He shoulda learned to drive stick

[SSNJim]

In the late 70's, I had a 1973 Capri with a manual 4 speed. Fun car. I came home one time, and hopped in my parent's 1969 Thunderbird. This particular car had a brake pedal so wide it seemed to take up all the space between the gas pedal and parking brake. I pulled out of the parking spot, got it into drive, and started down the street. All was going well until, out of habit, I stepped on the "clutch" at about 15mph. That T-Bird came to a stop right now - I think the front splash panel hit the ground. Of course, my mom was watching.... No damage done, just embarrassed.

[Rob Hall]

I wonder what the percentages of vehicles sold w/ manuals in the US and drivers that can drive manuals in the US are...got to be at an all-time low.  

I like manuals, but they seem to be limited to small cars of the lowest trim levels and some performance cars (though many are automatic or cluchless manuals these days)...the kinds of vehicles I like tend to not be available w/ them.