Are Manual Transmissions Dead?
The end of the manual transmission is near – but it’s not dead yet. Standard transmissions have been on the decline for decades, but it will take electric vehicles to put the final nail in the proverbial coffin.
Why Stick Shifts Are Dying
Technological advancements in computer chips, sensors and automation have made automatic transmissions less expensive to make and easier to optimize for fuel efficiency and wear. For decades, those improvements have slowly grabbed market share from manual transmissions and taken their place in the assembly line.
In 2022, fewer than 30 commercially available vehicles had a manual option. It’s been a long, slow fall. In 2000, roughly 15% of auto sales included manual models. In 2020, the share had fallen to just 2.4%. Most drivers under the age of 40 have never been in a manual car, let alone driven one.
Not only will drivers lose an intimate connection with their cars, but the market loses what used to be a less expensive option for drivers on a budget.
The Hidden Costs of Automatics
Historically, manuals were less expensive to buy than their automatic counterparts. Today, that often isn’t true; the few manuals still on the market are typically racier, performance-focused models like the Toyota Supra. So while manuals technically cost less, they’re often only available on more expensive vehicles.
Standard transmissions are less expensive to repair or replace, in most cases. An automatic transmission usually costs $2,000 to $5,000, compared to an average of around $2,500 for most domestic manuals.
Read more: How Long Do EV Batteries Last?
The EVs Are Coming
Soon, the debate of automatic vs. manual will be a nostalgic, philosophical exercise. Electric vehicles will end both – there’s no gearbox on an EV. That hasn’t stopped some manufacturers from trying. In June, Toyota announced that its popular Tacoma pickup would keep manual shifting on a few select models and that was adding a fake stick shift on its EVs.
Toyota is working on a system to replicate the experience of driving a stick shift, complete with a 5-speed shifter that isn’t connected to anything and floor-mounted speakers that play engine sounds.
To be fair, manufacturers have been piping in engine sounds to combustion engine cars for years. And Toyota isn’t alone – Dodge, Lexus (owned by Toyota) and other brands have announced similar projects.
Keep You Stick Shift on The Road
Car enthusiasts living driving stick. As long as they can keep their manual transmission working, you’ll find a few on the road for years to come. We’re here to help. Keep your daily driver or classic in great shape with service you can count on. Schedule your appointment with Garfield Auto Service Center today!