Many Americans might know Suzuki more for their scooters and motorcycles, but the Japanese brand can also deliver when it comes to manual cars. Although Suzuki hasn’t recently sold cars in the U.S. market, there are some older manual-transmission cars you may be able to find.

The popularity of manual transmission cars may be declining, but that doesn’t stop those who enjoy driving a stick shift from doing what they love. Still, finding the right car with a manual transmission can be difficult, especially since so few auto brands are creating new ones.

If you’re looking to buy a manual car and think that Suzuki might be the brand for you, stick with this guide that’s been compiled by the

car insurance

broker

Jerry

. At the end, we'll also show you how to save on

Suzuki insurance costs

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Does Suzuki still make a manual?

Yes, Suzuki does still make manual cars—but they don’t sell them in the United States. It’s been almost 10 years since Suzuki stopped selling in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still quality used cars floating around here.

Suzuki’s cars tend to be on the smaller side compared to other automakers, but they have many different models that come with a manual transmission. You may be familiar with the Suzuki Kei cars that haven’t been in production since 2009, but there are others, such as the

Vitara

, that are still made today.

MORE:

The top 10 cheapest cars to insure

Splash

Starting Cost: $8,448

The Suzuki Splash is a tiny city car that’s at its best getting you where you need to go without any bells and whistles. About twelve feet long and under six feet wide, this is a fun car that will surely stand out on the road.

The Splash probably isn’t the first car that comes to mind for drivers who are all about the ride, but the car’s handling might surprise you.

Jimney

Starting Price: $28,490

A bit of a niche legend just for its looks alone, the Jimney is a small off-roader that many drivers wish would make another appearance in the U.S. market. With a classic five-speed manual transmission and a surprisingly roomy interior, even older Jimneys could be appealing to you depending on your preferences.

Keep in mind that the Suzuki Jimney is true to its name as an off-roader, and there are better options if most of your driving is going to take place on the asphalt.

MORE:

Are Suzukis expensive to maintain?

Vitara

Starting Price: $24,588

The Vitara Wagon is a pretty popular mini-SUV that comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission. The car was most popular in the 90s in the U.S. although it remains relevant in foreign markets today.

If you can get your hands on a Vitara, it might be the perfect fit. It’s a great SUV that melds the fun and the practical together well and provides decent performance for its price.

Benefits and drawbacks of a manual transmission

If you’ve got a love for manual cars but like to keep things practical, you're probably having a hard time deciding between a manual or automatic transmission for your new cars. A manual gearbox has some pretty great strengths but some pretty notable weaknesses that you need to keep in mind.

Some of the benefits of a manual transmission are:

Manuals are cheaper than automatics, both when you buy them and when they need repairs. This is because the technology behind a manual is simpler than an automatic.

Driving a stick shift is fun, and many people prefer driving one to avoid things like

highway hypnosis

Many classic and vintage cars are only available with a manual transmission.

While some of the negatives include:

Manual cars are much harder to drive and can be annoying when you’re stuck in traffic.

It’s hard to find manual cars, especially new ones.

Unless you make sure everyone in your family is comfortable driving a stick shift, they aren’t good cars to share.

You can make an argument that all of the positives and negatives of a manual car even out, so it's going to come down to personal preference when it comes time to buy.

Key Takeaway Cars with a manual transmission are cheaper to buy and own, but owning an automatic is generally more convenient.

MORE: How to drive stick or manual cars

How to find affordable Suzuki insurance

It can be hard to find insurance for any car, but it could be especially difficult to find decent rates for an older Suzuki. If you want to find affordable

car insurance

rates, you should download the Jerry app.

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FAQs

Is a manual or an automatic better?

That depends entirely on your preference. Manual cars are generally cheaper and almost always considered more fun to drive. Automatics are more convenient and, recently, the more popular choice.

In some cases, the choice will be made for you. Many newer cars do not offer a manual option, and classic cars did not have automatic technology.

Is a manual transmission Suzuki more reliable?

Your manual transmission may have fewer problems than an automatic since the manual gearbox is a simpler design. As a bonus, you can expect repair costs for a manual to be lower than they would be for an automatic.

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