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Paddle shifters cost very little to put on a steering wheel and make driving an automatic more fun. Why do so few cars have them? More importantly, why do many cars with fancy dual clutch gearboxes (compact Ford models) not have paddle shifters? The Focus has an awkward rocker switch on the gear lever which takes away the advantage of a DCT-- being able to keep your hands on the wheel rather than reaching for the shifter.
As far as I know, only VW offers regular everyday cars with paddle shift. Even sports cars like the Mustang, Camaro, BR-Z, etc don't have them!
Because as cheap as paddle shifters are its till cheaper to have a direct connection to the gearbox on a manual shift car. On my truck the shifter goes straight to the top of the transmission. I don't think it gets much cheaper than that.
Most people are not driving enthusiasts. They just want to get from point A to point B with the least amount of effort and hassle. When they buy a car they don't want to pay extra for a feature they will never use.
If paddle shifters are important to you, just buy a vehicle you like that has that feature.
Because some of us buyers find them to be a pain in the ass. I also find the shift switch on my F150 to be a pain in the ass.
Because, in my opinion (and what do I know, I've only been driving for almost 50 years and drove manuals) shifting through the gears with an automatic during normal driving is both a pain in the ass and unnecessary.
If you're talking automatic cars, the reason I buy automatic cars is for the ease of driving. I put it in D and press on the gas. Car goes firward. Hit brake to stop. So simple a caveman can do it.
My ex had them on her 328 and it was not as fun as one would think. From what I've experienced and read the flappy-paddle gearbox is great on the track but a pain in the rear on the street.
Because when you put paddle shifters on an automatic tranny with a manual mode that does not behave at all like a real manual transmission, the novelty wears off fast.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I agree the the Ford switch is awkward, my wife's Escape has it. While paddles are available now on the Challenger, I really prefer the way my 2013 handles manual shifting. Simply bump the gear shift lever to the left to downshift, to the right to upshift, hold to the right to return to Drive automatic mode. Much more like operating a manual.
The paddle shifters seem redundant when flooring it also tells the car to kick down a gear. I used it twice on my old Audi.
Now on my current old Jag, I get more satisfaction from dropping a gear with the J-gate transmission to overtake.
Most really don't care. Ergo manufacturers won't spend the money to add them.
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