Overview & Reviews

BMW subsidiary, Mini, resurrects an unforgettable old favorite with the release of the 2002 Mini Cooper. Available with either a 115-horsepower four-cylinder or a supercharged version of that engine worthy of 163 hp, the pint-sized but glamorous three-door hatchback features BMW-engineered suspension and steering and a base MSRP under 17 grand. Whether you're a 40-something hoping to relive earlier days, an autocross enthusiast or just the mild-mannered next-door neighbor, we expect that you'll run to the nearest BMW dealership in search of this coveted bundle of joy.

• Questionable interior ergonomics, limited first-year supply.

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 201.00

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  You should get a mini now--RIGHT NOW. - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By Richard Dieffenbach - March 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car May 31 when the delaer offered it to me fifteen minutes before closing because somebody failed to pick it up. I drove it home. What a blast. Ducati riders slow down for a look on the 405; "fast and furious" types in their slammed Acuras ogle it, as do their girlfriends; commuters speed by and then circle it for a second look. I am hooked. It satisfies the desire for quickness, style and handling and is not as frightening to drive as my dear departed 72 911, and it has air conditioning.

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  Only a bucket of headaches - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By wannam3 - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Having owned three other BMWs in the past, I eagerly bought one of the first MINIs in the Bay area. Although Beemers tend to be a little fussy, my MINI was a disaster. Rattles everywhere, poor low end torque, windshield wiper did not work well, leaky fuel line, and two engine cutoffs on the highway. The second was the last straw. Luckily, I had bought a couple other BMWs in the past, and they wanted to make me happy, so they refunded all of my money except $500. Bye bye MINI, maybe in a couple years the defects will be worked out.

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  My Fourth MINI - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By Alan Barreuther - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Needless to say I am impressed after waiting over a year for one of the first Cooper "S" in the state. The BEST small car EVER. SOLID fun that gets better the longer you own it! This is the reasion I have driving Minis for 30+ years and will continue to do so. "You never forget your first MINI, or the last." Nothing comes close to the real thing.

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  The New Mini - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By Neo - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Having previously owned a few BMWs and a SAAB SPG I can honestly say that this has got to be one the best handling cars ever seen here in the US. BMW has outdone itself. My expectations were high and they were far exceeded. You wont be disappointed!

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  Happy with MC; now trading up to MCS - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By Ian Cull - October 21 - 2:00 am

  No problems after 8000 miles. 16" runflat tires make for rough ride over MA potholes, but fun and looks compensate.

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  a hoot to drive - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By james slezak - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for the car that would be the most fun to drive for $20,000 and I found it. The controls fall readily to hand and offer the right kind of feedback. The engine pulls strongly from 3000 rpm to redline although I rarely rev past 6000. The brakes are super although a little darty on uneven surfaces. Selecting gears is a pleasure. And cornering is just incredible. In 2002 I bought my Minin BMW and had as much fun as I had with my 1970 2002 BMW.

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  Dont buy one - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By minilemon - October 2 - 2:00 am

  This car had "de-acceletrated 4 times, going from 50 MPH on the highway to 20 without warning, cant make it up a hill, lost power in the middle of a busy intersection. The BMW dealer in SF told me that other MINIs have had the same problem and required the engine harness to be re-wired, but according to their service protocol, they would first do a series of software upgrades to see if that would fix the problem (that did not fix the problem on other cars, so why would it fix my problem? Their mechanics are not trained to work on MINIs, they gave me a hard time about paying for a rental car or giving me a loaner

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  Mini Cooper S - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By siliconcenturion - September 22 - 10:00 am

  to be short: Love this car, small, fun, sporty

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  Inconsistent Build Quality - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By babyboomer - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Having driven my MINI CVT (Automatic) for 5,000 miles, I have mixed feelings. When operating properly the most fun Ive had in a car. But, and this is a big but, car has intermitent issues, ie. stalling, idle variances and lack of power. These issues are sporadic, which makes it difficult to feel safe. Service does what it can, yet issues keep coming up again. Car has been in 6 times with almost 30 days in service. I suggest waiting for the 2003 model and avoiding the CVT. Hopefully the 2003 S will have worked all the bugs out. Also, order the car, shop around as many dealers add up to $3000 in mandatory accessories above MSRP!

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  Plenty of power - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By concordmini - September 13 - 2:00 am

  To all you out there that complain about lack of power. You need to remember its a 4 cylinder, not a V8. And being a sporty car, it is designed to be revved. Dont be afraid to run it in the 4-6000 rpm range, and I dont mean just shifting, cruise at 6000 if you need to. On trips to tahoe (ie:big mountain climb) I may be in 3rd gear at 70 mph during some parts of the climb. Its not a big deal, the engine can handle sustained 6000 rpm for days. Oh and I still get 39 mpg round trip (350 miles up and back down to san francisco area) Rev it , dont lug it if you need the power. generally you need to hit 4000 rpm or higher to get the sweet spot in the horsepower.