Originally Posted by lightonthehill

chris - As far as MPG, the '04s with 5 speed auto had 20 city and 27 highway on the window sticker. If I remember correctly, the '04s with manual showed either 20 or 21 for city and 28 for highway. I would expect that a reasonably driven manual might eke out a mile or so per gallon more than an auto. But then who drives a manual 'reasonably'? Manuals just beg to be 'driven'.

For most drivers (like me), the 5 speed auto will be quicker (quick, smooth shifts, and only four of them). For drivers who are very proficient with a manual, despite the extra shift involved (5 instead of 4), I would give the edge to the manual.

Of course the manual has another advantage in that the driver is in full control of everything that happens. In unusual driving situations (say in very hilly terrain such as the Rockies, etc), there are advantages to that.

Just my opinion, of course.