No more manual transmissions?

[freak]

So is the explorer ever going to be offered again with a manual transmission? I absolutely love my 2000 XLS 5 speed. My wife wants a new car and is ready to leave me if I don't buy one. (no joke - but we can talk about that on a different forum - maybe join me over at Dr. Laura's!!! ) Anyway... I'd love to get another explorer but with no stick shift it isn't going to happen. Are there any stick shift SUV's left in US? I know of Xterra and Hummer. Wife also wants a third seat.

Help!

 

[derekfo]

Go with the explorer anyway stick or not, its last real suv built on a frame, not some front mounted v6 unidody honda pilot!!! that gets the same mpg as a V8 explorer!!!!

 

[derekfo]

I think you can get a jeep but thats a piece of garbage jeep

 

[damarble]

So is the explorer ever going to be offered again with a manual transmission?

No. The demand just isn't there anymore, particularly in the Explorers target demographic. That and many people can't even drive them. : I'd be interested in one of the diesel F150's they have coming out but the lack of a manual is a deal breaker.

I imagine it won't be much longer before even the traditional automatic is phased out for CVT's, lucky us.

 

[briwayjones]

They haven't had sticks in the 4doors since 2002, 2003 in the Sports. Xterras and FJ Cruisers are the only half way decent SUVs with stick shifts to my knowledge anymore.

 

[freak]

Go with the explorer anyway stick or not, its last real suv built on a frame, not some front mounted v6 unidody honda pilot!!! that gets the same mpg as a V8 explorer!!!!

I need a 4x4 for winter driving. I live way out in the sticks. The stuff about the frame is nice... but I'm not off-roading it and I want it to be fun to drive.

 

[freak]

They haven't had sticks in the 4doors since 2002, 2003 in the Sports. Xterras and FJ Cruisers are the only half way decent SUVs with stick shifts to my knowledge anymore.

I think both of those (especially the xterra) are very ugly. All the body parts like fender flares look like an afterthought. The fj has those annoying rear doors that you have to open the front door to open.

 

[damarble]

I don't think the Xterra looks half bad but it has no power and poor gas mileage (rated mid teens). And the Toy is just hideous IMO. At least they both have frames right?

How about some of the European stuff? They still like their sticks over there.

 

[07expl-eb]

I think tacomas still come in stick shift. I had a 02 tacoma stick before by explorer, nice truck, very few problems when I sold with 168,000 miles.

 

[freak]

That's a pickup I already have an F250. I "need" an SUV.

 

[briwayjones]

Jeep Libertys have sticks, at least they used too. But they are built on Uni-body aren't they? And they are pretty lame.

 

[damarble]

And they are pretty lame.

Even Jeep guys hate them, that tells you something.


Other undesirable options (start laughing now): Jeep Patriot, Subaru Forester, Toy Rav4, Ford Escape, Honda Element, Jeep Compass, Hyundai Tuscon, Kia Sportage

Reluctant maybes: Dodge Nitro, Hyundai Santa Fe, BMW X3, Suzuki Grand Vitara

Best bets?: Jeep Wrangler, Nissan Xterra, Toy FJ, Hummer H3, Porsche Cayenne


All the above offer manuals according to Edmunds.com.

 

[GregV8]

BMW X3
I think since the light facelift (couple years ago) they look decent and the xDrive system is excellent for snow driving. Get one in black.

 

[Country Bumpkin]

If want a 3rd seat you have to stay with an explorer unless you want to go bigger with a expedition or taho/sububran. We looked for a trailblazer with 3rd seat but they quit making them with the 3rd seat in 06. Explorer is the only suv this size that is worth buying. Forget the Jeep. My mother inlaw had one for a year and it sucked. got hosed on the trade in value also.