I've gone through all this before, but I remain happy with the 6AT, and have no regrets.

As far as 0-60 times, I really do believe that had Toyota/Subaru given us decent launch control the AT would be faster than the MT. Why? The AT will do 60 in second gear and the MT will not (or at least that is what the early reviews said, I have not tested the MT myself).

Automatic FRS
 

Before I learned how to drive stick (when i bought my frs) I believed everyone that said a manual was a pain in stop and go bumper to bumper traffic. Luckily I tried it for myself and after being in a few traffic jams I realized that they were all full of crap. You don't even have to think about it. Traffic sucks in an automatic and in a manual, but it sucks equal amounts. But when that traffic clears up you have fun steering your car and I'll have fun driving mine.

Been 2 years with my AT FRS and this is my first ever AT car...
I like it now, but at the beginning with the torque dip and gear for ultra high top speed no so much (there is no way this car could push 6 gear stoke, for that matter the fun gear is 2nd and 3rd).
Currently 0-60mph 5.5 to 5.9 seconds, it is louder, faster and consume more or lees the same amount of fuel.
The mods:
FI
Upgrades to support FI (oil cooler, radiator, fuel system, tunes...)
Full exhaust system with no cats
Final drive 4.67

The thing is that now it is way faster and loud, so I'm beginning to wander if this is what I really desire. Don't get me wrong! Love the car and love been the under dog (for highway runs) but my wife don't like it anymore and is a PITA to get her into the car. So it is a DD to go at work but on the weekends is grounded. Or I could go for a spin ALONE, that isn't so bad :)

Life is good so enjoy!

I am only bitter that you bought an automatic and are supporting the sales and production of the auto transmission, which contrary to everything said in this thread, is killing sports cars. Learn to drive stick, everyone, please.

On a side note, I am glad OP is happy with his car, I just wish this was like the Focus and Fiesta ST.....6 speed manual only!

You can't compare Toyota to Ford like that. Toyota doesn't have a mustang or F-150 for their youth segment to fall back on.

The automatic FR-S is just another way to make sales. Without it the FR-S might have gone the way of the S2000 with a few years of sales and then gone.

To be fair, the TC could be considered the vehicle that fills that youth segment w/ an automatic option. While I think that everyone should be happy with their car, I do feel that certain cars should only be offered in manual. The S2000 was an excellent example of this. I still wish they'd done the same thing with the NSX too. It's a double-edged sword though, because it will kill the sales. Unfortunately, we just can't win 'em all.

Toyota doesn't have a youth segment; no they do, its called Scion and we all own one!

I would never want to hurt or kill sales of this car, because I really do love mine, but my god this shouldn't be offered with an automatic.

I once again tip my hat to Ford with the Focus and Fiesta ST staying 6 speed only.

Even if the car is faster in auto form (new Ferrari's, Lamborghini's, Porsche's, etc) it is not as much fun.

Also, on the traffic comment, I am in stop and go traffic for a minimum of 10 minutes a day. Once you have driven stick for 6+ months and become proficient, you don't even think about it. Heck, I treat my clutch like others would with their brakes...I let out slowly and roll forward then push it back in. A little extra work never hurt anyone.

I've driven stick for 7+ years and wouldn't purchase an automatic, ever.

Ten minutes of traffic doesn't seem like very much. I drive 25 miles each way and sometimes every bit of that is in stop and go traffic. And what about people who have physical disabilities that make it difficult to drive a stick?

I don't understand the elitist attitude about driving a manual, especially when all sports cars are going to be automatic soon. Automatic, because race car? It's coming :).

But... but... if you drive stick it adds 5" to your ding dong :rolleyes:

Then why not with manual crank (no need for a starter) or manual windows.... :)

In my opinion, the days of being able to sell a manual only car have passed for a couple of reasons. First, there is consumer demand. It is a very small percentage of people that prefer MT. It's no different than any other technology. (abacus vs. slide rule vs. calculator for example).

Second, is government regulations. As the number of gears in the transmission rise to help meet increasing MPG requirements, people aren't going to want to churn through 6/7/8 gears in their car.

I would not be surprised to eventually see the MT become the "extra cost" option since it is the low volume choice that will have to be special ordered.

Don't get me wrong, I love manual transmissions, and agree with those above that say "heavy traffic" is not a big deal or a reason to get an AT. If anything, it gives you something to do! I don't want to see them die, but at the end of the day it is about choice in the marketplace.

With the FRS I held off on my decision until I drove both, and still vacillated about it several times in Long Beach before sticking with the AT. The manual mode is close enough to satisfy any urge I have to roll my own.

...I have to say (and not saying this is @Shark_Bait88) I find it amusing that there are folks that want the car to be manual only, but complain that the FR-S doesn't have push-to-start and dual climate control, or would not have purchased it if it had manual windows and locks. If we want to get back to basics lets go all the way!

Oh wait, that's the real reason I don't drive a manual, haha.

What about people who are 7 feet tall and cannot fit in a twin?

If mine had manual window and locks I would be thrilled. Thankfully mine doesn't have a sunroof, leather, nav, etc....