When I got my drivers license years ago, I learned on a manual. My first manual car was purchased 5 years after that, my 2002 Protégé. Took me a week to get into the swing of things. That car had a great manual transmission. I did put a B&M short shifter on it. Made it slightly notchier, but the throws are nice. I taught several friends how to drive manual on it. Very easy, forgiving car to learn on.
Bought my 300ZX in manual in 2005.
I replaced the Protégé this year with the van and I miss having a manual for a DD. I hope that when I replace the van years from now, I can still buy a decent sedan with a manual.
PS, if you are in the Edmonton area and want a vehicle to teach someone manual on, I can sell you my old Protégé for pretty cheap (hundreds, not thousands). 338k kms and going strong. Just needs a wash, new tires and an oil change.