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 1 through 10 of 201.00

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  Why did I listen? - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By intro - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I based my most recent purchase, a MINI, based on the 18 reviews here on Edmunds. What was I thinking? I think many of the people here on the board must not really own a MINI. Except for reasonable gas mileage, not much good to say about this car. Might as well go get a Toyota Prius or something.

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  Terribly disappointed - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By babydingo - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Not much good to say about my MINI. Poor acceleration. Rattles all over the place. Two mechanical problems requiring service in the first month I owned the car. Learn from your mistakes I guess. Should have saved a few more bucks and bought a 3 series Beemer.

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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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  Just a pile of problems and no fun - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By jcloyd1 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I got my Mini a few weeks ago and it has been nothing short of a disaster. I spent money on the "S" and only recently found out that BMW has to go back to the drawing board. Apparently, 20% fail in the first 3000 miles according to my local dealership. I was one of the unfortuante ones. Live and learn I guess.

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  What is the excitement, not here - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By bigjames - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I have owned three Beemers in the last 10 years and thought the MINI would be a fun addition to my collection. What is disaster. BigJames does not need this mess. The car looks stupid just a few days after you bring it home. BigJamess only good thing to say is that he should be able to unload it with minimal depreciation since it is so hot right now.

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  I will keep my 325i thank you very much - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By beemermania - April 19 - 10:00 am

  What a flawed attempt by my friends in Bavaria. Underpowered. Unrefined. Poor build quality. I am just thrilled I did not sell my 325i when I picked this one up. Within a week there must have been a wiring error because the car simply died on the highway while I was going 70. The Mini dealership said this has happened to a couple others here in town. I will keep my 325i and sell this piece of work as soon as possible.

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  I miss my Miata!!! - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By fhender - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I turned in my Miata and thought I should get a MINI. Cool ads in the mags. Test drove one and thought it was cool. After just three weeks I miss my Miata so much. The MINI supposedly is faster, but I can barely get to 60 in less than 10 seconds. Also, I have had to take it in for service twice in the first month. Not a good choice.

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  My wifes 3 series is a much better car - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By beemerman56 - May 7 - 10:00 am

  I had this "car" for about two months. It reminds me much more of a moped than a car. Sure, when I was 12, the MINI might have been fun. Now it is just an underpowered, overpriced attempt at the uneducated public. I am just thrilled I was able to sell it for $21K and recoup 98% of my original cost. Whew!

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  A $20000 planter - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By ALEXTAM - December 30 - 10:00 am

  It was a big let down. I thought it would be better than a vw bug. It has a for sale sign on it now. It is noisy poor excelleration and the exhaust is rattling. very poorly made. not bmw quality

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  Honey, I shrunk the car! - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By michaelkrz - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought my recently graduated-from- college daughter a new MINI thinking she would love it. Unfortunately, after driving it less than a week, it has had so many problems she ended up selling it and buying a Honda. The doors did not appear correctly set. The engine had smoke come out of it. And so many rattles she thought her niece was playing in the back. Oh well.