[Fact Checked]
Surprisingly, around 18-66% of Americans say they can drive a stick, depending on the survey, but many haven't driven one in years. While manual proficiency isn't extinct, the choice to drive manuals practically is. So why the decline?
Technology is a top contender. Modern automatics are smarter, smoother, and more fuel efficient than ever before. Dual-clutch transmissions and CVTs deliver rapid shifts that can outpace most drivers. For everyday commutes and traffic, automatics eliminate the hassle of clutch control, making driving easier and safer.
At the same time, market forces influence availability. Few new models offer manuals, especially outside sports cars and performance vehicles. Dealerships stock fewer manuals, limiting buyer options. With low demand, automakers invest less in manual development, tightening the cycle.
Generational shifts also play a role. Older drivers, who grew up learning stick, dominate manual ownership. Younger drivers are less likely to learn, as driver education and licensing focus on automatics. Enthusiasm for manuals still exists, especially among enthusiasts, but wider cultural trends push toward automatic ease.
Despite the decline, manuals are cherished by purists for control, engagement, and connection to the machine. For now, they remain a niche choice, a dying art in mainstream America but alive and cherished in corners of passionate driving culture.
So while 96% of Americans effectively choose automatic cars, the skill to drive manual still lingers as a badge of honor ... the Gearhead equivalent of vinyl records in a digital world.