What year did Ford stop using manual transmission?
In short, Ford did not abruptly abandon manual transmissions in a single year. The shift away from manual gearboxes happened gradually throughout the 2010s, and today manuals are rare in Ford’s mainstream lineup outside the Mustang, which has remained a primary exception offering a manual option in several trims.
How the shift unfolded
The move away from manual transmissions at Ford followed broader industry trends: rising demand for automatics, advances in multi-speed gearboxes, and improvements in fuel economy and performance with automatic transmissions. Below are the broad milestones that characterize Ford’s transition in the United States.
- 2010s: Automatics became the default choice on most Ford passenger cars and SUVs in the US, with manual options steadily dwindling or disappearing in many models.
- Mid to late 2010s: Ford introduced more advanced automatics (6-, 8-, and 10-speed transmissions) aimed at improving efficiency and performance, further reducing the market for manual gearboxes.
- Late 2010s to present: Manuals are now uncommon outside of the Ford Mustang, which remains the sole large Ford model family where a manual transmission is still widely offered in several trims.
In short, the trend was driven by consumer preferences and engineering decisions that favored automatics for everyday driving and higher-end performance variants.
Current status and what that means for buyers
Today, if you’re shopping Ford in the US, you should expect most models to be automatic only. The Mustang stands out as the notable exception, continuing to offer a manual transmission in many configurations, which makes it the last major Ford model family with a meaningful manual option.
Regional and model considerations
Regional differences can exist, and some non-US markets have historically retained manual options longer in specific models or trims. Always check the current model year’s specifications for the exact transmission choices, as Ford periodically refreshes powertrain offerings.
Summary
Ford did not announce a single year to mark the end of manual transmissions across its lineup. Instead, the company phased them out during the 2010s as automatics with more gears became standard. By now, manuals are largely absent from Ford’s mainstream models in the US, with the Ford Mustang serving as the primary ongoing exception. If you want a new Ford with a manual, the Mustang is the most reliable option, and you should verify current year configurations for availability.
