Manual transmission models are often less expensive and deliver better fuel economy than their automatic transmission counterparts. Manual vehicles get some of their fuel efficiency benefits from the absence of a torque converter found in automatics, which although convenient for making shifting automatic, they are not very economical.

Drivers can also save on fuel with a manual car by shifting up early and downshifting late - keeping your RPMs lower than an automatic transmission would - typically around 1,200 to 1,500 RPMs. By keeping your vehicle in this range, your engine is not working as hard as it would at higher RPMs.

Consumer reports recently did a study on automatic vs. manual transmissions and found that stick shifts can improve gas mileage notably.

Despite these great benefits, many manufacturers sell manual transmissions only on their base models, and sales of manual transmissions are estimated to be much lower than ever before. Even top luxury vehicles are dropping manual transmissions altogether! Have a look at this article in MotorTrend which announced Lamborghini's plans to rid their lineup of manual transmissions. Well, if it's good enough for Lamborghini, it's probably good for us too!

There are however many other car lovers like me who believe that there is still a place for three pedals in a vehicle. Car and Driver Magazine has started the campaign, "Save The Manuals" in an effort to unite stick shift lovers and convert the automatic population!  They have a Facebook page, and you can buy all sorts of merchandise displaying "Save the Manuals." I proudly display my "Save the Manuals" badge!

So we want to know what you think: Do you know how to drive a manual transmission vehicle?
Do you think manual transmission vehicles will be extinct soon - despite their fuel economy benefits?

- Julie S.