Hi:

I like my 3 rd generation 2.7L 4Runner with manual transmission and have
been thinking of replacing it. However, almost all new midsize SUVs come with automatic transmission only (except those high performance and luxury SUVs like BMW and Porsche). Can a car (SUV) be special ordered with a manual transmission, especially those that come from the same assembly line? This may not be applicable with Toyota 4Runner since 4Runner is probably built in Japan and its pickup conterpart (Tacoma) is built in the US. How about for domestic cars like Ford or Cadillac, or even Nissan (Pathfinder)?

Thanks,

 

While I'm not a Nissan fan, the new Xterra is available with a 6-speed manual tranny.

 

I'm thinking the porsche has an automatic transmission for the same reason the $ runner has one. Traction control and downhill assist. You might want to try an 02 4 runner w/ a v6 3.4 and a 5 speed. Loved it!

 

the last year they made a srick in the 4runner was 00 i would know cuz i have one

 

I think the Xterra is the only one out there right now and it just might be the last.

 

yea, 01s and 02s didnt have a stick option.

 

Oh bummer...

 

If I was in the market for a new manual trans SUV, I would go for the new Xterra in a heartbeat. 6 gears and 265HP, oh and an available rear locker.

 

It's sad. Here's a few, but the pickin's is slim -
Xterra V6 6 sp
Liberty I4,V6, turbo diesel 6sp
Wrangler I4, I6 6 sp
Sorrento I4, V6 5 sp
Tucson I4 5sp
XL-7 V6 5sp
Outlander I4 5sp

I left out the RAV4 and a couple of miniSUVs.

 

Ahh,I didn't know the Lliberty had a manual but only the Xterra is truly the only off-road capable SUV of the bunch.

 

The Wrangler does well.....

 

Not really an SUV either.

 

Forgot the regular V6 Cayenne too...not much of a mistake I guess tho its kinda worth forgetting

 

http://content3.us.porsche.com/prod/...manual_gearbox

By golly your right. I thought they were all triptronic...
edit: on a side note I'd buy the Cayenne in a heartbeat if I could afford it... My next car is going to be a Touareg. Porsche hidden in a VW body...

 

The BMW is avail with a manual trans too, I think. But I don't consider them offroad capable, and didn't bother to look them up. They can call the Tuareg and Cayenne 4x4s if they want but those pictures with one wheel 6 " off the ground because of a 7" obstacle are just plain stupid. To me they are no different than any other AWD car or minivan.

Of all the SUVs avail today with manual trans, the only one I'd want is a TJ Rubicon Unlimited. (Actually I *do* want one, very nearly bought one last weekend. But I think I'll wait for a look at the FJ Cruiser first.)

 

For some reason I can't consider a Jeep a SUV unless its a liberty or a Cherokee. As for the Cayenne being offroad capeable, I've seen some test pictures of it doing some stuff the runner may have problems with. So in this case, don't knock it till you've tried it. I don't know bout the BMW but I'd say the Cayenne can do anything a stock 4 runner could.

 

I saw a touraeg (sp) pull some nice moves in Coyote Canyon. I think they are quite a bit more capable than they look. Not sure if how easy it would be to lift them though, and blowing $40K to offroad is beyond me

 

Ya, if I had the money I would too, regardless of what others say I like em and if they can take the Rubicon then they're capable enough for me. I got a picture from the dealer down in Arizona of their "test" Cayenne that was given to the dealer to see what it could do pulling out a pre-production H3 that got stuck.

 

lol...yes it is....if it isnt what is it? a sports car?

 

Its a Jeep. Duh! lol