The 5-Speed Manual Transmission is Nearly Extinct – What You Need to Know

About 70 years ago times were a lot different than now. Most of the things we take for granted today were just being invented or discovered by curious people of those times and although many of them might have been told they were crazy, they still continued to pursue their dream. It is with many thanks to them today that they never quit because although they didn’t realize it then, the inventions would prove to be very useful today. 

Take the 5-speed manual transmission for example – one of the greatest inventions of all time. This first came available on the market in Europe during the 1950s being equipped in some of models at the time. However, they didn’t see major popularity until the 1970s when it was being equipped in EVERYTHING. Believe it or not, the 5-speed manual transmission actually became a luxury item, so much so that automakers began making badges to proudly announce that the new rides were better than the 4-speed transmission of their competitors. 

But let’s fast forward in time a little to today, where the 5-speed transmission is used in a couple of very well known vehicles worldwide. Let’s look at the Subaru Impreza first. Every generation of this car so far has seen a 5-speed manual transmission, but this is about to change. Subaru is planning on keeping it this way for only a few more months. Next is the 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage that was a certified vehicle with a 5-speed manual transmission. It will no longer be offered as such because the automaker has shown all the trims now equipped with a CVT. 

Then there’s Nissan, specifically the Versa. The only car in the world that is left bearing the torch of being equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission. And even this is not going to last – simply because car models will always have an end date, it’s just a matter of when for this one. But even this is going to be hard to find. Nissan equipped the base model of the Versa with the 5-speed manual transmission only so you will really have to hunt for them if you want one. According to thedrive.com there are only 3 available in the entire United States, per Nissan’s consumer site. 

FAQ’s – Associated with 5-Speed Transmissions

Is the Manual Transmission Becoming Obsolete?

So the good news is the manual transmission is not going extinct as a whole, but the demand for them have significantly decreased over the years. Simply because more drivers are turning to the luxury of automatic transmissions. 

Did you Know: Only 2% of cars sold today are with manual transmissions? 

Why is the manual transmission disappearing?

Automatic transmissions have always been a favourite and preferred choice of many drivers. But there are a lot of sports cars that are available with manual transmissions. Many drivers beforehand were taught with manual transmissions in driving schools, but recently they have removed the part about learning to handle a clutch. Although automatics have gotten better in terms of fuel economy, there is no longer a small (but significant) gain in fuel economy if you shift yourself. 

How long will manual cars be around?

2020 marked the first time in history that automatic transmissions outsold manual ones. Although they may be cheaper to produce, manual cars are seeing a decline in sales compared to electric cars. However, despite there not being a ban on transmissions in general, there is a ban on all petrol and diesel cars by 2030. By default, that rules out manual cars, as all electric cars are automatic.   

Do manual engines last longer?

Overall, manual transmissions require less servicing than their counterparts to remain functioning. They don’t need the same type of oil as an automatic transmission which ideally makes them the better choice. Plus as a bonus, stick-shift cars typically last longer compared to an automatic version of the same make and model.  

Final Thoughts

It will be a sad day when we finally say goodbye to the 5-speed manual transmission. But if you are lucky enough to find the one car in the whole world that still operates on a 5-speed transmission consider yourself lucky! Here’s to end of a very successful 70 year old invention.