Manual gearbox versus Automatic gearbox?

I have been always driving cars with manual gearboxes and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I'm currently in the USA as an international student and am contemplating on buying a car. Most cars here are automatics. I was wondering whether I should follow the crowd and opt for an automatic (not something I'm a big fan of) or go for a manual.
What are you views on the touted pros of manuals - cheaper, fuel efficient, easy and cheap to maintain and repair, and capable of providing a thorough driving experience? Just so you know, I'm planning on buying a Ford Focus. So, let me know if my question has any bearing on my choice or vice versa?

Is the Ford Focus ST reliable?

I know it is a bit soon but I was wondering if the new Ford Focus ST(current generation) is reliable as a daily driver? Also what are the common issues with the ST since you have "OWNED" the car?

If you hate Ford please do not waste your time answering my question or giving you opinion.

Do I need new struts for my Ford Focus?

I think its just the bearing (s) as my ride is unchanged and the car has the same bounce when I push and release the front end down. Of course, I'm not a mechanic and don't think i'm capable of replacing struts… Just looking for a fix that isn't $800
I have a subtle click and my tires in the front have worn rough

Added (1). I meant the bearings in the strut. Everything else seems solid

Ford Focus 2000 gas mileage?

About 3 days ago I got a 2000 Ford Focus. Runs amazing! Such a smooth driver and is a really great car. I have driver her around a few times a day and I almost have a half tank of gas when she was almost full. Me and my mom wen there and got the car and the lady who was selling it I knew, I used to be on the cheer team with her daughter and her husband is a mechanic and I know she wouldn't lie to me. She told me my car got 57 miles to the gallon. My mom believes her, and so does my boyfriend. I told my friend about it and she's like "uhh I don't think so, I doubt that" so I googled it and google told me 30 miles to the gallon! That's how much my moms HUGE SUV gets. And my car is so light and little. Is 57 miles to the gallon fake? Like is that impossible? The friend I told this to was going to buy this car but
I got to it first so It could be out of jealousy but that's childish. Anybody good with cars?

Used car help? Good models?

My 2000 Ford Focus was a good car but it's just about had it. What are some good make/models, $5000 and under, preferably between 2001 and 2005? I want something a little sporty (but not a mustang) along with comfort, and RELIABILITY. I was really looking at Bmw 325i's but don't know much about them.

01Ford focus has a bad motor, suggestions?

So my girlfriend got a free 01 Ford focus 4 cylinder 2.0 liter sohc 5 speed. Problem is the motor is shot. More specifically piston number 1 broke, there's a hole through the block and the head is pretty roughed up. I personally would just scrap it. But deal was that we fix the car or have to give it back. The body in nice condition and the interior is too, also the transmission had been recently replaced.

I want to fix it as economically as possible. I've called every junkyard with in 30 miles and been unable to find a good motor that's the same. I'm open to the idea of a motor swap, but I'm not familiar with Ford transmission bolt patterns. I'm a GM guy. I had a crazy idea doing a Frankenstein mods and some how mounting a carburetored gm 2.8 motor and tranny out of a s10 that i have laying around and converting it to rear wheel drive or 3100 motor and tranny out of a 94 Oldsmobile fwd also just laying around.

Welp i'm open to any ideas so shoot

How to install a car stereo on your own?

I have an '05 Ford Focus ZX4, and I want to replace my useless default radio unit, and install a new one that I got from my friend, a Pioneer DEH-150MP. Now keep in my mind that i'm not that great with cars and don't have much experience. Appreciate the help!