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Toyota is one of the last companies still fervently fighting to keep the manual transmission alive. Here are its best stick shift models ever.

You can't call yourself a true gearhead unless you have mastered the manual transmission. Driving stick is for those who truly want to drive a car and be fully in control of the process. This is why mastery of a manual transmission remains key to driving pleasure, especially when some high-performance vehicles, like the Audi S1, are only ever offered in that configuration.

Some cars are best experienced with a manual transmission. While fast BMWs like the M5 CS sedan now drive better with clever automatics, cars produced by some Japanese manufacturers such as Toyota benefit from having their gears shifted manually.

Whether it be a tough off-roader, scorching hot hatch, or a thrilling performance coupe, Toyota has the answer. And when equipped with a manual transmission, they deliver a sublime encounter that leaves a resoundingly positive mark. So from a huge back catalog of cars to choose from, these are the 10 best Toyotas ever sold with a manual transmission.

The best hot hatch of the last decade. The GR Yaris is a fire-spitting mental case that just entertains, day-in, day-out. Ferociously fast, the GR Yaris utilizes a 3-cylinder turbocharged engine connected to a four-wheel drive system. It hits 60 mph in as little as 4.7 seconds.

Fantastically balanced, the little Yaris has 268 hp on tap. The GR Yaris is a homologation special that punches way above its weight, and it's able to obliterate and embarrass much fancier machinery. A true hot hatch bargain, it's a car to buy, enjoy, and keep forever.

Related: These Are The 10 Best Hot Hatches On The Market In 2022

Quite possibly the most famous Toyota sports car on the planet, the MK4 Supra Turbo delivered a supercar-crushing experience in an affordable package. It has captured the hearts of fans worldwide and inspired generations of gearheads.

Lurking beneath the sleek hood lies a 3.0-liter twin-turbo monster of an engine. Able to deliver a 326-hp knockout punch, the Supra could rocket to 60 mph in as little as 4.5 seconds. A stock model was fast enough for most, but modifiers took it to a whole new level.

As the old saying goes, "if you want to drive into the heart of the desert, you take a Ranger Rover; but if you want to drive out again you take a Land Cruiser." Built to survive in the harshest environments on Earth, a Land Cruiser is almost unbreakable and will not let you down.

Whether it's fitted with the powerful petrol V8 or a torquey diesel, the Land Cruiser has plenty of guts. Spacious, comfortable, and with rock solid build quality and aging high mileage, Land Cruiser can still head into the wilds with no fear of getting stranded. It's a fine machine.

Related: The Best Features Of The 2023 Range Rover Sport

Toyota's little MR2 delivered an economical sports car at an affordable price at the right time. Sticking a supercharger onto its efficient 1.6-liter engine boosted power. In addition, the acceleration times dropped dramatically, making the MR2 Supercharged a real contender.

Possessing a banshee whine and 130-hp, the MR2 Supercharger could scrabble to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. Dynamically superb, the MR2 could carry its newfound speed through corners with ease. Still an economical choice, it was a huge hit, and great fun to drive.

The ultimate workhorse, the Toyota Hilux is the tool of choice for farmers, builders, adventurers, and freedom fighters the world over. It's a pickup truck hero that has proven itself near-indestructible. When specified in the AT45 specification it's elevated even further.

The special-order Arctic Trucks 45 edition Hilux makes a tough truck even tougher. Upgraded suspension, body trim, and protection allow this Hilux to demolish the arctic tundra. It's the world's best pickup made even better. It just does everything and goes everywhere.

Masters of making small city cars, it came as no surprise that when Toyota decided to pump up the power in the Glanza. Known as the Starlet in some markets, the turbo-powered terror is an absolute blast to drive flat out.

Weighing in at under 2000 lbs and boasting 132 hp, the little Glanza GT was a rocket ship. On boost, its 1.3-liter engine could launch the Glanza to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds. With some tuning goodies, this little car could be made to destroy much bigger prey.

Essentially a full-bore rally car for the road, the awesome Celica ST205 GT4 was a true backroad weapon. Having a 2.0-liter 250-hp turbocharged engine connected to a sophisticated four-wheel drive ensured it was very fast in all weather conditions.

Burying the throttle in the GT4 would see the Celica howl to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds. Through the gears, it was ballistically fast and would cover ground at an alarming pace. Further tuning would unleash more power, making the GT4 a match for anything on the road.

Related: Why We Love The 1971 Toyota Celica GT

Having created so many fine performance cars, Toyota knows better than anyone that it's not always about power. This point was hammered home following the release of the gorgeous GT86 coupe, redubbed the GR86 for the second generation. It's a throwback to Toyota's iconic Corolla AE86 from the '80s and hence prioritizes balance, steering, and driving engagement over sheer power and acceleration.

Making the most of its 2.4-liter 228-hp engine, the GT86 is a refreshing return to naturally aspirated motoring. Getting the most from the chassis and engine takes work, but it's a joyous experience. Hugely entertaining the GR86 rewards those who dig into its abilities.

Undisputably the best-looking car Toyota has ever made. The 2000GT is a sexy '60s superstar. Powered by a 2.0-liter straight-six with 148 hp, the 2000GT not only looked great but also sounded fantastic. Only 337 models were ever created, making the 2000GT ultra-rare and even more expensive.

Used examples commonly make over $1 million at an auction, making it the most sought-after Toyota ever made. Beautifully finished inside and out, the 2000GT wasn't about speed; it was about looking fantastic and making the driver feel like a million bucks.

Related: What Everyone Forgot About The Toyota 2000GT

The recipe is simple. Keep it small, keep it front-engined, and keep it rear-wheel drive. The Corolla GT AE86 took these ingredients and threw a high-revving twin-cam engine into the mix. A legendary car, the GT AE86 is almost a perfect vehicle in every way.

A sweet 130-hp engine, finely balanced chassis, and incredible feedback elevate the AE86 to superstardom. Ventilated discs, an LSD, plus sophisticated suspension allowed it to float from corner to corner with so much control it was almost unbelievable to drive.

Having cut his teeth on the UK street racing scene in the late 90's and early 00's RJ faded from the limelight only to return 20 years later. An avid motoring enthusiast RJ especially enjoys JDM and Italian cars, and is an experienced multi-industry writer.