When did Acura stop making manual transmissions?
Acura effectively stopped offering manual transmissions after the RSX ended production in 2006. The brand then kept its lineup auto-only for many years, before reviving the manual option with the 2023 Integra. Today, the Integra is the primary Acura model that offers a factory manual transmission.
Historical hiatus: when manuals disappeared from Acura
To understand the timeline, note the key turning points that defined Acura’s approach to manuals in the 21st century.
- 2002–2006: Acura RSX (the successor to the Integra) provides manual transmissions, including a manual-equipped variant, marking the last era of a broad manual option in a mainstream Acura lineup.
- 2006–2022: The broader Acura lineup shifts toward automatic transmissions, with no new models offering a factory manual option in mass-market trims.
The end of the RSX era in 2006 effectively paused Acura’s manual offerings for more than a decade.
Why this mattered for enthusiasts
For years, buyers seeking a traditional driving experience had to look outside Acura’s newer catalog, reinforcing a broader industry move toward automatics and dual-clutch transmissions. Acura’s leadership cited efficiency, safety, and market demand as factors shaping this shift.
The comeback: the 2023 Integra reintroduces a manual
In a notable pivot, Acura brought back a manual option with the 2023 Integra, signaling a renewed interest in performance-oriented, driver-involved configurations.
- 2023 model year: The Acura Integra is launched with a 6-speed manual transmission as the standard and only transmission for this model, appealing to enthusiasts who crave a traditional stick shift.
Since its arrival, the Integra has been the primary Acura offering that includes a factory manual transmission, marking a clear shift from the auto-only years that preceded it.
Current implications for Acura’s lineup
Today, Acura’s manual transmissions are largely confined to the Integra. Other models remain automatic, reflecting ongoing industry trends toward efficiency and convenience, while the Integra’s return demonstrates that there remains a market for a hands-on driving experience within the brand.
Summary
Acura stopped offering manual transmissions in its mainstream lineup after 2006, with the RSX serving as the last notable example. The brand revived the option in 2023 with the Integra, which is currently available with a 6-speed manual. As of 2025, the Integra remains Acura’s primary model featuring a manual transmission, highlighting a partial but notable comeback of manual gearboxes within the brand.
