Is driving a stick shift going out of style?

Question

I'm 32 and the only people my age that that manual transmition. Are from Europe. Everyone else is older.

Answer 1

Unlike the first the answerer, manual transmissions and stick shifts are the same thing. The stick shift will never go out of style. It's about being one with the vehicle. By holding the stick while driving around corners on a highway or around town, you are in complete control and the power it gives the driver is so great it is hard to put a word the feeling. With an automatic transmission, albeit easier to drive, is nowhere near as fun and shifting into a higher gear and being pressed into the seat over and over again. Makes a person feel free.

Answer 2

I've driven stick when I was a kid (Grandpa's car) and my current car is a stick shift. I would never have it any other way - even in traffic ridden Los Angeles, California. Driving Stick shift has made me a much better driver as I actually concentrate on the road while driving instead of trying to read the news, eat, and talk on a cell phone. Manual transmissions are so much easier drain/fill tranny fluid with...

As for manual trannies going out of style - yes because most people do not have the skills to drive them nor the desire to want to learn. People just want to get to their destination and they don't care how. Automatic transmissions are almost exactly the same price as well so there is no cost difference like there was a good 10+ years ago.

Answer 3

Stick shifts are going out of style because the price gap between manual and automatic transmissions is nonexistent. Although it is true that in most situations a manual transmission gives you more control, better mileage, etc. people just don't want to be bothered with it. As much as you may argue that a stick doesn't take much more attention/effort than an automatic, it does take more and many people just aren't willing to do that. The performance difference isn't great to most people and there is no longer a price incentive to get a manual. More and more the automatic will become the standard and only car aficionados will spring the extra bucks for a manual. (They will cost more only because less will be manufactured, decreasing the economies of scale.)

Answer 4

Driving a stick shift in a passenger car is definitely going out of style. Most auto makers have announced that by 2008, they will no longer produce cars with standard transmissions as popularity has dropped to he point that they can't sell those produced. Stick shifts will be limited to trucks.

The issue seems to be that it's really tough to handle a cell phone and a coffee cup while shifting gears in heavy traffic. Not enough people want the hassle so making the cars is not profitable.

I am a rarity. A female who prefers a st ck for control. Guess the general population doesn't understand that downshifting is far safer than braking on slick roads.

Answer 5

No, driving a stick shift isn't going out of style at all. Both manual and automatic transmissions each have their positives and negatives. Manuals let you have more control and cut better turns. Automatics are easier when you're driving on a straightaway.

So in essence, manual transmissions are better for sports cars and racing; Automatics are better suited for sedans.

Answer 6

Stick shift is not going out of style. I own a sports car with a stick, and its the only way to drive, besides its a lot better in the snow.

Answer 7

I am an Aussie and have always driven a manual car. My dad taught me to drive in his XU1 which was a blast. I have just taught my daughter to drive in my XR6 which is a manual and am now teaching my son. Most of their friends are getting automatic licenses as it is easier to get. It is also much harder to purchase manual cars second hand as most cars are automatics. I had some nice fellow write my car off for me several years back and to get a second hand manual I ended up with the XR6 as I couldn't get a manual wagon anywhere and needed a car. I believe that it is much better to be able to drive a manual and my daughter loves her Mitsubishi lancer which is a manual. But in a few years I think most cars will be automatics.

Answer 8

I will only own vehicles with manual transmissions. Shifting gears is an inseparable part of operating a motor vehicle.

The only time I've ever driven a car with an automatic was in driver's ed in high school. If I were to encounter one today I don't think I would know how to use it.

Answer 9

Manual transmission is much better. Drive the same model with both automatic and manual transmission and you will see the manual has much better control and acceleration. They do however make it difficult to yak on a cell phone.

Answer 10

Never! There are too many positives for a manual transmission, and positives for the automatics. Each has particular uses.