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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  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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  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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  Clutch and Transmission Failure - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By Fun in Del Mar - February 20 - 1:46 pm

  I have had a lot of trouble initially with the computer system of the car, but the worst is that I had to have the clutch replaced at 75,000. miles and now I need a new transmission at 83,000. miles. Dealer tells me its my driving - but I have been driving Beemer stick-shifts my whole life - I never had to have either one of those parts replaced until I got to 175,000. miles. Furthermore, all maintenance the car needs is very expensive - which may have to do with individual dealerships. Nor am I happy about the acceleration of the car. It certainly does not compare to any of the 3- series of the BMWs - but then again its also cheaper.

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  Booo for Mini - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By CIndy - June 16 - 4:36 pm

  My transmission and clutch went out on my car at nearly 68,000 miles. I had to spend $4,000 to have them replaced. I learned how to drive a car with a manual transmission so the problem isnt me riding the clutchor abusing the car. This car is junk. Id NEVER tell anybody to buy one again!