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Does Rotary Shifter suck?

Glen Baker LLC

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My first one and thought I would dislike it but is a non issue. I understand and appreciate now that it does save space in the cab and to pull off what the Maverick has done as far as interior space , it’s a critical piece.
I agree.
Having the dial shifter makes it a lot easier to use the cup holders conveniently.
Ford Maverick Does Rotary Shifter suck? 20250902_143123
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Tbone289

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I own three vehicles with manual transmissions and drive one daily. All automatics suck, no matter how they're shifted. I have no more dislike for rotary-shifted ones than any others. :wink:
 

Glen Baker LLC

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I own three vehicles with manual transmissions and drive one daily. All automatics suck, no matter how they're shifted. I have no more dislike for rotary-shifted ones than any others. :wink:
I was surprised to read that Europe a long bastion of manual transmissions. Now sells more automatic transmissions than manuals.

Europe is experiencing a significant increase in the adoption of automatic transmissions, with estimates in 2020 suggesting a market penetration of around 75%. This shift is driven by factors such as consumer demand for comfort and convenience, particularly in urban environments; advancements in automatic transmission technology leading to better efficiency; and the growing popularity of hybrid and electric vehicles, which are often equipped with automatics.
Since Model Year 2016:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that automatic transmissions began providing better average fuel economy than manual transmissions starting with vehicles from the 2016 model year.
Ford Maverick Does Rotary Shifter suck? Screenshot_2025-09-02-15-01-23-45_40deb401b9ffe8e1df2f1cc5ba480b12

Yep semi-trucks are going Automatic.
Based on current sales figures for new semi-trucks, nearly 90–95% are being sold with automatic or automated manual transmissions. Less than a decade ago, this number was as low as 10%.
A manual transmission in a semi, is now considered a special order.😲
Driver accessibility: Automatics are easier to operate, which widens the potential hiring pool for trucking companies and reduces the barriers for new drivers. Many new drivers entering the field have no experience with manual transmissions.
Fuel efficiency: The computerized and predictive shifting in modern automated manual transmissions (AMTs) is often more fuel-efficient than a manual transmission, especially for average drivers. This results in significant cost savings for fleets.
Lower maintenance costs: AMTs reduce wear and tear on the drivetrain by preventing missed shifts and inconsistent driving techniques. This results in less maintenance and downtime compared to manual transmissions.
And Reduced Driver Fatigue.

I think manual transmissions are going the same way as a crank started engine.
 
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Tbone289

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I was surprised to read that Europe a long bastion of manual transmissions. Now sells more automatic transmissions than manuals.

Europe is experiencing a significant increase in the adoption of automatic transmissions, with estimates in 2020 suggesting a market penetration of around 75%. This shift is driven by factors such as consumer demand for comfort and convenience, particularly in urban environments; advancements in automatic transmission technology leading to better efficiency; and the growing popularity of hybrid and electric vehicles, which are often equipped with automatics.
That is surprising. Good for them. Now show me an automatic with advanced technology that makes it as durable as a manual. Comfort, convenience and economy be damned! My ICE manual daily driver gets 40 MPG and is really fun to drive. :) Technology is sucking the soul out of vehicles.
 
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Meeka

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I own three vehicles with manual transmissions and drive one daily. All automatics suck, no matter how they're shifted. I have no more dislike for rotary-shifted ones than any others. :wink:
4-5-6 speeds rule! (Manual of course). Love my clutch pedal! And for those that don’t know what that is…….. 🙄
 

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Tbone289

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4-5-6 speeds rule! (Manual of course). Love my clutch pedal! And for those that don’t know what that is…….. 🙄
One of mine is a three speed. It rules too.
 

HeyBales

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Hmmm - what would a manual EV be like?
Don't watch racing circuits - any such thing?

Also just picturing clutch work, and then turning a dial to select a gear manually.
So instead of this aggressive throw or yank on knob - this little gingerly spin.

Except same as Mav with lack of indents - so spin too hard you go straight to 5th
 

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On the 🌲, that’s how I learnt. 😉
I relocated mine to the floor with a Hurst kit. Column linkages get too sloppy and are a PITA to deal with.
 

Tbone289

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Hmmm - what would a manual EV be like?
Don't watch racing circuits - any such thing?
Not sure why you'd want a transmission in an EV, but Formula One and Indycar have hybrid drivetrains with semi-automatic manuals. 2026 will bring renewable fuel hybrids to F1.
 
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HeyBales

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Not sure why you'd want a transmission in an EV, but Formula One and Indycar have hybrid drivetrains with semi-automatic manuals. 2026 will bring renewable fuel hybrids to F1.
So drivers can have the fun aspect!
 

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Youve really lived when you drive one where the linkage isn't adjusted properly, and you have to get out and uncross the gears.
synchronized transmissions are for wimps!

(actually, it's why '28 is my cutoff year as I search for a cadillac. But '26 would be ideal)

worn out linkage connections
worn out? try disintegrated.

In the largest uhaul.

towing the largest trailer.

Just as I crested the summit in the rockies.

Today, I'd have a cell phone and camera to take a picture of the visibly warped brakes, but not back then.


Not sure why you'd want a transmission in an EV,
Dodge claims that it will have some kind of manual in the upcoming electric charger/challenger. They've been clear as mud as to how that will work, or what it will do. They're also researching air pathways to mimic a v8 rumble.

File this under, "I'll believe it when I see it", with other boojums like their new ramcharger . . .
 

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Red Eyes - Wide Shut

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Doesn’t ’suck’, it rotates, as designed. 0 issues.

[ There’s no way to verify this, but I’d bet there was blowback from Mopar fans when Chrysler produced their ‘push button shifters’ for their automatic transmissions, moving away from a ‘3 on the tree manual tranny’. Oh the horrors it must have triggered!]
I liked the Mopar push button. Easier to do neutral drops.
 

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synchronized transmissions are for wimps!

(actually, it's why '28 is my cutoff year as I search for a cadillac. But '26 would be ideal)



worn out? try disintegrated.

In the largest uhaul.

towing the largest trailer.

Just as I crested the summit in the rockies.

Today, I'd have a cell phone and camera to take a picture of the visibly warped brakes, but not back then.




Dodge claims that it will have some kind of manual in the upcoming electric charger/challenger. They've been clear as mud as to how that will work, or what it will do. They're also researching air pathways to mimic a v8 rumble.

File this under, "I'll believe it when I see it", with other boojums like their new ramcharger . . .
Ah, double clutching like McQueen in Bullitt! 😉
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