Manual transmissions have been slowly disappearing from the market over the past few years, especially from non-performance cars. In 2026, the third pedal is only reserved for enthusiast vehicles — mostly sports cars. Only a handful of automakers still offer a manual transmission in their cars, typically only in one model.However, one major automaking country stands out from the rest with almost every major brand offering a manual gearbox: Japan. Most of the models on offer are also relatively affordable, with none of the models on this list reaching the six-figure price tag, and a majority of them sitting at well under $50,000. Honda Civic Type R 2021 Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition - Front QuarterThe Honda Civic Type R is one of the best and most powerful hot hatchbacks on sale in the US today. Power in the Type R comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder, producing an astounding 315 hp and 310 lb-ft, with a rev limit of 7,000 rpm. The Type R is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission with power going to the front wheels. This makes the Type R a very tossable little car, helped out by its relatively lightweight, with a curb weight of 3,188 lbs, and a starting price of $46,895. Honda Civic Si 2024 Honda Civic Si rear angled movingThe Civic SI is the Type R’s more affordable, more tame little sister. Unlike the Type R, the SI doesn’t make the same massive power with its turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder, making 200 hp and 192 lb-ft. Regardless, the Si still comes with a six-speed manual, making it a fun, affordable option that's still capable of achieving 31 mpg in combined driving. The Si is also far more affordable than the Type R, with prices starting at $31,495. Acura Integra 03_2026 Acura Integra A-Spec Tech 6MTThe Acura is the luxury counterpart to the Honda Civic, and as a result, it largely shares the same powertrain. The six-speed manual is available for two different engine options: the A-Spec features a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine from the SI, making 200 hp and 192 lb-ft. Meanwhile, the Type-S features the turbocharged 2.0-liter from the Type R, making 320 hp and 310 lb-ft. The Integra is notably more expensive than its Honda counterparts, with prices starting at $33,400 for the A-Spec and $53,400 for the Type-S. Despite the minimal performance increase, the Acura’s increased price can be seen with its more sophisticated styling inside and out, as well as more standard equipment and nicer equipment. Mazda MX-5 2018 Mazda MX5 Miata On The RoadThe Mazda Miata MX-5 is undoubtedly the world’s best-selling sports car. The intent behind the MX-5 was simple: to create a simple, affordable, and lightweight driver's car that every car enthusiast can enjoy. A key part of that is the manual gearbox that connects the driver to the engine. The MX-5 features a six-speed gearbox, with power coming from a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder producing 181 hp and 151 lb-ft. While this may not sound like much power, the Mazda MX-5 is extremely lightweight, weighing in at just 2,201 lbs. Make no mistake, the MX-5 isn’t built for going fast but simply enjoying the experience, and it remains affordable with a starting price of $30,430 for the base sport model, making it the cheapest model on the list. Subaru WRX Subaru wrx 2025Subaru also makes an appearance with the WRX, one of the few four-door manual cars on sale today, and offers a great mix of power and affordability. In true Subaru fashion, the WRX comes with a 2.4-liter flat-four turbo engine producing 271 hp and 251 lb-ft, sending power to all four wheels via a six-speed manual. Power is naturally sent to all four wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, but Subaru does offer a CVT as well. Starting prices for the WRX are also relatively affordable, with a starting price of $37,750, a good entry-level price point for an enthusiast sedan. Toyota GR Supra 2021 Toyota GR Supra 2.0 Rear Three QuarterToyota’s GR Supra is one of the more expensive and more powerful options on the list. The Supra shares its platform with BMW’s Z4, and as a result, power comes from a BMW-derived B58 engine. The turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder making 368 hp and 382 lb-ft, capable of propelling the Supra from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Power is naturally sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, making this a classic formula for a proper drivers sportscar. Pricing for the base trim starts at $58,300, meaning the Supra still offers plenty of performance for the price tag. Toyota GR Corolla 2022 Toyota GR Corolla Morizo EditionIf a two-seat sports car isn’t quite to your taste, Toyota has another manual performance car option in a very different package. The GR Corolla is a very different car when compared to the base Corolla. First of all, there’s the engine: a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder making an impressive 300 hp and 295 lb-ft. This engine is directly derived from the GR Corolla’s sister car, the GR Yaris, a homologation special that’s not available in the US. Considering it has some rallying roots, the GR Corolla sends its power to all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission; an eight-speed automatic is also available. The GR Corolla is also a performance bargain, with prices for the very hot little hatchback starting at just $39,920. Nissan Z 2024 Nissan Z Heritage Edition static front 3/4 viewNissan makes an appearance on the list with its latest model in its long line of Z sports cars, simply called the Z. The Z is by far the most powerful model on this list with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine producing an impressive 400 hp and 350 lb-ft, largely the same engine previously used in the Infiniti Q50 and Q60. This figure can be further improved in the top-of-the-range Nismo trim with power increasing to 420 hp and 384 lb-ft; however, the Nismo is only available with a nine-speed automatic. In the Z, power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed transmission, propelling the Z from 0 to 60 mph in around 4.3 seconds. These performance figures place the Z in direct competition with the GR Supra, with the Z being notably cheaper with a starting price of $42,970. Mazda 3 Red Mazda Mazda3 hatchback parkedThe Mazda3 is the last mainstream, non-performance car available with three pedals. Mazda only offers the manual on the 2.5 S Premium trim equipped with front-wheel drive. This, unfortunately, means that you can’t get a manual with the turbocharged 250 hp engine, instead having to settle for the naturally aspirated 2.5L making 186 hp and 186 lb-ft. These aren’t terrible figures in the compact segment, but still far from being a performance car. Instead, the Mazda3 is pretty well equipped, especially with the premium package, making it a decent option for a fun daily driver. Pricing for the 2.5 S Premium starts at $31,450, making it one of the cheapest models on the list, and putting it in direct competition with the Honda Civic Si. Toyota GR86/ Subaru BRZ Subaru-brz-vs-toyota-gr-86-exterior-front-hotcarsThe Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86 are some of the most beloved small sports cars for its combination of affordability and driving dynamics. The two brands have been making this small sports car since 2012, with the focus being on the driving experience rather than straight-line speed. Both models come equipped with a six-speed manual transmission with power going to the rear wheels. The engine is Subaru's most major contribution, a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat four cylinder making 228 hp and 184 lb-ft. Like the Miata, the BRZ/GR doesn’t need much power for a thrill, as these weigh in at a curb weight of around 2,800 lbs, depending on the trim. Affordable pricing has undoubtedly been a major contributor to the small sportcar’s success, with prices for the GR 86 starting at $31,200, while the Subaru is slightly more expensive with an MSRP of $35,860.