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  • William Maley
    William Maley

    By William Maley •

    Manual Transmissions Becoming Somewhat Popular Again

    William Maley

    Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

    May 1, 2012

    From the Twilight Zone file: USA Today reports that 6.5% of new vehicles sold in the first quarter were equipped with a manual transmission, which is more than double of vehicles sold with them in 2007. It's also the highest amount since 2006 when 7.2% vehicles were sold with manual transmission.

    The take rate is more impressive when you take into account that 19% of the 2,360 different models on sale offer a manual.

    The increase is attributed to the lower prices of manual transmission vehicles, fun factor, and ease of operation.

    The increased interest of manual transmissions by buyers have surprised automakers.

    For example, Ford says that 10% of Focus demand is for a manual transmission. Orignally, Ford had planned on 4 to 4.5% demand for a manual.

    Source: USA Today

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    SAmadei

    I see it as a limited gain I am sad to say.

    Agreed, but it has to exist as an option for it to increase in popularity... unlike alternate body styles, driven wheels, etc., which are commonly argued here as unwanted when they are only limited pickings.

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    G. David Felt

    This is a liimited gain as you see it was 2007 when it hit it's peak. This is all those people who are needing to replace their old Manual cars (5 years old) with new ones. I expect this to grow this year but cool off next year.

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    Drew Dowdell

    I wonder if part of it is improved feel of manual transmissions in smaller cars. I used to hate driving Civic or Acura 4-cylinders with manual transmissions, but the Cruze and Sonic 6-speeds are about the nicest to drive manuals I've ever been behind.

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    G. David Felt

    QUESTION?????

    Does anyone know or do you think it would be possible to have a Hybrid with Manual Tranny? I do not think I have seen any Hybrid and this could be due to the electric motors running the wheels, but I was just thinking.

    Crazy thoughts. :P

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    Drew Dowdell

    The first generation Civic Hybrid was available with a manual transmission. I've driven it. It operated just like a normal car except that the motor shut off when you were sitting with your foot on the brake. As the GM eAssist operates in the same general way as the Honda IMA, it could technically be equipped with a manual transmission as well.

    Now, the Prius could not be done with a manual because of the way the transmission blends power from the electric motor and the gasoline engine. The Nissan and Ford hybrids fall into this same camp.

    In the GM 2-mode hybrid, the actual hybrid parts are inside the automatic transmission, so if you swap out the automatic in that, then there are no more hybrid parts left.

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    G. David Felt

    The first generation Civic Hybrid was available with a manual transmission. I've driven it. It operated just like a normal car except that the motor shut off when you were sitting with your foot on the brake. As the GM eAssist operates in the same general way as the Honda IMA, it could technically be equipped with a manual transmission as well.

    Now, the Prius could not be done with a manual because of the way the transmission blends power from the electric motor and the gasoline engine. The Nissan and Ford hybrids fall into this same camp.

    In the GM 2-mode hybrid, the actual hybrid parts are inside the automatic transmission, so if you swap out the automatic in that, then there are no more hybrid parts left.

    Thanks, that is pretty interesting, I did not know about the GM 2-mode Hybrid. In the prius case, I was wondering if it was due to the blending of the two.

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    Z-06

    I miss driving a car w/ a manual, esp. with a V8. Midlife crisis approaching...

    V8 + manual..... My midlife crisis has already started :P

    QUESTION?????

    Does anyone know or do you think it would be possible to have a Hybrid with Manual Tranny? I do not think I have seen any Hybrid and this could be due to the electric motors running the wheels, but I was just thinking.

    Crazy thoughts. :P

    Honda CR-Z

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    PurdueGuy

    QUESTION?????

    Does anyone know or do you think it would be possible to have a Hybrid with Manual Tranny? I do not think I have seen any Hybrid and this could be due to the electric motors running the wheels, but I was just thinking.

    Crazy thoughts. :P

    Honda CR-Z

    1st gen Insight too IIRC.

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    G. David Felt

    WOW, Seems there are 17 Manual 2LT versions of the Cruze in the Seattle market.

    Locate A Vehicle: 2012 Cruze

    Showing results for - 4 NEAREST DEALERS -LEE JOHNSON CHEVROLET-MAZDA (KIRKLAND, WA)BILL PIERRE CHEVROLET (SEATTLE, WA)GOOD CHEVROLET, INC. (RENTON, WA)BURIEN CHEVROLET (SEATTLE, WA)- ALL LOCAL DEALERS - in zip code 98034

    Start a new search

    Customize your search results: Set your vehicle preferences

    Color Preference Match Price Distance sort_arrow_asc.gif 2012_chevrolet_cruze_lt_sedan_GAZ.gif

    No Preferences Set

    Trim: 2LT Ext: Summit White Int: VIN: 1G1PG5SC3C7262355 View Window Sticker

    $23,360

    • MSRP starting at:
    • $23,360
    • Total Cash Offers:
    • -$0
    • Your Price:
    • $23,360
    • Total Amount Below MSRP:
    • $0

    2.4 mi

    LEE JOHNSON CHEVROLET-MAZDA Dealer Map and Directions Schedule a Test Drive 2012_chevrolet_cruze_lt_sedan_G56.gif

    No Preferences Set

    Trim: 2LT Ext: Blue Granite Metallic Int: VIN: 1G1PG5SC1C7341572 View Window Sticker

    $24,370

    • MSRP starting at:
    • $24,370
    • Total Cash Offers:
    • -$0
    • Your Price:
    • $24,370
    • Total Amount Below MSRP:
    • $0

    4.8 mi

    BILL PIERRE CHEVROLET Dealer Map and Directions Schedule a Test Drive 2012_chevrolet_cruze_lt_sedan_GAZ.gif

    No Preferences Set

    Trim: 2LT Ext: Summit White Int: VIN: 1G1PG5SC2C7148931 View Window Sticker

    $25,220

    • MSRP starting at:
    • $25,220
    • Total Cash Offers:
    • -$0
    • Your Price:
    • $25,220
    • Total Amount Below MSRP:
    • $0

    16.8 mi

    GOOD CHEVROLET, INC. Dealer Map and Directions Schedule a Test Drive 2012_chevrolet_cruze_lt_sedan_GTS.gif

    No Preferences Set

    Trim: 2LT Ext: Blue Topaz Metallic Int: VIN: 1G1PM5SC1C7237513 View Window Sticker

    $23,395

    • MSRP starting at:
    • $23,395
    • Total Cash Offers:
    • -$0
    • Your Price:
    • $23,395
    • Total Amount Below MSRP:
    • $0

    16.8 mi

    GOOD CHEVROLET, INC. Dealer Map and Directions Schedule a Test Drive 2012_chevrolet_cruze_lt_sedan_GCN.gif

    No Preferences Set

    Trim: 2LT Ext: Victory Red Int: VIN: 1G1PG5SC1C7245683 View Window Sticker

    $24,855

    • MSRP starting at:
    • $24,855
    • Total Cash Offers:
    • -$0
    • Your Price:
    • $24,855
    • Total Amount Below MSRP:
    • $0

    16.8 mi

    GOOD CHEVROLET, INC. Dealer Map and Directions Schedule a Test Drive 2012_chevrolet_cruze_lt_sedan_GCN.gif

    No Preferences Set

    Trim: 2LT Ext: Victory Red Int: VIN: 1G1PG5SCXC7248419 View Window Sticker

    $23,955

    • MSRP starting at:
    • $23,955
    • Total Cash Offers:
    • -$0
    • Your Price:
    • $23,955
    • Total Amount Below MSRP:
    • $0

    16.8 mi

    GOOD CHEVROLET, INC. Dealer Map and Directions Schedule a Test Drive 2012_chevrolet_cruze_lt_sedan_GAZ.gif

    No Preferences Set

    Trim: 2LT Ext: Summit White Int: VIN: 1G1PG5SC0C7178106 View Window Sticker

    $25,725

    • MSRP starting at:
    • $25,725
    • Total Cash Offers:
    • -$0
    • Your Price:
    • $25,725
    • Total Amount Below MSRP:
    • $0

    17.7 mi

    BURIEN CHEVROLET Dealer Map and Directions Schedule a Test Drive 2012_chevrolet_cruze_lt_sedan_GCN.gif

    No Preferences Set

    Trim: 2LT Ext: Victory Red Int: VIN: 1G1PM5SC1C7241948 View Window Sticker

    $24,625

    • MSRP starting at:
    • $24,625
    • Total Cash Offers:
    • -$0
    • Your Price:
    • $24,625
    • Total Amount Below MSRP:
    • $0

    17.7 mi

    BURIEN CHEVROLET Dealer Map and Directions Schedule a Test Drive 2012_chevrolet_cruze_lt_sedan_GAZ.gif

    No Preferences Set

    Trim: 2LT Ext: Summit White Int: VIN: 1G1PM5SC1C7342732 View Window Sticker

    $24,070

    • MSRP starting at:
    • $24,070
    • Total Cash Offers:
    • -$0
    • Your Price:
    • $24,070
    • Total Amount Below MSRP:
    • $0

    17.7 mi

    BURIEN CHEVROLET Dealer Map and Directions Schedule a Test Drive 2012_chevrolet_cruze_lt_sedan_GAR.gif

    No Preferences Set

    Trim: 2LT Ext: Black Granite Metallic Int: VIN: 1G1PM5SC3C7338861 View Window Sticker

    $25,135

    • MSRP starting at:
    • $25,135
    • Total Cash Offers:
    • -$0
    • Your Price:
    • $25,135
    • Total Amount Below MSRP:
    • $0

    17.7 mi

    BURIEN CHEVROLET Dealer Map and Directions Schedule a Test Drive 2012_chevrolet_cruze_lt_sedan_GAR.gif

    No Preferences Set

    Trim: 2LT Ext: Black Granite Metallic Int: VIN: 1G1PM5SC5C7341650 View Window Sticker

    $24,265

    • MSRP starting at:
    • $24,265
    • Total Cash Offers:
    • -$0
    • Your Price:
    • $24,265
    • Total Amount Below MSRP:
    • $0

    17.7 mi

    BURIEN CHEVROLET Dealer Map and Directions Schedule a Test Drive 2012_chevrolet_cruze_lt_sedan_GBE.gif

    No Preferences Set

    Trim: 2LT Ext: Crystal Red Tintcoat Int: VIN: 1G1PM5SC6C7340443 View Window Sticker

    $24,395

    • MSRP starting at:
    • $24,395
    • Total Cash Offers:
    • -$0
    • Your Price:
    • $24,395
    • Total Amount Below MSRP:
    • $0

    17.7 mi

    BURIEN CHEVROLET Dealer Map and Directions Schedule a Test Drive 2012_chevrolet_cruze_lt_sedan_GCN.gif

    No Preferences Set

    Trim: 2LT Ext: Victory Red Int: VIN: 1G1PG5SC8C7323876 View Window Sticker

    $23,805

    • MSRP starting at:
    • $23,805
    • Total Cash Offers:
    • -$0
    • Your Price:
    • $23,805
    • Total Amount Below MSRP:
    • $0

    23.7 mi

    ROY ROBINSON CHEVROLET Dealer Map and Directions Schedule a Test Drive 2012_chevrolet_cruze_lt_sedan_G56.gif

    No Preferences Set

    Trim: 2LT Ext: Blue Granite Metallic Int: VIN: 1G1PG5SC6C7328977 View Window Sticker

    $24,560

    • MSRP starting at:
    • $24,560
    • Total Cash Offers:
    • -$0
    • Your Price:
    • $24,560
    • Total Amount Below MSRP:
    • $0

    23.7 mi

    ROY ROBINSON CHEVROLET Dealer Map and Directions Schedule a Test Drive 2012_chevrolet_cruze_lt_sedan_GTS.gif

    No Preferences Set

    Trim: 2LT Ext: Blue Topaz Metallic Int: VIN: 1G1PG5SC8C7175504 View Window Sticker

    $24,675

    • MSRP starting at:
    • $24,675
    • Total Cash Offers:
    • -$0
    • Your Price:
    • $24,675
    • Total Amount Below MSRP:
    • $0

    24.3 mi

    CHAPLIN'S NORTH BEND CHEVROLET Dealer Map and Directions Schedule a Test Drive 2012_chevrolet_cruze_lt_sedan_GGT.gif

    No Preferences Set

    Trim: 2LT Ext: Autumn Metallic Int: VIN: 1G1PG5SC3C7329004 View Window Sticker

    $24,560

    • MSRP starting at:
    • $24,560
    • Total Cash Offers:
    • -$0
    • Your Price:
    • $24,560
    • Total Amount Below MSRP:
    • $0

    24.8 mi

    HASELWOOD CHEVROLET BUICK GMC Dealer Map and Directions Schedule a Test Drive 2012_chevrolet_cruze_lt_sedan_GLF.gif

    No Preferences Set

    Trim: 2LT Ext: Ice Blue Metallic Int: VIN: 1G1PG5SC3C7329858 View Window Sticker

    $24,560

    • MSRP starting at:
    • $24,560
    • Total Cash Offers:
    • -$0
    • Your Price:
    • $24,560
    • Total Amount Below MSRP:
    • $0

    24.8 mi

    HASELWOOD CHEVROLET BUICK GMC Dealer Map and Directions Schedule a Test Drive

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    G. David Felt

    So in checking inventory in the Seattle areas, Here is what we have in Cruze with manual 6 speed.

    50 LS Models available in a 15 mile radius

    33 1LT Models available in a 15 mile radius

    17 2LT Models available in a 15 mile radius

    50 ECO Models available in a 15 mile radius.

    Guess Seattle got dumped with Manuals. :P

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    PurdueGuy

    I'm seriously thinking about a used Cruze Eco for my wife when she wears out her SC1. It'll probably take a few years. She wants 2 things: good fuel economy, manual trans.

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