Is a 5 speed car a stick shift?

In most cases, a 5-speed car refers to a manual transmission with five forward gears, operated with a clutch and a stick shift. However, some cars labeled “5-speed” use a five-speed automatic transmission, which is not a stick shift. So yes, typically it's a stick shift, but verify for a given car.

To understand what a specific vehicle uses, distinguish manual versus automatic transmissions and check the interior features or official specs. This article explains the distinction and how to tell which kind you have or are considering buying.

What a 5-speed label usually implies

Here are the common meanings you’ll encounter when you see a car described as "5-speed."

• Manual transmission with five forward gears (5-speed manual): This setup requires a clutch pedal and a gear lever that the driver uses to shift gears manually.


• Five-speed automatic transmission: This setup uses hydraulic or electronically controlled gear changes with no clutch pedal, typically featuring a gear selector labeled P, R, N, D, and sometimes a manual mode.


• Other five-gear configurations: Some automatics or dual-clutch transmissions may be described as "5-speed" in older documentation or particular market regions, though they are not traditional stick shifts.

Note: In modern markets, most automatics have more than five speeds (6, 7, 8, or more). The label “5-speed” is therefore more commonly associated with a manual transmission, but you should verify each specific vehicle’s drivetrain.

How to verify the transmission type in a car you own or are considering

To identify the transmission type, use these checks or sources of information.

• Check for a clutch pedal at the far left of the driver's footwell. If a clutch pedal is present, it’s a manual (stick shift).


• Inspect the gear selector on the center console. A manual typically shows a sequential gear pattern (1–2–3–4–5 with R) and lacks a P, R, N, D arrangement.


• Look for a gear selector labeled P, R, N, D (and possibly a +/- or “M” mode). If these are present and there is no clutch pedal, it’s an automatic.


• Review the owner's manual or the official spec sheet for the vehicle. The documentation will state whether the car has a manual or automatic transmission and how many speeds it uses.


• Ask the dealer or seller to confirm the transmission type and provide the exact model name of the gearbox (e.g., “5-speed manual,” “5-speed automatic,” or a specific automatic family with five gear ratios).

In practice, the quickest cues are the presence of a clutch pedal and a traditional stick shift versus a gear selector that lacks a clutch pedal and shows automatic gear positions. If in doubt, consult the vehicle’s documentation or a dealership's technical spec.

Summary

Bottom line: a 5-speed car is typically a manual transmission with five forward gears, i.e., a stick shift. However, there are exceptions where a car described as “5-speed” uses a five-speed automatic or another automated system, which is not a stick shift. To be certain, check for a clutch pedal, inspect the gear selector, or consult the official specifications of the specific vehicle.

Is a 6 speed automatic a stick shift?

No, a 6-speed automatic is not a stick shift; it's an automatic transmission with six forward gears that shifts on its own. A stick shift is a manual transmission that requires a driver to manually select gears using a clutch pedal and a gearshift lever. Some modern automatic transmissions have a "manual shift" or "sport" mode that allows the driver to manually change gears, but it is still an automatic transmission at its core.
 
This video explains how to use the manual shift mode on a 6-speed automatic transmission: 57sFord Motor CompanyYouTube · Jan 26, 2017

• Automatic transmission: Shifts gears automatically without driver input, using a combination of sensors to determine the best gear for the current conditions. 
• Manual transmission: Requires a driver to use a clutch pedal and a gearstick to change gears manually. 
• 6-speed automatic: An automatic transmission that has six forward gears, which can improve fuel efficiency and performance by allowing the engine to operate in its most efficient range more often. 
• Manual shift mode: Some automatics allow for manual gear selection via the gearstick or paddles on the steering wheel, but they still do not use a clutch pedal and may not allow certain shifts to protect the engine. 

What is a 5 speed transmission?

A 5-speed transmission is a type of manual gearbox that uses five forward gears to transfer power from an engine to a vehicle's wheels. It allows the driver to select different gear ratios, with lower gears providing more power for acceleration and higher gears providing less power for higher speeds and better fuel efficiency. A 5-speed transmission often includes a fifth "overdrive" gear that allows the engine to run at a lower RPM at high speeds. 
This video explains how a 5-speed manual transmission works in a car: 57sTech and CarsYouTube · Apr 10, 2024
Gear functions

• First gear: Used for getting the car moving from a stop and at very low speeds. 
• Second gear: Used for increasing speed after starting in first gear and for low-speed cornering. 
• Third, fourth, and fifth gears: Used for increasing speed and maintaining momentum. 
• Fifth gear: The highest gear, also known as an "overdrive" gear. It is used for highway cruising to reduce engine speed, save fuel, and lower engine noise. 
• Reverse: An additional gear used for moving the vehicle backward. 

This video demonstrates how to operate a 5-speed manual transmission car: 59sRaymond HarlallYouTube · Dec 9, 2017
Key features

• Gear ratios: A 5-speed transmission has five distinct gear ratios to choose from, which is fewer than a 6-speed transmission. 
• Engine speed: By selecting the appropriate gear, the driver can keep the engine operating within its optimal power and efficiency range at different vehicle speeds. 
• Simplicity and cost: Compared to a 6-speed transmission, a 5-speed often has a simpler design, which can make it less expensive to maintain and repair. 
• Performance: While a 6-speed transmission offers more control, a 5-speed is still suitable for many driving situations and is common in many older and budget-friendly vehicles. 

This video compares a 5-speed and a 6-speed transmission: 59sSpeedway MotorsYouTube · Apr 9, 2025

Is a 5 or 6 speed manual better?

Essentially, there's not a huge difference in when you would use either of them, since they are both overdrive gears, but having a car with 6 speeds will offer some improvement on your driving performance and fuel economy.

Is a 5 speed a stick shift?

Today, manual transmissions have either five or six gears, the latter being more common in cars produced since the late 1990s. The number of gears always refers to the forward gears and does not include reverse or neutral.