Is There a Purpose for Manual Transmission Cars Nowadays?

Any fool can push a pedal (automatic), but it can damage the vehicle under certain conditions.

A manual transmission is used by people who know how to drive their cars for the situation(s)" snow, sand, climbing hills, off road, etc.

IMO, there are too many winter and water related accidents because people "drive" their car" and not drive according to the conditions".

How many 4 wheelers and SUV do you see parked off the road after winter storms? It's because they think their vehicles can go anywhere at any speed. They failed to drive the road conditions.

Lower gears provide torque that can be required to go up long inclines on mountain roads, etc., when towing trailers, boats, houses, etc. They would never make it without the lower gears.

When on earth was speed ever a consideration for manual versus automatic transmission, except perhaps on a racing track. Certainly there would be uproar in Europe if manual cars were withdrawn as we almost all drive them! It is only in countries within the sphere of the USAs influence that automatics are so popular. For ourselves in Europe we prefer the extra control of a car that you get from manual transmission. Selecting the best gear yourself at exactly the right moment on icy roads being one example, accelerating out of bends for another. In Europe we tend to think of automatics as being for lazy drivers, and though I've owned a couple I do still prefer a manual.

Manuals are more popular here in Europe

I have gone auto with the new boxes as I both get the benefits of auto and can use command shift when I want it.

Pumping a clutch in traffic is not great for your back.

My wife has the Ford 6 speed auto. It is fantastic as is my 8 speed.

No reason for a manual any more.

Automatic cars are not faster or more fuel efficient. A manual car is cheaper to buy new.

Besides, that's when all the girls cream in their panties--when they see you driving like a race car!

Just preference these days. Some people enjoy being to shift their own gears and have a little more control over the car, and for some people it's a penis extender badge just because they can use it.

Yes as they are a lot more fun to drive! It sucks that you can only get them in mainly stripped down vehicles for the most part. Yes they are a pain in heavy traffic but you have better control of the car.

I like being able to shift manually, biggest benefit for me.

Yes, control of the car. Computers are great but for anticipating the road ahead, a human eye is better then them all.

a manual can get better fuel economy with od in use. an auto will not get the same because of the torque converter.

Power/acceleration. But then, I wouldn't know; I'm a girl... lol