Oh how I love my manual Honda Accord. Before that, had the Civic, the Geo Prism, the Chevy Nova (not the muscle car one, the wee economy car) all with manual transmission. Before that a 1960s mustang with a ridiculously hard to use 3 speed transmission, not hydraulic. Manual transmission is the one thing that makes an otherwise unremarkable car fun to drive. Even one of my kids is converted now, always wants to drive my car not the automatic.
Yes, automatic transmission is more efficient but if the clutch fails it’s a $500 repair not a $5,000 repair. I’ll probably never again have a gas powered car but want this one as long as I can keep it running.