Im looking for cars, how come they say 5 speed automatic if their not a stick shift?

Question

When I search for cars there comming up like 5 speed automatic. If it's automatic then why would it be a 5 speed? I thought the differn't speeds were for manuel cars. Sorry if this sounds stupid but im only 16 and I don't understand. And what is a semi-automatic?

Answer 1

Becuase automatic transmissions can have 5 gears (speeds) too, just like manual tranmissions can.

In my lifetime I have owned manual transmission vehicles with 4, 5 and 6 gears and automatic transmissions with 3 or 4 gears.  5-speed automatics are relatively new to the marketplace - just within the last decade - but in a few years time will probably be the norm.  

Answer 2

Automatics change gears too. They just do it without your help.

Answer 3

All automatic has few speed. But lately many GOOD auto tranny comes with 5 speed (instead of the traditional 3, or 4 speed). That saves gas and makes the car accelerate better.

So they are advertising this fact.  From the driver's point of view, it does not matter.

Good luck...

Answer 4

All cars have gears, and  most have 5 (some sports cars have 6 speeds, I think).  It will either describe a car as 5 speed automatic or 5 speed manual transmission.  Semi-automatic only applies to a gun, I think.  But some cars will have may be described as having auto-stick option.  This is where it is an automatic, but has an option for you to up-shift and down-shift manually if you want to.  Mine has that -- it's kind of fun.

Answer 5

germans are now making 7 speed automatics

Answer 6

well a semi automatic refers to a handgun. and there is no stupid questions just stupid people and your probably smart. an automatic still has gears inside and that is what they are talking about when they say 5 speed automatic.