Sticks are for enthusiasts, and those who want control. Even the lowest HP Civic feels like it has some cojones with a 5 speed. But th bottom line is, they are a lot of fun. Execxtuing a perfect down-shift and then accelerating in apex using 2 hands and both feet is an exhilarating feeling, and is what turns a vehicle operator into a "driver". But there are other benefits too - the improved MPG, the fact that you have to pay attention to the road, lower repair costs, and I am sure there are more. I have owned one slushbox in my life, but in my defense, my leftcalf was roughly twice the size of my right after working the clutch in CBX traffic everyday. Also, the car I wanted didn't have an optional transmission. just CVT or nothing. Now i am stuck with a tranny that wants to fake gears when I slap it into manual mode, but does a pretty piss poor job matching revs. Mark my words, i will never buy another auto again.
But we have to give a shout-out to Car and Driver Magazine. they are now forming a campaign to save the manual transmission and hopefully get the attention of automakers. It is worth checking out and supporting, become a facebook friend, and add some comments. whether you support the bowtie or the blue oval, 4 rings or a roundel, this is something we can all agree on.
http://www.caranddriver.com/features/10q3/save_the_manuals!-car_and_driver
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