Reply #16: Hopefully there will always be a place for conventional trannies.

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Many car companies are having a manual renaissance. Lincoln had the now defunct Lincoln LS which had a six speed available with the V6. I had a V8 auto, but now really regret not getting the V6 manual. I'd probably still have that car now if I did. Cadillac has the CTS which offers a very nice 6 speed. On the CTS-V, it's the only transmission offered (and you get 400hp to boot, 500+ in the new model). Of course, the bulk of the Germans still offer manuals in their cars, even some very slick manu-matics like the DSG in newer VWs and Audis. It seems though that few cars are built for the automotive purists now. I love the BMW 3 series, but I can't afford anything but a very used one. As soon as a car company makes a relatively light weight, rear wheel drive car with a decent amount of power and a manual transmission and does so for a decent price, they'll have my money as a consumer. Light weight, RWD and a manual transmission. Pretty much all you need for a really fun car.