I've driven standards, by preference, since my first car in 1972. I've always driven small cars, and I believe that the control that a standard allows gives me more manoeuverability, balancing the protection I lack due to the smaller body mass of the vehicle.
Additionally, I LOVE to drive--and *I* want to drive the car, I don't want the car to drive the car.
I was looking at a RAV 4 for my next vehicle in the future, because we have a back-road cottage, and a little more vehicle height would be useful: sadly, that model no longer comes with a standard option.
So after 46 years of Corollas, I guess I'll be leaving Toyota. Shame.
I have touched on this topic several times on my website over the past seven years. Here is one of them: http://mystarcollectorcar.com/car-guy-newsflash-real-men-can-drive-stick/
Todd - 8 years ago
I think driving as a whole has about twenty years left. Especially city driving. Once automated vehicles take off, they will quickly replace manual driving, and it can't come soon enough.
Geoff Henderson - 8 years ago
It's 2016, and most vehicles come with an automatic transmission as STANDARD equipment, hence; driving a standard means an automatic transmission.
A manual is still a manual transmission.
Courtney - 10 years ago
Great article! I feel the same way. My dad bought a 1993 Acura Integra for my first car when I turned 16, and I have to admit, it took me awhile to "get it", but when it clicked for me...it was an awesome experience. I adored that car, and my second Integra after it. I now drive an automatic, unfortunately. My next car will be a manual, and my daughter will learn to drive one when she is old enough to learn.
James - 10 years ago
I suspect the results of this poll so far says people who are reading driving.ca are interested in cars and people who are interested in cars tend to know how to drive standard. In my experience, a larger portion of people do not know how to drive standard than this poll says... and they should. It is a useful skill. Thanks though. I love this stuff. Super interesting to read.
I've driven standards, by preference, since my first car in 1972. I've always driven small cars, and I believe that the control that a standard allows gives me more manoeuverability, balancing the protection I lack due to the smaller body mass of the vehicle.
Additionally, I LOVE to drive--and *I* want to drive the car, I don't want the car to drive the car.
I was looking at a RAV 4 for my next vehicle in the future, because we have a back-road cottage, and a little more vehicle height would be useful: sadly, that model no longer comes with a standard option.
So after 46 years of Corollas, I guess I'll be leaving Toyota. Shame.
I have touched on this topic several times on my website over the past seven years. Here is one of them: http://mystarcollectorcar.com/car-guy-newsflash-real-men-can-drive-stick/
I think driving as a whole has about twenty years left. Especially city driving. Once automated vehicles take off, they will quickly replace manual driving, and it can't come soon enough.
It's 2016, and most vehicles come with an automatic transmission as STANDARD equipment, hence; driving a standard means an automatic transmission.
A manual is still a manual transmission.
Great article! I feel the same way. My dad bought a 1993 Acura Integra for my first car when I turned 16, and I have to admit, it took me awhile to "get it", but when it clicked for me...it was an awesome experience. I adored that car, and my second Integra after it. I now drive an automatic, unfortunately. My next car will be a manual, and my daughter will learn to drive one when she is old enough to learn.
I suspect the results of this poll so far says people who are reading driving.ca are interested in cars and people who are interested in cars tend to know how to drive standard. In my experience, a larger portion of people do not know how to drive standard than this poll says... and they should. It is a useful skill. Thanks though. I love this stuff. Super interesting to read.