8 Japanese Sports Cars You Can Still Buy With A Manual Transmission
Every time you open your browser to check the news, it seems another manufacturer is discontinuing one of their sports cars that still offered a manual transmission. Japanese manufacturers are no exception. Honda recently announced it will soon be pausing production of their manual transmission options for the Acura Integra Type S, while Toyota is ending the production of its fifth-generation GR Supra. Not all hope is lost, however, as Japanese manufacturers are still providing plenty of manual transmission options. With a few discontinuations for 2027, some of these manual sports cars on this list won’t be around for long, and this may be your last chance to get your hands on one of these 8 Japanese sports cars with a manual transmission.
8
Toyota GR Supra 3.0
MSRP: $58,300
Starting off with the Toyota GR Supra 3.0, this is the most expensive manual sports car on this list. The GR Supra pairs a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six producing 382 hp with rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual. Though it represents the classic sports car formula, this setup has become increasingly difficult to find. The GR Supra shares its platform and engine with the BMW Z4, and though the Z4 only offers the manual transmission in its top trim, the GR Supra makes its manual transmission available across all trims. As the 2026 model year marks the final chapter for the current-generation Supra, this is your final opportunity to buy the iconic Japanese sports coupe brand new.
7
Acura Integra Type S
MSRP: $53,900
Borrowing its engine, platform, and transmission from the Civic Type R, the Acura Integra Type S takes the Type R’s basic performance formula and wraps it in a more mature and premium package. The Type S comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 320 hp, a front-wheel drivetrain and a six-speed manual transmission. Less extreme than the Type R, the Type S offers slightly more comfort as a daily driver, but its upscale interior remains quite sporty and reminiscent of the Type R’s, depending on the spec. The manual-equipped Type S will be discontinued for 2027, making the 2026 model your final chance at getting your hands on a brand new Integra with a manual transmission.
6
Honda Civic Type R
MSRP: $47,395
The Honda Civic Type R proves that a manual sports car doesn’t always have to be rear-wheel drive. With its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 315 hp, the Type R gets a six-speed manual with no automatic transmission trims in sight. The Type R’s aggressive styling hints at its capable chassis that is equally suited to winding roads and track days. You simply have to love the Type R for offering one of the best (if not the best) front-wheel drive performances on the market. The Type R is also more affordable than the aforementioned Integra Type S while being equally practical, and unlike the Type S, the Civic Type R isn’t going anywhere for 2027.
5
Nissan Z Sport
MSRP: $44,480
With a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 producing 400 hp, the Z offers considerably more power than most cars on this list. The Z is rear-wheel drive and comes with a six-speed manual, but its appeal also comes from its heritage. Nissan cleverly blended design cues from previous, iconic Fairlady Z models into this modern and stylish coupé. For those in search of more power and more performance, Nissan now offers the Z NISMO as a manual. Financially, it is a significant jump, as you’ll be looking at a starting MSRP of $67,260.
Nissan has already begun selling the 2027 model, securing the Z’s manual future, and since Toyota is discontinuing the Supra, this may be worth considering if you’re looking for a turbocharged, six-cylinder, rear-wheel drive Japanese manual sports car.
4
Toyota GR Corolla
MSRP: $40,520
The Toyota GR Corolla takes a different approach from your usual manual sports car. It combines a 300-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder with a six-speed manual, but unlike most rear-wheel drive sports cars on this list, the GR Corolla is all-wheel drive. Using Toyota’s GR-FOUR system, the drivetrain was developed through competition in the World Rally Championship (WRC), forged in the harsh and unforgiving rallying environment. The GR Corolla is essentially a rally-inspired performance machine disguised as a practical hatchback. At $40,520, you not only get serious performance, but you also get a functional daily driver. And since the Toyota GR Yaris isn’t available in the U.S., the GR Corolla is as close as you’ll get to experiencing the rally-inspired GR Yaris performance.
3
Subaru BRZ Limited
MSRP: $35,860
Sharing its fundamental hardware with the Toyota GR86, the Subaru BRZ offers the same naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat-four producing 228 hp, with a rear-wheel drivetrain and a six-speed manual transmission, but in a slightly different package. The BRZ gets its own suspension tuning and styling, with the suspension tuned for stability and precision, compared to the GR86, which gives a sharper corner entry suited to track driving. The entry-level BRZ Limited is slightly more expensive than the GR86, but if you are a die-hard Subaru fan, the BRZ in the iconic WR Blue paint is a no-brainer.
2
Toyota GR86
MSRP: $31,400
The Toyota GR86 offers the classic front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car formula at an accessible price. The GR86 gets a naturally aspirated, 2.4-liter flat-four producing 228 hp, which it shares with the Subaru BRZ. The GR86 is also rear-wheel drive and comes with a six-speed manual. As the second most affordable manual Japanese sports car on this list, Toyota offers a winning formula that combines driver engagement without having to break the bank. Toyota has already moved into the 2027 model year with barely any change to the MSRP, making it one of the best cars for enthusiasts on a budget.
1
Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport
MSRP: $30,730
No manual transmission list is complete without a mention of the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The little Japanese roadster has long been the benchmark for lightweight, affordable sports cars, and it still remains the most affordable way to get your hands on a brand new Japanese sports car with a manual transmission. The Miata’s formula remains simple, with a 181-hp naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder, rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission. In an age of heavy vehicles, the Miata’s light curb weight and compact dimensions make it a nimble sports car that prioritizes driver engagement over outright performance. At $30,730, the entry-level Sport trim makes the Miata the least expensive car on this list and the most accessible way to experience a true sports car.
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