An automatic transmission including a single-pinion first planetary gearset having a first sun gear, a first ring gear and a first pinion carrier, a double-pinion second planetary gearset having a second sun gear, a second ring gear and a second pinion carrier, a single-pinion third planetary gearset having a third sun gear, a third ring gear and a third pinion carrier, an input shaft always connected to the first sun gear, an output shaft always connected to the first pinion carrier, the third sun gear always kept in a fixed state, the first ring gear and the second sun gear which are always connected to each other, the second and third ring gears which are always connected to each other, and six friction elements, at least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed being respectively established by simultaneous engagement of two friction elements selected from the six friction elements.