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 21 through 30 of 256.00-
I Love My MINI - 2005 Mini Cooper
By Scott Otte - April 7 - 6:26 pmI have driven My MINI Cooper S Convertible 16,500 miles in four months. It is hard to imagine anything more fun that you can do with your clothes on! I had one minor problem with the heater, but the dealership fixed it without any hassle. Other than that the car has been a dream It handles like the go cart is constantly compared to, and has plenty of get up and go with the extra horse power and new gearing in the 2005 model.
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Fun and Affordable - 2005 Mini Cooper
By T. Smith - March 30 - 2:50 amThis has been a great driving year. I love my MINI. One of the great things about it is the smiles that are invariably produced when you drive by. Gas mileage is acceptable (though high test gas is a slight burden). The interior is very comfortable (definitely spring for the leather sport seats). My son (a tall 9 year old) has plenty of room in the back and the three of us have taken several long trips. Having a MINI means packing lightly, but its a good exercise in downsizing the extraneous stuff that crowds our lives. Pleny of room for groceries and such and tall people fit fine. But the real sell is the enjoyment of driving. Go-kart? Maybe. But its stable and, did I mention fun?
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New Owner - 2005 Mini Cooper
By miniplatz - February 9 - 2:13 pmI drove it for two days in the West Virginia mountains using the paddel shifter. It was a blast. The only change I would make is an electric adjustable drivers seat. It is a great car, but it is not as much fun as my 1990 British Open Mini. Everyone should have one.
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Enjoyable - 2005 Mini Cooper
By archrail - February 9 - 7:53 amI am really enjoying the car. My other car is a 1971 Porsch 914-4. Both cars are excellant. But the MINI Cooper of course is techincally superior. After all, there should be advances in 34 years of motoring. But the Porsche is still fun to drive, however the MINI actually handles better. Both have 1.6 liter engines. The engine response with the MINI is quicker and you can really control the MINI on a mountain road. You drive has hard and as fast as you, the driver can handle!
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I Wouldnt Trade my Mini for Anything! - 2005 Mini Cooper
By Mini_T - February 7 - 4:23 pmThis is a great little car. Its very sporty and handles well. I bought mine in Germany and drove it to Switzerland and Italy. Talk about fun on the road. This car is built to handle the most death defying curves any road has to offer. I love to drive it and people love to ask, "How much fun is it to drive?" My standard reply, "Its my toy, and fun is an understatement!"
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Im lovin it ! - 2005 Mini Cooper
By Hans-Juergen - January 23 - 6:36 amIve had my Mini for 15 months, and have put 17,000 fun-packed miles on it. I have the base model with manual transmission, sport seats, and a sunroof. Although I have read reviews that say otherwise, I think the base model packs plenty of power (as long as the A/C is off). I have not tired of this car - each time I get in it, I am reminded of how much fun driving should be. It is responsive on turns, and stable as can be at high speeds on the freeway.
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I Love My Mini - 2005 Mini Cooper
By MDGiusti - November 2 - 11:56 pmI love my Mini. I have had it for a little more than two years now and it has treated me very well. My wife and I evacuated from three hurricanes in it (including Katrina and Rita) and its fuel economy and comfort helped us survive the ordeals. We were still driving while less gas-miserly cars had long-since run out of fuel. Evacuations aside, I love driving my little car. It is great fun and I still get envious looks while driving around town. Dont be scared away by size either... I am a 250-pound 6-foot-one man and fit comfortably.
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My "Fun" Car - 2005 Mini Cooper
By larenzo - October 21 - 12:13 pmI have owned this car just long enough to put 1650 miles, but I have enjoyed every mile driven. The car handles so much better than I ever imagined for the price. For a 1.6 liter engine the power is amazing even in 5th gear. The appointments available are great and the price for these additions is also great. The sun roof works great and I have no wind noise. The door windows fit themselves into groves thus eliminiating wind noise. I have taken the car on a trip and the gas milage is as advertised. I drove for several hours and was not tired. I sure like the accelleration for an engine with only 115 hp.
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Beautiful car - 2005 Mini Cooper
By davyjones - October 10 - 6:43 pmI havent enjoyed driving a car since my 73 Buick Riviera -- and before than a 1962 VW Beetle. But with my 2005 Mini Cooper Im having fun again. The Mini is attractive inside and out and a pleasure to drive. Its welded to the road, and even though Im not a hard cornering road racing type, I still appreciate its handling and driveability.
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Auto transmission - 2005 Mini Cooper
By Ron - September 12 - 2:00 amThis car was a gem when we first got it however in year 4 at 30,000 km the ac went and recently the CVT has developed a clunk when cold and put into drive. Have just sold it as the transmission is poor and have no intention of putting another 7k into the dealers pocket.
