All cars and trucks had manual transmissions until Cadillac introduced the first automatics in the late 1940”s. These are just what the name implies, they are manually shifted by the driver. They are usually identified by the number of forward speeds. The number has grown over the years from the old standard of 3 to the modern 5 or 6 speeds.
BENEFITS
The high point of manuals is their reliability. They are purely mechanical and completely controlled by the driver. They also provided better performance and fuel mileage because there is very little power loss between the engine and the driving wheels. Manual transmissions also are able to handle more power and torque. Until recently they were the only transmission offered on many high performance cars. They are also much cheaper to manufacture and to repair. The most frequent repair is the replacement of the friction plate in the clutch ( usually less than $1000)
THE DRAWBACKS
The drawbacks are the ease of use and packaging. The driver must disengage the clutch with the pedal, select the desired gear with the shifter lever and re-engage the clutch while increasing the fuel to get the car to move. This process must be repeated for each gear change. This fully engages the driver because it requires the use of both hands and both feet. There is also a certain amount of coordination required to operate the car smoothly and keep from stalling the engine. The drive must be constantly thinking about what is happening ahead so they can select the proper gear.
CONCLUSION
This requirement of driver involvement is the main factor of the love/hate of manuals. People that like to drive love the involvement and control this offers. Others just want to get in and get where they need to go with the least amount of effort possible.
