Graduation present in HS was an '86 Ranger pickup with a stick. I never looked back, for the longest time, it's all I'd drive. For the last four years, I've had automatics after my Isuzu Rodeo came down with the magic disappearing oil illness. So in October, when I had to buy a new commuter car, I told my wife, "I'm buying a manual." She told me to get what I wanted because she drove a '96 Escort 2-door hatchback with a stick for six years.

I am now the proud owner of a 2014 Mazda3 hatchback with an absolutely glorious six-speed.