Choices for a family vehicle with a manual transmission?

[21Rouge]

I do enjoy driving a 5 speed. And I do think they are definitely less problematic than an automatic....that has been my experience.Currently we have a 2000 Montana minivan (but which we need when the 5 of us go any distance) and the base 5 speed Pontiac Vibe. *If* tomorrow I was able to ditch the Montana and purchase a new vehicle that could easily and comfortably accomodate my wife and I and our 3 teenage boys AND have a manual transmission...what are my limited choices? For example the Mazda 5, has very good room for 5 people and in a pinch can accomodate 6. It comes with a 5 speed. Are there any 6 cylinder vehicles available in NA mated to a 5 speed manual tranny, suitable for a family?

[RIT]

Honda CR-V

[michaelgt]

I am not sure why you think that the automatic transmission has more problems. I have had many GM cars, with several going over 150k with only one transmission fluid flush. I am guessing a stock would have had more with clutches in that time. Have you had problems with the Montana transmission. My Venture has 159k, and never a problem on the transmission.As for a 5 passenger vehicle with a stick, you could get a CTS-V. I am guessing your teenage sons would like the car!

[Mavrik]

250HP turbo Legacy 2.5 GT sedan/wagon with 5spd transmission.

[TRDman]

Well, the CR-V does, but good luck finding one. It's only available on the all-wheel drive EX model. The Honda Accord EX-V6 is available with a 6 speed, which I'd wager would be easier to find. The Mazda 6 wagon comes with a 6 and a 5 speed. The Nissan Maxima and Altima are available with 6 and 5 speeds (respectively) across the board. Based on your needs, though, the 6 wagon and CR-V seem like the best options. Others: Nissan Xterra, Suzuki XL-7, Kia Sorento (base), uhhh (there aren't many)

[northvibe]

in theory/actuality, the manual runs much cooler than a automatic transmission. So auto's are much more inclined to have issues, it does all depend on how you drive too. With automatic's a tranny cooler would be a good way to go. as for a manual car, the mazda 6 is nice

[21Rouge]

Quote, originally posted by northvibe »in theory/actuality, the manual runs much cooler than a automatic transmission. So auto's are much more inclined to have issues, Plus a manual is more fun to drive and if driven properly said car will get better gas mileage than the corresponding automatic.

[21Rouge]

Quote, originally posted by Mavrik »250HP turbo Legacy 2.5 GT sedan/wagon with 5spd transmission..Hmm...would the wagon easily accomodate 5 adults plus a loaded hockey bag and stick up the centre?

[21Rouge]

Quote, originally posted by TRDman »Well, the CR-V does, but good luck finding one. It's only available on the all-wheel drive EX model. The Honda Accord EX-V6 is available with a 6 speed, which I'd wager would be easier to find. The Mazda 6 wagon comes with a 6 and a 5 speed. The Nissan Maxima and Altima are available with 6 and 5 speeds (respectively) across the board. Based on your needs, though, the 6 wagon and CR-V seem like the best options. Others: Nissan Xterra, Suzuki XL-7, Kia Sorento (base), uhhh (there aren't many)Thanks for the suggestions. There arent many are there? No minivans comes with a 'stick' right?

[Atomb]

my wife and i are considering a subaru forester ...we don't 3 teenagers but it might do the trick?

[TRDman]

Quote, originally posted by Boxgrover »Thanks for the suggestions. There arent many are there? No minivans comes with a 'stick' right?Not a problem. No, there aren't, and if you really need the room your best bets are the Mazda5 or the Suzuki XL-7; on a long trip or even around town, nothing else is going to have the room. I'd bet on the Mazda because of its superior mileage, although the XL-7 is a lot more spacious. Unless you want to spring for a 15 year old Caravan, Astro, or Aerostar, there are no manual minivans.

[jeffgtx]

Saturn Vue has a manual option

[mcgusto82]

the BMW 5 series has a wagon available in stick. then there is also the audi S4. acura TL.

[21Rouge]

Quote, originally posted by jeffgtx »Saturn Vue has a manual optionAhh! Now that might be doable ie within my price range. Is the Vue with the Honda V6 have the manual option?

[jeffgtx]

just the four banger for 2006. not sure about previosu years.