It was one of the most disappointing facets of an otherwise amazing product launch: the seven-speed manual transmission would not be available on the Sasquatch off-road package of the new Ford Bronco. Why make that omission when the base model got it? It made no sense, and the buying public, journalists, even five-year-old kids knew that somewhere along the line, that call was a messed-up one. Shortly after the launch, once the critics started to weigh in, Ford themselves said that they would consider putting the three-pedal gearbox into the Sasquatch if enough people chimed in, wanting the option. Leave it to true fans of the stick-shift, because apparently they were very, very vocal. And Ford listened.

Why put a standard trans into a new sport-utility, especially given how many new vehicle buyers are actually willing to take the manual trans? When off-roading, especially in the slow and technical stuff, being able to manually lock gears down is a positive thing. And there is nothing like rowing your own, I don’t care who you are. So rejoice, gearheads…your voices were heard and Ford has sided with you.