GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

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?

Honda CR-V

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!

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

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)

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

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.

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?

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?

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

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.

Saturn Vue has a manual option

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

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?

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