does not currently manufacture any models with manual transmissions. The 2012 IS 250 and 2013 IS 250 C were the last models manufactured with an optional stick shift.

Lexus no longer produces any models with a manual transmission.
The Lexus IS 250 and 250 C were the last models to offer a manual transmission.
Manual transmissions offer greater control and lower
repair costs
, but many don’t know how to drive them, and they’re getting tougher to find.

Lexus models with a manual transmission

Lexus does not currently manufacture any models with a manual transmission.

Lexus ceased manufacturing manual transmission cars with the 2013 model year, so finding a used one, while difficult, isn’t impossible. The

IS 250

and 250 C were the last models manufactured with an optional stick shift.

IS 250 and 250 C

Starting price: Est. $17,990-$25,990

2012 was the last model year to offer a six-speed manual transmission for the 250. The 250 C held on for another year, offering a manual transmission with the 2013 model, but as of 2013, the automaker has ceased manufacturing all manual transmissions.

The compact, sporty Lexus IS 250 is fun to drive with a quiet interior but less-than-spectacular handling.

The IS 250 and its convertible coupe cousin, the 250 C, are powered by a 204-horsepower, 2.5-liter V6 that sounds great—but it’s a little too much for the car’s suspension around corners. Adding the optional F Sport package controlled a bit of the body roll for an improved driving experience but didn’t completely cure it.

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Benefits and drawbacks of a manual transmission

The

manual versus automatic transmission

debate has a long and colorful history. For those who don’t know, let’s consider a few advantages of a manual transmission vehicle:

Pro: At least initially, they tended to be cheaper than automatics.

Pro: Not everyone knows

how to drive a stick

, so it could save you from having your car stolen.

Pro: Car repair costs for a manual transmission are much lower than for an automatic. They’re still expensive, but at least they’re less expensive.

Pro: They’re super fun and give you ultimate control over your car.

Now, let’s take a look at some disadvantages of driving a stick:

Con: Traffic jams are bad enough, but getting stuck in one with a clutch to manage can be torture.

Con: No matter what anyone tries to tell you, they can be a bear to learn how to drive—especially if you’re learning on a sports car or anything with a “tricky” clutch. Plus, the fewer we see on the market, the less likely you are to find someone to teach you.

Con: Just as manual transmission used to be the cheaper option, they also used to get better gas mileage. Neither is the case any longer.

The biggest drawback of manual transmissions lately is how difficult they are to find. As of 2021, only 27

new cars with manual transmissions

are available on the U.S. market.

Key Takeaway Manual transmissions offer you greater control and save you money on transmission repairs, but they can be hard to drive and even harder to find.

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FAQs

Is a manual or an automatic better?

There is no definitive answer to whether a manual or automatic transmission is better, as it ultimately depends on personal preference.

However, manual transmissions can offer greater control and lower upfront and repair costs, while automatic transmissions offer ease of driving and convenience.

Is a manual transmission Lexus more reliable?

Not necessarily. While a manual Lexus transmission may have lower repair costs, other expenses may arise due to the vehicle’s age.

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