Can you drive a stick shift? (Poll)

[WotAnAtti2d]

When I was looking for my perfect car, I read that only 4% of people in the US drive a stick shift now. From what I've seen (or not seen), I think that number is too high. Btw, I drive a six-speed stick shift and I love it.

[herbalhippie]

Um...yes.

I learned how to drive on a '62 Corvette. Started out in a stadium parking lot in South Seattle and then progressed to downtown after a couple hours to learn how to clutch and shift and start out on hills.

I can't imagine doing that now, that was a completely different city when I was 14.

[WotAnAtti2d]

Wow, a '62 Corvette? Someone must have liked you a lot! I love the tapered rears, unfortunately they'll probably never make cars like that again. I had a car with the 327 engine in it; it was a sleeper.

I progressed through stick shifts from a "three on the tree", to a "four on the floor", to the five-speed, and now a six-speed. The gear ratio on the six-speed is ridiculous, and it makes it really fun to drive.... until you look at your gas mileage, lol.

[herbalhippie]

The car belonged to a friend a few years older than me. I don't remember what he started with, but he traded up and up and up. There was blue Vette and then there was a Dodge Challenger or Charger and then the gold metal flake Vette that he taught me how to drive on. I was 14 or 15. Funny thing is, I didn't get my license and my own car until I was 18. My first car was a 70 Fastback Mustang but it was an automatic.

[Inland Botanicals]

What!? 4% only? Yes, I do drive a stick shift currently Mitsubishi Spyder Eclipse. Fun little car. My dad taught me how to drive a stick before an automatic so it just stuck I guess.

[WotAnAtti2d]

I figure if you're going to drive a sporty and/or fast car, it should be a stick shift. I get dismayed when I walk past a sleek new Mustang (or fill in the blank here), look in the window, and see an automatic gear shift. Why bother?

I read that, "you can't beat a computer shifting", but I just don't see any fun mashing on a gas pedal. /shrug

[BlendsAreMyFriends]

My first car was 2 yrs younger than me with 3 on the tree. I owned 5 or 6 vehicles before I owned an automatic.

[DrFappingston]

I'm 23, my second car onward has been a stick shift. All growing up my Dad had manual transmission cars, including a Jeep Wrangler and 2 different Mazda Rx-8s, most notably. Though he now drives an automatic CVT Honda Civic due to joint issues that make it a pain to drive long distances and deal with a clutch pedal. He is still looking for a fun weekend car in manual because he just can't let it go and I can't blame him.

I currently drive a 6-speed 2011 MINI Cooper S, modified with a cold air intake, front mounted intercooler, catless downpipe and a turbo module @+4 PSI. Once finances allow, I'll be getting her in for a stage 2 tune to be making a respectable 230-240hp in a sub-2700lb package. I love this car, it's nimble around corners, quick but most importantly fun as hell to drive.

My car: http://imgur.com/3Gdvw4y

[Madison808]

No, but would like to learn!

[WotAnAtti2d]

My car: http://imgur.com/3Gdvw4y

I'm not much for the Mini-Coopers, nor striping, but I have to admit the paint scheme looks sharp on the car. My buddy had an older Jeep Wrangler with a four-speed, we'd go out four-wheeling with that thing. It was great fun!

This is my six-speed beast with 300 horsies - 2015 Honda Accord EX-L. The first time I got on it, it almost put me in the backseat. I have to admit; it scared the shit out of me. I got tire in first and second. I was thinking I could get it in third, but I'd be doing warp 1 by then, lol.

[WhiteAngelica]

I’m from NYC. I don’t drive. I was forced to move upstate for the time being and I still won’t drive. Forever a Public Transport Whore...

[BlendsAreMyFriends]

Depending on where up state it can be rough depending on public transportation. I knew people in Greene County and there wasn't much if any.

[gravystainonmyshirt]

Every kid sho is starting to drive should experience a stick shift. Not to mention older cheaper cars usually are stick so its a good way to start driving due to the cost and to understand engines. I enjoy stick shifts a lot, i like older ones where the clutch is tougher though. These new ones you cant even feel the action at all ya know.

[DNA011001]

I learned on a 5-speed so, it was all I knew. Until last year I had only had old bmws than no one else could figure out how to drive. Now, I have an automatic and still have soooo much trouble trying to understand it. With a manual gear shift, you and the vehicle are one, driving together. But, with an automatic, you just press a button and command the car to drive you around. Feels so impersonal. Plus, I get distracted all the time because there is nothing to do besides watch.

[WotAnAtti2d]

DNA, that's funny because I have a buddy that only drives a stick because he says, "It gives him something to do while he's driving." My mother and I had to go out of town, and I had to rent a car. I asked if they had one with a manual transmission and the 20-something girl behind the counter asked me what that was.... sigh. I get in the automatic and the first thing I do before I turn the key is, put my left foot all the way down to the floor, lol. My mom says, "What are you doing???" I said, "I'm starting the car!"

[Cowboy]

Yes I can. 4% surprises me. Thought it would be higher

[halt]

Yes I did it relatively young and my dad taught me at 17 of course this was after having basics of driving down in an automatic. Wasn't too hard however first gear is always tricky and depending on the car and how heavy the clutch is it can be hard to find the sweet spot to where you are getting good shifts out of neutral into first gear.

[Sneakers]

Wow I feel like such a loser lol. I never learned how to drive stick, though I could probably learn. How difficult can it be? I'd really like to have a bike someday.