Honda getting rid of the manual transmission in the accord is also another nail in the coffin.
Can you car folks explain to me the focus on manual transmissions? My first 15 years of driving was with manual transmission cars and I do find them fun, but...
my understanding is that automatic transmissions have improved so much that the percieved benefits of a manual are almost non-existant in modern cars, including a negligible boost in fuel economy and better acceleration/handling. Automatic transmissions no longer seem to need replacement any more frequent than manuals (and manual clutches can suffer from 'operator error'). It seems to me that most drivers are better served with automatics
The only remaining advantage I can see is a slightly lower price point. But pretty much all features have gotten 'fancier' - particularly in the US. Even the "base trim' model has features that were luxuries a decade+ ago (and still are in poorer countries)... almost impossible to find a new(ish) car sold in the US that doesn't have power windows, a/c, a decent stereo that syncs with your phone and a bunch of other nice but unnecessary n'luxuries'/
so... why not automatics?
all of what you said is true. automatics used to be = less mpg,less reliable - over the 100k mark.
Now though it's one of the true mechanical connections to a car - for an enthusiast driving a manual is much more fun - unless i'm stuck in traffic.
My daily driver is a manual transmission ranger. I thought by now i'd hate driving manuals but i prefer them. For me they are easier to manage in inclimate weather, easier to work on - no trans cooler lines to pull off when i drain coolant, easier (for me) to replace a clutch,resurface flywheel as opposed to replacing torque converter, rebuilding trans, etc.
Now though - these new manual transmission - alot of them don't even have direct linkage - look at the new bronco for example.
My personal opinion though is manual trans has it's place - fun to drive cars (at least for me) will always be a manual transmission.
Even my base single cab 4 cyl ranger is fun (kinda) because of the manual transmission.
Take any base economy car - put in an automatic and 9/10 times it's less fun to drive than that same car with a manual trans.
Now i will see the dsg / auto trans where you can hold the gear is really fun to drive.
Recently drove a charger scat pack -that zf trans is amazing ! no reason for a manual in that car imho.
Also for faster shifts, drag times, etc - auto is always going to win.
I'm just an automotive purist. I like crank windows, manual locks, manual trans, cruise control as an option...old school i guess ? haha
Still though i'm not 100 % crazy - points ignition, carburetors, cars without a/c, power steering, crank starting, etc all are outdated and have no place in a daily vehicle.