I learned to drive a manual in a Ford Feista (Grandma's car in the country)
First car I bought was a Mercury Lynx
I've had a half dozen manual Jeep Wranglers and still drive one.
Purchased a manual Saturn for my sons first vehicle. I wish I could find another manual for my youngest son. It's a great starter vehicle for kids. No texting while driving, friends can't drive it and it's basically theft proof.