Overview & Reviews

The big news for the 2005 Mini Cooper is the arrival of the convertible in both regular and S flavors. Stylish as ever, the drop-top Mini seats four and still has a trunk big enough for a few bags. Other changes include slightly revised front and rear fascias and some reworked option choices. The vanity mirrors are no longer illuminated, a universal remote transmitter is now available and a leather-wrapped steering wheel is now standard. The S version gains 5 horsepower and 7 pound-feet of torque, as well as an external temperature display. Both the five- and six-speed manual transmissions feature shorter gearing this year to improve acceleration. A six-speed automatic transmission will become available on the S versions later in the model year.

• Not enough horsepower in base model, questionable seat comfort, not much room for passengers and cargo, some low-grade interior materials.

User Reviews:

Showing 151 through 160 of 256.00

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  Fun with a Mini - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By R Page - June 3 - 6:00 am

  Find this car to be the most fun and exciting. Owned a Porsche 911SC for 20 years and the Mini is just a joy and a kick to drive. Handling, gearbox and acceleration are superb. 4,000 miles and not a rattle or even one minor problem.

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  The Mini is a Hoot - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Linda - May 26 - 7:53 am

  The Mini is a "big car in a little body." It has plenty of power on the highway, gets great gas mileage, and is just plain fun to drive. The only negative thing about it is that it uses a higher grade of gasoline than most.

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  Fun Factor+++ - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By da libby - May 22 - 1:40 pm

  Once you get past the ordering and waiting process, which MINI had made kind of fun in its own way, the real fun comes in driving it. Easy to drive and park in the city and great to drive on the highway. Best though is driving on twisty "country" roads. Great handling and a very solid ride -- no twist and shake like in other convertibles Ive driven. The sport seats are very comfortable, even after a 5-hour cross-state drive. Contrary to the "official" review, the HP in the base Cooper is plenty for getting to highway speeds smoothly and effortlessly -- watch the speedo because you wont realize how quickly you can pass the speed limit!

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  Only in the Summer - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By KOW - May 13 - 5:00 pm

  The MINI Cooper S is a great little car. Its lots of fun to drive and corners as if on rails...but only on dry roads. If the road is wet or worse (snowy) this thing is scary dangerous. The run flat tires are hard and stiff and provide scant traction. We live in the foothills outside of Denver and value our lives more than the car. Also, resale value is NOT as good as we had expected.

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  Mini Cooper Coupe/Hatchback 2005 - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Sharon Banis - May 6 - 3:36 am

  Its a joy to drive. Its a conversation starter. I get "flashes" from other Mini owners -- like a secret handshake. Everyone wants to go for a ride in the Mini (well nearly everyone)! It causes smiles! It handles well and is fairly sturdy -- unfortunately Mina was hit by an Accord and had some "internal injuries" but the Accord lost its bumper and Mina looks like new after some repairs! I remained unhurt. It hugs curves and feels very stable.

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  Great Car....but...Service is a Concern - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By JCRAY49 - April 4 - 6:20 am

  Initially, I purchased the Mini Cooper S because of my wife and daughters infatuation with this car. After driving this vehicle only one time, I also became "hooked". My main concern about purchasing this vehicle was the lack of dealer certified service in my area. Unfortunately, my fears became reality just 3 weeks after purchasing our new 2005 Mini. Our sun/moonroof motor went out after only 1,200 miles on the car. I spent a day traveling to get this car repaired under warranty. I am hoping for the best from here on out. The car is truly very fun to drive and actually fits our family of 4. I am 64" and the car fits me fine. We all have a great time taking rides in our Mini.

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  lets motor - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By ilovemymini - March 19 - 4:43 pm

  i have never been so happy with a car purchase. I love my mini cooper and cannot wait to purchase the redesigned and improved version in 2007. i recommend this car to everyone looking to have a great time and turn some heads.

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  Mini Convertible - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Magoo - March 17 - 12:43 am

  Great Car. Real fun to drive. Wife wanted an automatic. You can still shift it manually if you want.

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  Worth the Wait - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Miss Mapp - March 12 - 12:13 pm

  I have the Cooper with CVT and so far am totally thrilled. Yes, its small (hence the name), and yes the ride is ... firm. But. If you want to look for excuses to run errands, make heads turn at every stoplight, smile whenever you put the key in the ignition, and just plain feel more excited about driving than since you were 16, then the MINI is for you.

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  More Smiles Per Mile! - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Randall - February 10 - 3:13 pm

  I picked up my MINI Cooper S Convertible in December 2004 after owning a 2002 Cooper hatchback for 2 1/2 years and 40,000 miles. So far I have put over 3,500 miles on it and couldnt be happier. It is a great commuter car as well as being fun on the weekend driving around town. It is also fine for weekend trips with my wife. It has plenty of space for luggage with the rear seats folded down. I am averaging about 30 mpg with a mix of 70% highway / 30% city driving. The build quality is better than my 2002 model. I get lots of stares and questions as the S convertible is still somewhat rare in western Maryland. You can spend more money on a true top down sports car but the Cooper S convertible is perfect for me.