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I’ll admit it: Mazda hoodwinked me. I always thought of Mazda as the automaker keeping the manual alive. It’s motto is–after all–Zoom, Zoom, Zoom. But then I saw this jarring disclaimer on its website configurator, “2025 Mazda3 Sedan is only available in AUTOMATIC transmission.” It turns out Mazda hasn’t offered any three-pedal sedan in a half a decade.

What about the Mazda 6? That sedan was one of the final midsize holdouts with an available stick shift. But Mazda cut that option in 2019 and yanked the entire car from the North American market in 2021.

Mazda released its sporty and compact Mazda3 for the 2004 model year. It is available in either sedan or hatchback configurations, with both FWD and AWD powertrains. The automaker rolled out a fourth generation for the 2019 model year and cut the old cog-swapper option from most trims. Like many other models, Mazda withheld the option as an upsell for top trims. And only for the hatchback.

As of 2019, the only Mazda3 that allows you to “row your own” is the Premium trim level of the hatchback when configured with FWD. For 2025, the Mazda3 is advertising a $23,950 MSRP. But a manual 2.5 S Premium will set you back $33,630.

On one hand, its a bit odd that the performance halo version of the Mazda3 is the heavier hatchback, not the slightly lighter and more aerodynamic sedan. On the other hand, the “hot hatch” is a tried and true segment, anchored by perennial best sellers such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Toyota GR Yaris, and the (recently retired) Ford Focus RS. So I can see why Mazda predicted a market for a Premium hatchback with a stick.

I’m curious if this final stick shift Mazda3 is headed the way of the Dodo. It is still available in 2025, but the “standard” Golf GTI has been canceled. Toyota caved and engineered a GR Yaris (once exclusively a stick car) with an automatic.

There is another way this could play out. I believe we’re in the midst of a stick shift renaissance. For 2021, manuals made up less than 1% of all new car sales. By the end of 2023, that number had rebounded to 1.7%. Not many vehicles, I know. But a 50%+ increase in two years. In the same year the Mazda Miata’s sales surged 40%. That roadster is the quintessential stick shift car. And you know that as these number continue to climb, Mazda is reconsidering the Mazda3’s extremely limited manual transmission options. Here’s to hoping the fifth generation will bring back a few more choices.

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.