A bright red 2023 Honda Civic compact sedan model speeding past a building entrance with a blurred background

4 Cheapest Cars With a Manual Transmission in 2023

Cheap cars used to only come with manual transmissions. Now, you will be hard pressed to find a car with one. We've compiled a list of the cheapest cars you can still shift on your own.

by Joshua Brown

Published on May 12, 2023 10:55 pm

3 min read

The demand for cars with manual transmissions continues to remain strong. A particular thrill comes with fully controlling your car’s gear shifts, which is why many car enthusiasts still opt for manual transmissions despite the rise of automatics. If you’re in the market for a new car with a manual transmission, but don’t want to break the bank, then you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of the four cheapest cars with a manual transmission in 2023.

2023 Mitsubishi Mirage ES

A yellow 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage parked in a garage — 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage | Mitsubishi

The 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage ES is our cheapest car, with a manual transmission in 2023, starting at $15,295. It’s a subcompact car perfect for city driving due to its small size and excellent fuel efficiency, with an estimated 33 City/41 highway MPG. The Mirage ES also offers a 7-inch touchscreen display, adding more value to its already affordable price.

As a manual car, the Mirage ES gives drivers a sense of control and excitement on the road. In addition, its compact size makes it easy to maneuver through city streets and park in tight spots. Therefore, the 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage ES is an excellent choice for a new, cheap, manual car.

2023 Volkswagen Jetta

If you’re in the market for a new car with a manual transmission but still want a touch of luxury, the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta is an excellent option. With a starting price of $21,750, the Jetta is the second cheapest car with a manual transmission in 2023. The Jetta’s compact sedan design, rear-wheel drive, and great fuel economy make it an ideal vehicle for commuting. The spacious cabin gives the driver and passengers luxury and comfort, while the tech-savvy features add a modern touch to the classical design.

The Jetta also comes with several safety features, such as blind spot and forward collision warnings, all at no extra cost. In addition, the Volkswagen Car-Net mobile app and digital instrument cluster add to the car’s technological appeal, making it a great value for its price. As a result, the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta is an excellent choice for drivers looking for an affordable car with a manual transmission that still offers luxury features.

2023 Kia Forte GT

The 2024 Kia Forte could receive some changes. — 2023 Kia Forte GT | Kia

The 2023 Kia Forte GT is the third cheapest car with a manual transmission in 2023, starting at $25,515. It is one of the best-looking sedans in its price range, with a sporty design gives it a spirit of aggression. In addition, the Forte GT’s elegant cabin and outstanding value proposition make it an excellent choice for drivers seeking comfort and style. Equipped with a dual-clutch manual transmission, the car pairs well with its more powerful 1.6L turbo inline-4 engine that produces 201 HP and 195 LB-FT of torque.

The sports suspension and LED headlights make it fun to drive, while the wireless charging pad and rear air conditioning add to its convenience. In addition, the 2023 Kia Forte GT can go from 0-60 in 6.7 seconds and has a top speed of 123 MPH. All in all, the 2023 Kia Forte GT is an ideal choice for drivers looking for a sporty, comfortable car with a manual transmission at an affordable price.

2023 Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2023 Honda Civic is the fourth cheapest car with a manual transmission in 2023, starting at $25,545. As one of the best-selling Honda cars in the US, the Civic is renowned for its high mileage, practicality, and balanced ride quality. With a manual transmission, the driver can control the car’s performance completely. In addition, the Civic’s easy-to-use tech features, such as remote ignition, keyless entry, automatic climate control, and an eight-speaker audio system, make it even more popular among the masses.

Additionally, it comes with advanced safety features such as forward collision mitigation, a traffic sign reader, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The 2023 Honda Civic Hatchback has a 2.0L inline-4 engine that delivers 158 HP and 138 LB-FT of torque, allowing it to go from 0-60 in 7.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 MPH. In short, the 2023 Honda Civic is an excellent option for drivers seeking a reliable and efficient car with a manual transmission that offers advanced technology and safety features.

Cheapest new manual transmission cars

In conclusion, the demand for manual transmission cars continues to thrive, and in 2023, several affordable options are available. The 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage ES is the cheapest, while the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta offers luxury features. The 2023 Kia Forte GT boasts a sporty design and excellent value, while the 2023 Honda Civic Hatchback is a practical and popular choice. Overall, these four cars balance affordability, style, and performance. All these features make them excellent options for drivers who enjoy the control and excitement of a manual transmission.

Writer - Sedans & Coupes

Joshua Brown

Joshua Brown joined MotorBiscuit as an Autos Writer in 2022. Having owned more than 30 vehicles, including several Japanese tuner cars, and tinkering with everything he could get his hands on, Joshua has developed a vast understanding of all things automotive.

Much of Joshua’s coverage focuses on Japanese vehicles, vintage cars, supercars, and hypercars. His previous work can be viewed on his website, Lucky Club, and VehicleHistory.com. Joshua is also greatly involved with the Kaido racer and Gentsuki scooter communities.

Joshua grew up reading the work of Speedhunters’ Larry Chen, an automotive journalist that ultimately influenced him to pursue automotive photography and journalism.