The Death of the Manual Transmission (The Roman Report)

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he manual transmission was once the foundation of the automotive industry. But now, manual transmission-equipped cars are hardly selling, and fewer people know how to drive stick than ever before – or so it seems. Is the death of the manual transmission greatly exaggerated, or are we at the end of the line for the manual gearbox? In this month's Roman Report, we discuss the history of the manual transmission, why it was popular, and how it began to decline. We'll also go over some theories as to why this is happening, and why there is reason for optimism.

For more deep dive content, check out these investigative videos:

Chapters:
00:00 Manuals are not long for this world
01:54 Volkswagen and Honda announcements
03:42 The rise of the automatic transmission

04:29 Why manual transmissions were popular

06:15 The fall of the manual transmission

10:32 The history of the manual transmission

13:04 Why are manuals declining?

15:44 It's a skill issue

16:57 No, it's the cost – but also an age thing

20:52 No, it's the enthusiasts' fault

26:01 Reasons to be optimistic

30:40 A glimmer of hope

31:45 Ending/Sources/Photo Credits

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9 months ago i couldn't drive manual. Always wanted to, but no one could teach me. Bought a manual, taught myself with ample help from YouTube, and I'll never buy auto again.

thomaswilliams
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"Enthusiasts don't buy new." That right there explains the death of the manual.

roberts
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A manual transmission is the best anti theft device you can have on a car. I live right on the edge of Detroit. Someone literally tried to steal my car out of the driveway, and failed because they had no idea how to drive a stick.

Tivellia
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Multiple people have asked to borrow my truck and when I tell them it’s a manual they either back out or a couple of them asked me teach them. It made me feel even more useful

brettdowies
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I bought a 2023 Crosstrek manual after hearing that they were being discontinued. Absolutely love driving a manual.

hilltopperblog
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I have a 1991 Toyota Previa 5 speed. Since it's a van, I've had people ask to borrow it to help move stuff. I tell them it's a manual.
They ghost me.
So nice to have a polite way of telling people: No one drives my car but me.

kurticusmaximus
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I bought a 2001 Ranger via Craigslist in February 2023 to learn how to drive manual. The seller took 30 minutes of his time to teach me the basics. Thanks Andy.

Sunday_Woodward
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TBH, my Honda Fit was way easier to buy because of its manual transmission.

xenosphobatic
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I just bought a Nissan Versa manual transmission four days ago. It took me two months to find one. The reason they don't sell, is because the manufacturers don't make enough, and the dealerships refuse to stock them. Go back to the days of ordering the car you want, instead of having to settle for what the dealership wants you to buy, and they will still sell.

LyleBialk
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Most people who never drove manuals will never understand. If you want to feel your vehicle the most it’s thru a manual. Most people are just lazy and just to not think about driving. I’ve had a AMT for over a decade now solely due to them stopping to produce Standard transmissions on the vehicle I wanted. I get it though if only a small portion of us want them it doesn’t make business sense but it sux

letzgow
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Learning to drive stick in my dad's 86 Pontiac Sunfire in an empty mall parking lot on a Sunday in Quebec will stay with me forever. Thanks for the video

carlitotaiwan
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Miata is always the answer. Most are still manuals. Yet not one mention of this car. They’re not only available as manuals, but are one of the best manuals on the market.

stephenbacks
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I wanted a manual when I was 16, but my parents didn't understand why and forbid me from buying one because "you couldn't possibly learn to drive stick, it's your first car! why get a manual" even though I was the one paying for it. I'm 25 now and bought a stick with zero experience, I learned in 2 days. I feel like the only reason to buy a manual today is if you're an enthusiast, there's no cost savings and it makes driving more difficult, but I love every minute of it because it's something I dreamed of ever since I was a little kid (also 6:36 is the same shift knob and generation of civic I just bought)

MujinTouge
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Sold my automatic ford fusion and bought a manual ‘22 Miata brand new with my only knowledge being a motorcycle safety class and a handful of motorcycle rides years ago. It’s been a year and a half so far and going great :3

marcelopolanco
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Having control of when you can change gear is extremely helpful. Getting them revs high if you need to pick up speed quickly for 1 example

shokdj
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I love driving a standard transmission. The connection you have with the car is what makes it worth driving. Great video

GearHead
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Here in Europe, we always had most cars with manual transmissions. Even 10 years ago if you asked 100 people what transmission they prefer, 90% would tell you that they prefer manual. Nowadays in my country (Czechia) it's about 50/50 and we're one of the few European countries where it's that high, most other western European countries it's more like 70% of people prefer and buy automatics. With emission standards being ridiculously strict for new cars and so many "smart" assistants, it's a matter of time before you can't buy a new car with manual at all, before they eventually replace cars with soul-less electric ipads on wheels. Sad times ahead for car enthusiasts.

yourusernamehere
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20 y/o here! I taught my self how to drive stick on my 88 corolla wagon 5mt (miss that car so much) and when it died i picked up a ‘10 ford focus 5mt. I don’t know anyone my age who knows how to drive stick which makes it easy to not let my friends borrow my car! I also sleep better at night knowing it is stick (street parking in major city) I think the best part about manuals is just the feeling of driving. It’s so pure, even on an econoshitbox, the feeling of nailing three downshifts in a row or just banging gears on an on ramp…never gets old. I hope some of my friends want to learn sometime i really would love to teach someone. Thanks for this sick video you guys are the best🩶

Bratzbuyingclothes
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Roman, old guy here ive driven every manual including semis...your insights and commentary are stellar!!the best ive heard!

darrelhoyt
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In Europe we still love manual transmission. I have a vw passat b8 I make 1000km per week. And I love my manual car. I do all the maintenance myself. No need of transmission oil change. I also do a lot of engine braking on off ramps so my brake pads and disc's can last much longer than in a automatic car.

ctrlwin