What percent of Americans can drive a stick shift car? (lane, California)

[TheImportersWife]

I've only driven automatic. My college roommate taught me in a parking lot 20 years ago, but that was the last time.

Now we have a beautiful sports car that's a manual and it's just collecting dust in our garage. I'm kind of nervous about learning to drive on it because of the cost to repair things, but I don't really have many options. My husband has offered to teach me with that vehicle, I just hope I pick it up quickly, otherwise it's going to be one expensive lesson.

[Scottay]

I like my 5spd manual Honda CRV because it has more torque than the automatic. My CRV has enough torque that I can stay in 5th gear going up mountain grades on the interstate without having to downshift. I've driven my moms 4spd automatic Honda CRV and it was constantly having to downshift when going uphill on the interstate.

[Flightoficarus87]

I started off driving an automatic with my first car. Every car I've owned after that has been a manual. Once I had some practice and got pretty good at driving one, I became hooked. I'm somewhat of a driving enthusiast though, so it's probably natural that I've come to prefer sportier cars with manual transmissions.

I must say, once you've become comfortable with one, downtown Seattle can make for some fun times, and a good test of your skills!

[sapplebaum58]

I markd the quote that offered the closest answer to my question: When was 3 on the tree discontinued? Someone said 1971. And that's probably close. I would've been happier with is was last offered on this particular car, on this particular year. And naturally, Im refering to: Within North America. But I will take what I can get. My last 3 on a tree was a 1970 Chevy (a biscayne I believe) and a 1970 Ford Maverick. Thanks Again. SA

[BostonMike7]

In 2003, i graduated college and bought a brand new Mustang GT. It was a stick. I knew the idea of how to drive a stick, but had never done so. I bought the car anyway, and drove it home fine. Stalled a few times, but made sure to stay off highways and such til i was comfortable. 3 days later I was driving it fine. Now it's like riding a bike.

Sadly, MOST people I know do not know how to drive stick, or want to even try. Those i manage to convince to try it stall it a couple time, proclaim it stupid, and give up.

I always thought it was good to learn because you never know if you are in a situation where someone with a stick car can't drive (intoxicated, medical emergency, etc) and you need to drive for them.

Most driving enthusiasts i know can drive stick...in fact, it's usually preferred with sporty cars.

[puginabug]

My brother taught me to drive standard on his 67-68 VW Beetle, a 4 speed stick shift. After that I learned to drive my dad's big ole Chevy pickup, with a 3 speed on the column.

Yikes, I don't even want to think about how many years ago that was.

[Snort]

100% here.

[packer43064]

Never used a stick shift. Was never taught how or ever had a stick. Doubt I will ever use it....auto is fine with me.

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[Steve Bagu]

I learned to drive with 3 pedals on the floor and NO gear shift.....decades before the invention of the Auto trannys.

[jtur88]

As for the OP question, I would say that 90% could figure out within a few blocks how to drive s stick if their life depended on it, but maybe only 10% could spend a whole day in traffic feeling comfortable with it.

I wonder how many Americans could rent a stick at Heathrow and drive it out into London traffic, shifting with their left hand.