Topic: Why is manual transmissions still standard on cars

[Khalee1]

And not automatics. Been shoping around here for a pickup truck, and all the dealers got are ones with manual tranmissions. Why after a century Arnt automatic transmissions standard on cars and trucks, I meen I can drive a manual but just dont like too. Considering the job I got that keeps me on my feet all night, after I get off work all I want to do is get in my car and go,and not worry about what gear im in. I could aford the payments on all the trucks I looked at, but they were all manuals, that and coming up with a down payment that they wanted which was 1000 to 2500 for the better one I saw, A blue ford ranger sport truck.

I remember In high school we only had a half day with manual transmissions, heh and we tore that poor transmission apart even more, with all the grinding we did. But still i just dont understand why automatics are not standard equipment today instead of manuals.

Ill keep looking and hopeing I can find one I can aford.

[atheorhaven]

They're standard because companies think that they can upsell an automatic based off what you'd just mentioned.  Just jump in and go.

Personally, I prefer a manual transmission myself.. I live where it gets really really cold in the winter, and have blown tranny lines on an automatic when they froze solid.  But my manual tranny got me through without an issue.  And roll-strating the vehicle when the battery went flat.  And driving an automatic is rather boring.. a standard keeps me involved with the drive more.  Just makes for a better driving experience all around. 

But when I go to buy a new car someday, I'm going to be a really hard sell.

"What do you have on the lot that has a standard tranny and as few electronics as possible?"  I'd sooner retorfit than buy new..

[Bonk]

Maintenance costs.
Performance and handling.
Fuel economy.
Reliability.
Control.

I think some of the new automatics are satisfactory, but very expensive. I believe there is a continuous transmission in development (on the market?) now - that makes the most sense if not manual.

I would much prefer a standard five speed over an automatic 4 speed myself. Manual transmissions tend to have a wider range of gear ratios. I used to be able to run an old standard in 5th gear at 160Km/h @ ~2200 RPM (on level stretches) -> super cheap on gas. Conversely, running in 1st gear on sheer ice allows progress where an automatic transmission would have you in the ditch in no time. (it's really the clutch that makes the difference)

If you're in the truck market, all the more reason to get a standard for more control in towing and load handling. Using a manual takes a little practice and skill (physics intuition helps a lot). Once you get the hang of it it is very difficult to accept the behaviour of the average automatic transmission setup. But if you don't have the knack, better off to stick with an automatic.

[Corbomite]

Cost is the main reason. An automatic transmission is a hydromechanical computer and can add up to $3000 to the sticker price of a vehicle.

[Age]

The reason is is because it is cheaper to buy a manual transmission on cars mostly small ones though.I would say bigger cars and trucks do better with an automatic as the costs of maintiance is cheaper like getting clutch jop done.

To Khalee1 I would recommend an automatic if you are doing lots of driving back and forth to work and whereever it is you go.This way you won't have to pay for the big clutch jop unless you do it yourself.

[toasty0]

For some reason I think these lyrics answer your question:

Dear God, you made many, many poor people.
I realize, of course, that it's no shame to be poor.
But it's no great honor either!
So, what would have been so terrible if I had a small fortune?"

If I were a rich man,
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
All day long I'd biddy biddy bum.
If I were a wealthy man.
I wouldn't have to work hard.
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
If I were a biddy biddy rich,
Yidle-diddle-didle-didle man.

I'd build a big tall house with rooms by the dozen,
Right in the middle of the town.
A fine tin roof with real wooden floors below.
There would be one long staircase just going up,
And one even longer coming down,
And one more leading nowhere, just for show.

I'd fill my yard with chicks and turkeys and geese and ducks
For the town to see and hear.
(Insert)Squawking just as noisily as they can. (End Insert)
With each loud "cheep" "swaqwk" "honk" "quack"
Would land like a trumpet on the ear,
As if to say "Here lives a wealthy man."

If I were a rich man,
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
All day long I'd biddy biddy bum.
If I were a wealthy man.
I wouldn't have to work hard.
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
If I were a biddy biddy rich,
Yidle-diddle-didle-didle man.

I see my wife, my Golde, looking like a rich man's wife
With a proper double-chin.
Supervising meals to her heart's delight.
I see her putting on airs and strutting like a peacock.
Oy, what a happy mood she's in.
Screaming at the servants, day and night.

The most important men in town would come to fawn on me!
They would ask me to advise them,
Like a Solomon the Wise.
"If you please, Reb Tevye..."
"Pardon me, Reb Tevye..."
Posing problems that would cross a rabbi's eyes!

And it won't make one bit of difference if i answer right or wrong.
When you're rich, they think you really know!

If I were rich, I'd have the time that I lack
To sit in the synagogue and pray.
And maybe have a seat by the Eastern wall.
And I'd discuss the holy books with the learned men, several hours every day.
That would be the sweetest thing of all.

If I were a rich man,
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
All day long I'd biddy biddy bum.
If I were a wealthy man.
I wouldn't have to work hard.
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.

Lord who mad the lion and the lamb,
You decreed I should be what I am.
Would it spoil some vast eternal plan?
If I were a wealthy man.

[Sarek]

I prefer a manual myself, except in stop and go traffic.  Having to shift is more interesting than not.  And I like them much better in snow, especially if you get stuck.  You don't need someone else to get the car rocking back and forth to get out. 

[knightstorm]

It might also be because the advantages of manual transmissions which have already been mentioned make them preferable for the pickup truck's targeted market.

[marstone]

It might also be because the advantages of manual transmissions which have already been mentioned make them preferable for the pickup truck's targeted market.

also with Fuel economy standards rising, manuals get better gas milage so it is a quick way to up your average MPG in a fleet.

[Nemesis]

If they sold with the automatic transmission by default the extra price would not be as much as making the automatic a "luxury" upgrade.  It is about maximizing profit. 

A lot of "optional features" are like that.  I've seen heaters listed as "optional" which is insane here in Canada.

[Dracho]

Also, a manual transmission on a truck is desirable for towing.  It does not generate the excessive heat of an automatic while pulling heavy loads.

[DuctTapeWonder]

Also, a manual transmission on a truck is desirable for towing.  It does not generate the excessive heat of an automatic while pulling heavy loads.

I wish I had your problem. Seems like all the trucks for sale here have Autos. Took me 4 months of looking to find a Jeep with a manual. I suppose it's all personal preference though. I like having a manual when I'm driving off-road or in S***ty conditions. Better control over the vehicle.

[Dracho]

I tow my ranger sometimes.  would have to use a dolly if it was an automatic.

[Sarek]

Also, a manual transmission on a truck is desirable for towing.  It does not generate the excessive heat of an automatic while pulling heavy loads.

I wish I had your problem. Seems like all the trucks for sale here have Autos. Took me 4 months of looking to find a Jeep with a manual. I suppose it's all personal preference though. I like having a manual when I'm driving off-road or in S***ty conditions. Better control over the vehicle.

That's why I wound up with an automatic in my truck, in order to get a manual I would have had to order it from the factory rather than buy it off the lot.

[Villa64]

Advice:  Go somewhere else and buy what you want.

[Mackie]

Here automatic cars are mostly reserved for disabled people and geriatrics.