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.
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, Mustang
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Start earning nowDoes 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.
MORE: How to drive stick or manual cars
Bronco
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
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
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