Automatic or manual transmission

[MichaelP]

Kevin McNJ's thread about the popup camper got me thinking when he mentioned that both he and his wife each have vehicles with 5 speed transmissions (I assume he meant 5 speed manual). My wife and I also have 5 speed manual vehicles. A couple of years ago when the lease was running out on my Toyota RAV4, I was upset to find out the 2006 models no longer had manual transmissions available (Toyota did other things to eff-up the RAV4 too, but I won't get into that). I ended up going with a Subaru Forester which I don't like nearly as much as my 2003 RAV4. Now my wife's lease is coming to an end on her Saturn Vue and she finds out they no longer offer that with a manual transmission either. I personally will NEVER buy or lease a vehicle with an automatic transmission and find this trend of doing away with them - especially in times of rising fuel costs - disturbing. It's like the late 70s all over again. So... to make a long story long... what do you drive... manual or auto?

[NoviVespa]

How about us folks that do not drive? Well, I guess the bus would qualify as an automatic transmission.

[MichaelP]

How about us folks that do not drive? Well, I guess the bus would qualify as an automatic transmission.

Then you don't get to answer the question.

[Brickman]

Sadly... haven't owned a manuel since 1982.

[comfortably numb]

Perhaps if you had paid more attention in drivers' Education...

[9rows]

as a road warrior, i drive an automatic for convenience reasons in my daily driver.

all 3rd/fun vehicles (mostly jeeps with a couple sporty cars thrown in) i have owned have been manuals.

[don7031]

Unless you are extremely conscious of trying to drive as fuel thrifty as possible, you'll get worse gas mileage with a manual transmission versus a modern automatic transmission. An educated foot can also increase the fuel mileage for an automatic.

[lutesk]

First car was a 1969 Buick Skylark, primer color, with an automatic. $300.

All since have been 5 speed manuals.

My beater pickup is an automatic though.

[ventman]

One of each.

[Fueler]

Manual transmissions will continue to become rarer. Automatic transmissions eliminate several variables that need to be consistent in order for manufacturers to achieve good EPA test ratings.

[BroncoBilly84]

I drive an old 1988 Volvo with a 5 speed...took it to test and tune at Gateway on a Tuesday a couple of years ago. Almost made it in the 18's!

[Indy-hp]

My Corvette is a manual for the fun, not fuel economy. Debbie's Honda Pilot is an automatic for her convenience. She can shift, but prefers not to. We think one of each is sensible, as there are times when an auto can come in handy.

Modern 4, 5, and 6-speed automatics have closed the gap on fuel economy as well, normally no more than 1 mpg lower than the manual in the same car, if any.

[fla-agr]

I've grown partial to paddle shifters.

[dirtfan]

Sadly... haven't owned a manuel since 1982.

I havent owned a Manuel, or Pedro, since they started clamping down on illegals.

[PHJIndy]

I had a GMC truck with a straight stick and the best hydraulic clutch I've ever driven. I sold it about 5 years ago. I wish I still had it.