Although Pontiac went out of business in 2010, you can still find used models today. Many of their models with manual transmissions are still available, including the G5, G8 GXP, Solstice, and Sunfire.
If you really want to get to know a car enthusiast, ask them if they prefer a manual or automatic transmission
. Many of them will say manual! Unfortunately for them, in 2019, 99% of cars sold in the U.S. had automatic transmissions. If you have your heart set on a genuine stick shift, the licensed car insurance
broker Jerry
is here to help you find the perfect fit. Even better, Jerry can save you money on your Pontiac car insurance costs
. Here we’ll cover five Pontiac models that will satisfy your need for a manual transmission. Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning nowDoes Pontiac still make a manual?
No. Pontiac hasn’t produced a new vehicle since 2010, so all the models on this list you’ll have to find used.
Luckily, stick-shift devotees still have plenty of options when it comes to shopping for used Pontiac models, since the G5, G8 GXP, Solstice, and Sunfire were all produced with manual transmissions.
Don’t delay in getting your manual transmission Pontiac—supplies are limited since they’re no longer in production!
MORE: How to drive stick or manual cars
G5
Used price (2009 model): Under $6,000
Produced from 2004 to 2009, this two-door coupe is sure to turn heads with its sporty silhouette.
The curb weight of the G5
is 2,992 pounds. The four-cylinder engine produces a maximum power of 148 horsepower and hits the ground with rear-wheel drive and a five-speed manual gearbox. G8 GXP
The Pontiac G8 GXP was produced from 2007 to 2009. The most recent model year has been compared to a Chevrolet Corvette
or BMW
, with impressive power and sharp handling. The curb weight of a G8 GXP is 4,023 lbs, and this car boasts an incredible 415 horsepower. It also uses rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox.
MORE: Pontiac G8 GXP: what to know before buying
Solstice
Used price (2009): Under $16,000
The Solstice
is Pontiac’s sports car offering. This sexy silhouette was produced from 2006 to 2009, much to the delight of stick-shift enthusiasts. This two-seater roadster held its own against its competitors and delivered a fun drive. The engine is an inline four-cylinder with max horsepower of 240. The Solstice uses rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox.
Sunfire
Used price (2005): Under $5,000
The Pontiac Sunfire
is a classic silhouette for Pontiac, produced between 1995 and 2005. A lot of Pontiacs you’ll see on the road are Sunfires, and for good reason—this affordable compact car really delivers on value and fun. This two-door compact will get you around town and maybe on a few road trips. It has a naturally aspirated, 138-hp, four-cylinder engine. The Sunfire features front-wheel drive and a five-speed manual gearbox.
Benefits and drawbacks of a manual transmission
Many drivers consider themselves either manual transmission purists or automatic transmission devotees. If you aren’t sure which side you fall on, it’s time to consider the pros and cons of manual transmissions.
Pro: Cars with automatic transmissions are typically more expensive than those with manual transmissions
Pro: Stick-shifts are hard to steal—between 44%
and 84%
of Americans don’t know how to drive them Pro: Inexpensive repairs and maintenance
Pro: More excitement on the road
Don’t make up your mind just yet—keep these drawbacks in mind.
Con: Manual cars are hard to drive through congested traffic
Con: Harder to learn how to drive, and due to the lack of production, there aren’t as many willing teachers around
Con: Manual cars no longer get better gas mileage than automatic cars
You’ll also have to often buy a used car to get a manual transmission. Only 27 car models in America
were manufactured with manual transmissions in 2021. Key Takeaway Don’t forget about the difficulty of the drive when considering the cheap repairs and fun experience of a manual transmission.
MORE: 7 things you should always check when buying a used car
How to find affordable Pontiac insurance
Once you find the best deal on your used manual transmission Pontiac, you’ll want the best deal for car insurance, too. Now you can comparison shop with ease with an expert like Jerry
in your pocket. Enter your information after downloading the trustworthy licensed broker app
. It only takes 45 seconds for Jerry to check with over 55 insurance companies for customized quotes. If you need help choosing a policy, Jerry’s car insurance experts are ready to assist you. This kind of service is just one of the many reasons why Jerry is the number one insurance app in the country! That’s not even the best part. The average Jerry user saves $887 per year on their premium—and now you can, too!
“I had a great experience using Jerry
for the first time. Once my boyfriend buys his new car, we’ll use Jerry together to make sure he doesn’t end up overpaying on new insurance!”—Stephanie S.
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