Back in the day, as was pointed out earlier, automatics were extras because they were considered a 'Luxury' item along with AC and powerwindows, heck even power steering and powerbrakes were not that common back in the day. Automatics back then were also not very reliable. Mechanics back then did not have the knowledge that exists today to fix them. Today there is a better chance than ever that the automatic would be sound. While all car companies have produced a lemon transmission or two, chyrsler has been particularly stung as anybody who owned a 1991 to 2000 car or truck can attest to. Today in my world of the big trucks, Automatics in the last five years have made dramatic inroads, the ability to hold on a hill with 130k on you is something to been seen, fuel economy is good, as well as less wear and tear on the driveline, it can be said however that an experinced trucker can do the same, and its true but its getting to that point that causes the damage. As was said earlier in the thread, Europe charges more for autos than standards, but the auto is starting to make its presence felt there as well.