2012 Buick Regal GS

The last time a Buick offered a manual transmission was sometime in the late 1980s. Seeing one in a 2012 Regal GS — especially with this car's large 19-inch rims and very sporty body trim — is a true shocker.

The turbocharged engine puts out 270 horsepower, actually too much for the wheels to handle. The six-speed shifter's throws are very long and clumsy, too. But give Buick some credit here. Pontiac is dead, and the Regal is GM's only shot at an affordable sport sedan. An Audi A4 isn't nearly this much fun, we promise you.