While cars with a manual transmission still remain a small segment of the market, signs show an increasing number of drivers are opting for stick shifts. Statistics from Edmunds.com show that manual cars accounted for about 6.5 percent of new purchases in the first quarter of this year, which is the highest percentage since 2006.<\/p>\n
According to USA Today, there could be a number of reasons why a larger amount of drivers are choosing the manual route. Perhaps most significantly, however, they tend to be a bit cheaper than automatic models. They are usually about $1,000 less and are more readily available in smaller, more affordable cars.<\/p>\n
Manual transmissions are also more appealing to drivers hoping to get better performance out of their ride. This is especially true for smaller cars, where being able to shift yourself lets you get the most out of the vehicle, analysts told the publication.<\/p>\n
Along with price and power, some credit the increase in manual drivers to the fact that cars have become increasingly user friendly. According to USA Today, modern cars provide a much smoother clutch pedal than in years past. Furthermore, there is a portion of the driving population that simply chooses manual transmissions out habit.<\/p>\n
The 6.5 percent figure is significantly higher than in the last few years. In 2010, only 3.9 percent of new cars purchased throughout the whole year were manual. In 2011, that number was about 3.8 percent.<\/p>\n