The modern 5 and 6 speed autos are quickly diminishing
the advantage that a manual offered in the past. Many
of the new autos can deliver better fuel economy than
the manual and have excellent ability for up/down hills.
In my '88 the 5sp is the only way to go, but in an '05,
'06, or some future hybrid, fuel cell, electric model,
the auto may be the way to go.

Regards,
Indy