Abstract: A transmission for a motor vehicle having a gear train capable of establishing five forward and one reverse drive ratios. The gear train includes 3 planetary gear sets, 2 of which are mounted on an input shaft and the third is mounted on an output shaft disposed parallel to the input shaft. There is a drive connection between the two shafts through the gear trains. Speeds 1 through 4 and reverse are established in the first 2 gear sets on the input shaft. A fifth speed is established by the third gear set on the output shaft. Each sun gear of the first 2 gear sets is clutched to the input shaft. The sun gear of the third gear set is clutched to the chive connection. The annulus of the first gear set is rigidly connected to the planet carrier of the second gear set. The annulus of the second gear set is rigidly connected to the planet carrier of the first gear set.