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Ford has three unique manual transmission models for stick-shift enthusiasts to consider. From the rugged Bronco SUV to the fast Mustang pony and the heavy-duty Ranger pickup truck, there’s an option for everyone. Each model falls under $30,000, giving manual drivers everywhere something to celebrate without breaking too much of the bank.
If you're a driver who loves the thrill of stick-shifting through the streets,
car insurance
comparison and super app Jerry
can help you save money on insurance in order to keep you safe.Continue reading to find out if the
Bronco
, Mustang
, or Ranger
manual transmission model is the perfect fit for you. As a bonus, we'll share some tips on keeping your Ford insurance costs
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Does Ford still make a manual?
The answer is—yes! New or used, Ford has three models that come with a manual transmission by default. Unlike other stick-shift models disappearing from the market altogether, Ford has kept a handful of some of their most popular models available to their customers. Manual connoisseurs rejoice!
Given that manual transmissions will most likely become extinct in the somewhat near future—the list of discontinued models grows every year—you might be wondering if investing your hard-earned cash in a three-pedal machine is right for you.
Let’s take a closer look at Ford’s manual models.
Bronco
Starting price: $29,300
With up to four trim levels available with manual—Base, Big Ben, Black Diamond, and Outer Banks—shopping for a
Ford Bronco
just got a lot more fun. The Bronco’s four-door Base model features a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine capable of 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. The model uses all-wheel drive (AWD) with a seven-speed manual transmission, although an automatic transmission is also available. Ford refers to the first gear as the “creeper gear”—we’ll let your imagination take the driver’s seat on that one.
Mustang
Starting price: $27,205
Ford may have discontinued the Mustang Shelby GT350 (sad, we know), but fear not—a six-speed manual transmission comes standard on both the coupe and convertible versions of the EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT, and GT Premium trims, as well as the
Mach 1 coupe
. The EcoBoost and EcoBoost Premium are available with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (310 hp), while the GT and GT Premium kick it up a notch with a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine (450 hp)—so rev up those engines and get moving.
The
Ford Mustang
hits the road with rear-wheel drive (RWD) and comes in at a curb weight of 3,860 lbs. Ranger
Used price: Under $20,000
Whether you’re running errands or hitting the rugged terrain, the
Ford Ranger
is an affordable pickup truck that covers all your needs. Although the newest models are only available with an automatic transmission, you can still find stick-shift Rangers from 2011 or earlier on the used market. The 2011 Ford Ranger came standard with a five-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. It was available with one of two engines: a 2.3-liter inline-4 engine that can produce 143 hp or a 4.0-liter V6 engine capable of producing 207 hp. The model also features a high-strength steel frame and frame-mounted steel bumpers.
Rest assured—Ford has your back.
Benefits and drawbacks of a manual transmission
Whether you’re a diehard manual driver or an automatic cruiser, it’s always good to know what the benefits and drawbacks are of driving the transmission of your choice. Below, we’ll go through some of the advantages and disadvantages of a manual transmission for those of you still weighing your options.
- Pro: Manual transmissions tend to be cheaper.
- Pro: A manual transmission model is less likely to get stolen since between 44% and 84% of US drivers don’t know how to drive stick.
- Pro: Manual transmissions have lower repair costs than automatic models.
- Pro: There’s an unmatched thrill when driving a stick!
Nothing in life is perfect, including a manual gearbox. Here are some disadvantages:
- Con: Three-pedal driving can get exhausting in stop-and-go traffic.
- Con: Learning to drive manual is hard, and with fewer models on the market, finding someone to teach you may be difficult.
- Con: While in the past, manual transmissions got better fuel economy, that’s not the case these days. Automatic takes the fuel economy cake.
These days, manual transmissions are hard to find. As of 2021, just 27 new cars with a manual transmission were available in the U.S.
Key Takeaway Manual transmissions can come with lower repair costs and greater fun on the road, but they’re harder to drive and to find.
How to find affordable Ford insurance
No matter what Ford model you decide to drive, you can find the lowest rate on
car insurance
with help from licensed broker Jerry
. Jerry is a personal insurance broker that lives in your pocket. But don’t worry about buying tiny office furniture, Jerry is a
trustworthy super app
. Once you download Jerry, just answer a handful of questions that will take you roughly 45 seconds to complete and you’ll immediately get car insurance quotes for coverage similar to your current plan. Jerry customers save an average of over $800 a year!
“I was paying $350 a month for my new car. WithJerry, I set up a new policy in under 30 minutes that will save me over $1,000 a year!” —Mariah K.
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FAQs
Is a manual or an automatic better?
This question is a bit tricky, and that’s because there really is no definitive answer. If you love driving stick-shift and prefer to lower your upfront and repair costs, a manual might be the better option.
Is a manual transmission Ford more reliable?
It’s typical to see lower repair costs with a manual Ford, and you might find that your ride is more reliable—the less complicated mechanics of the manual gearbox mean one less thing to break!
By Lindsey Hoover
Updated on Jan 24, 2023
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett, Senior Editor.
- Does Ford still make a manual?
- Bronco
- Mustang
- Ranger
- Benefits and drawbacks of a manual transmission
- How to find affordable Ford insurance
- FAQs
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