Car Hire in North America

Hire car? Oh, you mean rental car.
Interesting question:

If you want to make things much easier, and cheaper, for you--then really, driving an automatic transmission car here is not so bad:
You just resist the temptation to do anything with your left foot, no clutch, your left foot just, well, doesn't do anything.
And your left hand either, it can just stay on the steering wheel.
Of course, and you already know this: we drive on the wrong side, and the steering wheel is on the wrong side.
But at least you don't have to do anything with your left foot and left hand!

I've never asked, but I bet you're out of luck. You may be able to find a high end specialty car. In fact, this looks good:

exotic car rental

Sad to say, it's even hard to find a car to buy with a manual transmission. I'd wanted one with my last car. It was available with the cheapest models, but if I wanted a few more features, I had to get an automatic.

Wouldn't you like to tool around the US in a Maserati? Or would you prefer a Porsche?

Few Americans drive manual transmission cars anymore, MC, and this is reflected in the rental car companies' vehicles for hire. In fact, when visiting Canada I have not seen any available. Most of us (me included) just prefer to let the car do the work and not have to be bothered with a stick shift so the companies cater to that. I do hope you will come to visit the USA and I am going to go ahead and say "Welcome!"

MC,

IMO, your chances are slim-to-none to find a rental / hire car with a manual transmission. There may be a few at rental locations in larger cities, but as the others have said these will likely be specialty vehicles and the cost may be considerably higher. I've rented a lot of vehicles over the years, so have some idea on what types of vehicles are available. Most of the rental clientele seems to be from the domestic market, and people here prefer almost universally prefer automatics. I think it's fair to say that an increasing number of people these days don't even know how to drive a manual transmission. Here's one good example of that trend from a few weeks ago....

http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/02/15/concord-carjacker-who-cant-drive-a-stick-shift-abandons-vehicle/

One other factor that rental agencies go by is the resale value of their fleet. A manual transmission vehicle is going to be harder to dispose of when it's no longer required for rental use, and therefore less value to them.

Rental / hire agencies may have a small pool of manual transmission vehicles, but they may have to pre-arrange to have them at specific rental locations. Your best bet would be to contact several rental / hire agencies and ask them if they have manual transmission vehicles available. Especially in larger cities, you may have some luck with that approach.

Good luck!

Just rent an automatic. If you get to Idaho, we speak Scottish.

I've rented many cars from many companies in the US, and have never seen the option of a manual transmission even offered. Air conditioner would be standard as well.

MC:

Vehicles in the U.S. with manual transmissions are few and far apart. We cannot even buy a pickup truck with a manual shift any longer.
Car rental companies equip their automobiles for the best resale value and that always includes automatic transmissions, cruise control and air conditioning.
You'll just have to accept the vehicles on the U.S. rental market that are available as there are no substitutes. It beats taking buses and what few trains that we have from place to place.

A quick google tell me that Budget Car rental in Montreal has manuals available, as well as others close to the airport. Montreal being only an hour from the US border, picking up a car here may work for you.

By the way, from May to October AirTransat flies non-stop once a week from Gatwick to Montreal. Always cheaper than the others, (Air Canada, British Airways) much cheaper.

Nearly impossible to rent (hire) a manual transmission car in North America. I only buy manual cars, but I find it increasingly difficult to find one nowadays. No major rental car company keeps them.
Rental Car Companies like to keep in their fleet cars that are easy to resell, and in North America it's hard to sell manual cars because the majority of Americans don't even know how to drive one.
It is the exact opposite of Europe.

I would love Karen's suggestion of hiring a Maserati, it is one of my dream cars but probably beyond my budget! So am gradually becoming resigned to the fact it will be an auto box rather than a real, err manual car.

Kent, I have done that in France. Walked to the hire, rental car, talking with my other half, opened the car and got in. Only to find someone had moved the steering wheel and pedals to the wrong side!

As everybody says - it won't be easy and probably quite more expensive because those few manuals which are around are mostly sports-cars. It's better to say to rent a car than to hire a car. For some people not very well versed in British English it could imply to hire a driver with it. Because I grew up in Europe I learned manual. Then when I got here I had only automatic and never missed manual. The opposite is true - when I get to Europe I have to drive manual and miss automatic. I think everybody who drives automatic for some time, does not want manual back. Especially in heavy traffic and stop and go in American cities manual is a nuisance. Most of my American friends don't even know how to drive manual.

MC,
I'm glad we were able to help you, although it probably was not what you wanted to hear.
We're different over here.
:-)

Auto is in. Manual is completely out. And has been for years. A recent article in the newspaper mentioned that one of the major auto manufactures was discontinuing the manual transmission option. No demand. We have always had at least one manual in the family fleet but it is a 99 Subaru. Not sure what the replacement will be.

It is interesting to hear that manual cars are non-existent in N America. I drive a manual Huyandai and need a new one soon. I know it will be available. One more difference between the USA and Canada? Are we more dexterous manually? Or less indolent.

Manual transmissions are for people who like to drive. In general, automatics are for people who don't like to drive, but have to get somewhere. Electric cars are for people who live in cities and/or don't have to drive very far. I'm not sure who the new cars that supposedly drive themselves are for.

We totally get your disdain for automatics, but sometimes it's the only thing available here to buy (or rent) for the intended purpose. We are always thrilled to get a manual (preferably diesel) car when we rent in Europe. I'm sorry you will not be able to do that as easily here in North America.

We currently own 2 vehicles with automatic transmissions (a very large 2004 Chevy truck and a small 2005 Toyota Highlander), and 3 vehicles with manual transmissions (a Formula Ford race car, a 1986 Toyota MR2 and a Cobra coupe replica under construction). Our hair may be gray, but one thing we will never own is any kind of traditional sedan.

I doubt that Canada and the U.S. differ in the availability of manual shift vehicles to buy or rent. Your best chance of finding either a new car or rental with manual shift on the lot would be in large cities, such as Montreal, where dealers have a lot of turnover. But, even then, I would contact companies directly to see if they still offer manuals and if they will guarantee one at the time and place you want.

Thanks for the suggestions. What I really want is a Dodge. With manual transmission. Yes, I am picky. If I go to North America, I want a North American car, with the transmission I am used to. But am willing to sacrifice the manual for the Dodge. I don't know why but for car brands Dodge = North America.

I know I am am not going to get what I want. I think based on the budget it is going to be a Hyundai. Not a problem as such, I drive a Hyundai. But would prefer a Dodge. Or a Buick.

The locale has been narrowed down. The flag is red and white. But no blue. Sorry.

Well, do tell. Where in the great North will you be?

Ontario and Quebec, basically down then back up the St Lawrence and the cities thereof.

I booked an "Economy" car in Los Angeles and got an new, automatic Mazda 6 with push-buttons for the ignition and the parking brake. I should have Googled that parking brake sooner.

Just remember the car is probably described as Hyundai "or equivalent" and unless they're sold out or overrun with customers, many/most car rental agencies will let you have some leeway picking from the different cars on the lot within your reserved car type so you may get your Dodge yet.

And the AC is helpful in keeping the windows unfogged if you find yourself in humid weather conditions.