine rush hour with twelve gears grinding, 11 cars swerving, 10 vehicles stalling, 9 mid-fingers flying...well, you get the picture...at each light. There'd be more people in the ditch than on the road. Be glad you can enjoy the real driving experience.
2006-12-17 14:04:04 · answer #1 · answered by Lynn K 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Can I please clarify something--do you really mean people who can DRIVE a car with a manual transmission or who actually OWN a car with a manual transmission because, excuse me, but I think you're leaving out 99% OF COMMERCIAL DRIVERS, such as myself. My car is an automatic, but I can drive manual transmissions cars because, guess what, I can drive 6- and 9-speed manual transmission trucks and 5- and 6-speed manual transmission buses (school bus-style).
But, strictly answering your question, there are two major reasons why, outside of commercial drivers and die-hard aficionados, few Americans take to manual transmissions these days:
A. Although they are more expensive and don't last as long, automatic transmissions are easier to train on and comprehend so in our instant-gratification society that's what most people want and manufacturers have taken heed and make fewer and fewer vehicles with manual transmissions.
B. As automobile ownership turns our highways and byways into parking lots, manual transmission are becoming less and less fun by the day.
2006-12-18 06:13:08 · answer #2 · answered by R33_R36_Mainline 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I drive a stick and wouldn't have it any other way. I feel you have a bit more control. If things are treacherous, I can use a lower gear. One of my favorite things to drive is the old '66 Chevy, it is a screamer, or not. I try to be kind to my vehicles and passengers. I try not to wear things out by being overly aggressive with my vehicles. I use my gears to slow and hardly ever step on my brakes. Some people choose automatics, but not this old broad.
2006-12-17 14:58:24 · answer #3 · answered by plaplant8 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My ranger has a 5 speed, Best little truck I have driven. I am a mechanic, and probably about 40-45% of cars coming into the shop are standard. The only thing I hate about my truck being a standard, I have no cup holders, who's bright idea was that, lets design a standard with no cup holders.
2006-12-17 14:04:16 · answer #4 · answered by gregthomasparke 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in Australia, I own two cars both of which have manual transmissions. That's all I ever drive.
2006-12-17 13:58:36 · answer #5 · answered by teef_au 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are correct about the 100 I have 10% of them living in my house...
Seriously, all my family can handle a stick and some can do so quite nicely. Oh yeah, and the old man (me) has over a 100K on motorcycles, still riding and shifting at 58...
2006-12-17 14:49:50 · answer #6 · answered by gimpalomg 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Manual is mostly for enthusiast in nowadays. WE love driving the car and actually feel it and control it. Cars are more consumer products now, life appliances :) so people need them as simple as possible.
I love my BMW 540i Sport Manual ;)
2006-12-17 14:02:32 · answer #7 · answered by Mr Ivan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I drive a 5-speed civic and i love it. I hate driving automatic.
2006-12-17 13:59:01 · answer #8 · answered by jelly 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I learned to drive on a manual.
It was either that, or don't drive.
I kind of like manuals, though. Especially in the snow.
2006-12-17 13:58:51 · answer #9 · answered by blue.green_eyes 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
around here a lot of people drive manuals
2006-12-17 13:57:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋