I was leafing thorugh latest issue of Truckin magazine and I noticed a line that said that Ford, gm, and dodge were phasing out the manual transmissions in their lines of light duty trucks, by 2011. WTF? Seriously? This is the first I've heard about this. If this is true, it royally sucks. I left the magazine at work so I can't give a page number. Has anyone else heard of this or have I gotten a bad batch of Peyote. lol

 

It sounds about right. Although, check out the Euro Ranger. FWIW, they are still running a manual transfer case (option maybe, not sure).

I wish the auto makers would pay closer attention to the enthusiasts. The average car buyer will still buy cars that the enthusiasts like (ie having manuals as an option)

 

you havent already noticed this trend by now? look at fullsize trucks

 

I would never own a manual transmission truck. Every car I owned was a manual transmission car.

 

Look at the duramax....virtually NO manuals out there. SUPER SUPER rare. Look at all the cars out there the past 10 years....virtually all are automatic standard. MOST fullsizes are auto, only manuals you see are diesels and the base model v6's. Although....believe it or not...some cars/trucks, MANUAL TRANS is an option, not a standard equipment. Yes, i see a trend. I'm thinking the big three are axeing the manuals in trucks because the great majority sold are auto. And axing the manuals would be cheaper to manufacture becuase that's one less thing to differentiate(spelling?) one truck from another. Boils down to $$ i think.

It's BS. Pay attention to us guys(and gals) that like shifting our own gears.

 

usually trying to sell a used manual is kinda hard you need the right people to buy it also..

 

was told when i bought mine because alot of people can't drive standard ...( less demand, harder to sell) personally love standard i find driving an auto boring ( except stop and go traffic up a hill lol ) at least 4 of my 5 vechicles were manual... if true one more reason for me to hang onto my ranger

 

ive driven both, i prefer the auto actually. less hassle. also the auto transmissions are just getting better and better.

 

same here

 

I like my manual

But there are moments when an auto would be nice

 

I've never understood why knowing how to operate a manual vehicle isn't required to be licensed. I'd assume that if you can handle operating a clutch and gearshift, that you would be that much more competent, even in an automatic. You just get used to having more ***** in the air.

Personally I can't stand automatics and will never own one. It seems to me like there's a movement to slowly phase out everything I like. Can't even ride a mountain bike without a helmet here anymore.

 

try sitting in NYC traffic for a few hours and you might just change your story

 

I agree with that statement totally, driving a stick forces you to be a better driver. Otherwise you look llike a tool jerking down the street. I guess they want everyone to able to talk on their cellphones with one less distraction,lol.

I learned to drive in a semi-automatic dodge dart, lets bring that back.

They have done the same thing with the bike laws here. they don't really enforce it here unless its for kids.

I just can believe the big three would do this, just means I might have to buy a yota next time. (sacrilege) I just peeves me that I won't have the option when I upgrade next.

 

I love watching people complain about manauls. go drive a Model A ford. with out any syncros and straight cut gears and realize how well we have it now

 

99% sure that I would never subject myself to that kind of foolishness. I mean you do have mass transportation right?

 

Yea, cause we all have model A fords in our garages, that we can drive when ever.

 

he was pointing out the advancements and improvements in the ease of driving a manual transmission compared to back in the days of the model A

 

Amazing how Jared got the comment for what it is.. nice being sarcastic Martinez

 

That does suck. I wish my Ranger was a manual, perhaps I would dislike it less. I prefer manuals. Nearly every car I've ever owned has been a manual. When I bought my Xterra, I looked twice as long until I found one in a manual, because that is what I like.

Jeez.

 

only vechicles i think i had that were auto were my hyundai accent and mustang gt ( took flak from that when i went to sell it, 1 guy said looking for a car for my son not my daughter! lol ...had a b&m hammer shifter...looked standard til he sat in it)

 

I love my manual ranger, I don't think it would be the same without it. I don't think I'd love it as much or at all without it being a manual. Autos are nice, I admit that. they are nice on the highway or in traffic as you never have to down shift yourself. But driving around town and cruising the local streets it way to much fun. I haven't driven any "new" cars with automatics so I can't say much on how they have improved. Newest car I've driven with an auto is a 96. lol. I've been looking at new vehicles as I'm in the midsts of getting a new job thus requiring more driving and well with 170,000 on the ranger I'd need something more efficient and gas friendly. All cars I've been looking at are manuals, most 6 speeds to. But I have looked at newer rangers (all autos as I can't find a manual) with the 4.0L SOHC and have been able to tell myself (quite convincingly) that its newer and gets better gas mileage which is what I'd want.

 

great minds think alike

 

Driving a manual (with synchronizers ) is the only way to drive. I have a 6 speed Getrag in my Focus SVT and the standard Mazda 5 speed in my Ranger. All manuals aren’t built the same and the Getrag is smooth as butter. However, I still like the Ranger for a daily because it gives realtime feedback. I had one automatic car, a Grand Prix, and it was my last automatic.

I guess all the more reason to keep what I have or buy one of the last new ones with a stickshift… I understand I'm in the minority...

I did get an awesome deal because when I bought my Ranger nobody would buy it because it was a stickshift. After I bought it the guy asked if I really wanted a stick all along and I said oh ya that's all I drive...lol

 

I have an auto in the Jeep and my ranger was a manual. Honestly, I would love a manual again. Autos are boring... I don't even mind the manual in stop and go traffic. After all, its not like a ranger is a Model A Ford.

Personally, my next truck will be a stick again. Either a diesel Ford or Dodge, or a gas Dodge. (Dodge is the only full size now to offer a manual still)

 

I wish my truck was auto but I would only buy a Sports car or underpowered 4 banger in manual if i were to buy manual again.