I greatly prefer the Automatic over the Stick. I tried a Stick, but I'm not co-ordinated enough to use it. The Automatic nicely allows for the "just sit back and fly" type driving expierence. Since motorcycles have a "Stick" my poor coordination sank that try. :( The first gear is awful herky-jerky! So long as a vehicle has the Automatic (or if it's a jet) I'll gladly drive it.

The trick of The Stick is that while it will give better fuel economy, it takes some coordination on the part of the user. The Stick was invented becuse the internal combustion engine runs best at one RPM speed but a car must be able to go from zero to a desired speed. The electric motor is a lot better match than the car engine. The innovation with the hybrid comes with how the controls are like a normal car with an Automatic. Previous attempts were always with extra switches or the like that'll require the new owner having to learn them, like that Stick.

The thing about the Stick I don't like is the bit with having to do the clutch. The Automatic has that "fluid clutch" thingy which causes it to act like the case of boating. Step on the gas, and you get the desired thrust. Step off, and you glide. A zillion times easier than messing with a clutch and a hand on the gear shift! I would end up preferring a British side drive car in the case of having to do a Stick instead of an American side drive Stick car. That's becuse I drive with my right hand on the teering column.