4 Star Reviews for Mini

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.59/5 Average
1,575 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

Few cars are as instantly recognizable as the Mini. Loved for its diminutive dimensions and cheerful good looks, the British-born car has inspired passionate devotion both in the U.S. and abroad. The brand was briefly discontinued, but was revived in 2002 with help from BMW. Successfully paying homage to the original Mini Cooper of the 1960s, the reincarnated Cooper combines an athletic, BMW-engineered chassis with a space-efficient interior and a generous standard features list.

The history of the Mini make began in 1959. The original Mini car was produced by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) in England and its mission was to be a lightweight, agile four-passenger car that took up minimal space. In a sense, the brand was born out of necessity. The United Kingdom was subject to fuel rationing in the wake of the Suez crisis, and British consumers clamored for vehicles that offered optimum fuel efficiency.

The car was originally sold under BMC's Austin and Morris brands; the Mini name didn't make an appearance until 1961. Although it had just 34 horsepower, the Mini was the ideal urban car and proved popular in crowded European cities. In 1961, John Cooper, a man who built Formula One racecars, put his magic hands on the Mini and the result was the ferocious Mini Cooper. His Cooper S model had (at 76 hp) more than double the output of the standard Mini. That infusion of power, along with suspension tweaks and some really good driving, had Mini winning the Monte Carlo Rally four years in a row (1964-'67). The marque landed on American shores in 1962.

The '60s truly was the decade of the Mini. New variations on the car's theme came with the introduction of vehicles like the Mini Pickup and the Mini Moke, a vehicle that resembled a quirky cross between a Mini and a Jeep. The car's abbreviated proportions are even rumored to have played a part in sparking a fashion trend; the miniskirt raised hemlines and became emblematic of an era. Mini motorcars tore up the asphalt on the silver screen, with the brand's appearance in the 1969 film The Italian Job. By the end of the decade, more than 2 million Mini motorcars had been produced. Sadly, the vehicle was pulled from the United States in 1968, in the wake of strict new emissions regulations.

Though no longer available in the U.S., Mini remained in production in Europe through the '70s and '80s. By the mid-'80s, more than 5 million Minis had been produced worldwide. In 1994, the brand was acquired by the BMW Group. The marque went on hiatus in 2000, but was resurrected (and brought back to American shores) in 2002 with the launch of the entry-level, front-drive Mini Cooper hatchback. Thoroughly modern in every way, right down to its BMW-engineered suspension, steering and brakes, the Mini Cooper is sold alongside its cousins at BMW dealerships.

Today, Mini's offerings include various derivatives of the Cooper, including a coupe, a roadster and a convertible; the slightly longer Clubman; high-performance John Cooper Works variants; and even the crossover SUV-inspired four-door Countryman. With such a diverse, fun-loving lineup, it's no wonder that Mini has become one of America's most desirable small car automakers.

User Reviews:

Showing 91 through 100 of 1,575.00
  • Service stinks! - 2005 Mini Cooper
    By -

    While I love driving my 2-week old Mini, the service available stinks! After only having my Mini for 2 weeks, the Service Engine light came on and the car lost power. When I called my BMW dealer, they told me I could get in 1 week later! They only have 1 Mini repair person! I also called area BMW dealers and havent received return calls. Be careful when buying this car to ensure there are more certified repair people for MINI in your area!

  • A brand new MINI with dead USB port - 2010 Mini Cooper
    By -

    We bought a brand new MINI a few weeks ago. Before we signed the purchased contract, we found the iphone/USB port does not work. The dealer insured us that was just a very minor and common issue in some 2010 mini and could be fixed easily by updating software upgrade or just replacing a small united called ULH box (where all the wires for the usb/ipod connect). He said if we can wait for a few hours they can fix it. We were so stupid and believed his words, and took the car since we run out of the time stay over there. Now it turns out a very serious problem, after I send the car back for them to fix. They cannot fix the USB port in a few hours but request a few days.

  • I love my Go-Cart! - 2005 Mini Cooper
    By -

    In spite of having the automatic transmission completely replaced and losing some of my faith in my car because of it, I still love driving it. The fuel economy vs. performance cant be matched. This car has a good quality feel but the ride can be a little rough at times. A long trip will leave you feeling fatigued. It is responsive and quick. However, I have had issues with people in huge SUVs not seeing me and almost moving over on me. :)

  • i luv my mini* - 2005 Mini Cooper
    By -

    i bought my mini s when he was 5 years old w/65k on him. no problems w/ole mini, 10k miles & 8 months later. we seem thirstier than usual in regards to drinking oil & water-no leaks found. the mini people are more expensive than others, but its German. the BMW feel is felt throughout- quality, handling, throttle, & performance overall. its true w/the German autos; the harder you drive em, the better they perform. the kick down is nice-no problems passing others. holds the road well, rain or shine. ive had none of the issues others have mentioned. i dont think the mini was meant for stop & go traffic, it likes to run the roads. unlike others, i keep up on my maintenance. more than oil changes.

  • Mini now, Maxi$$$$ later. Horrible resale value! - 2008 Mini Cooper
    By -

    My 08 Cooper S (6 speed auto) ran at 226 Degrees. The Thermostat is computer controlled and works to keep the temperature HOT. In turn, this cokes up the oil in the Turbo models, and causes a lot of build up in the engine from carbon. I found my Turbo model had excellent fuel economy until you factor in the amount of High-Quality synthetic motor oil I had to constantly replace. People try to say their Mini doesnt use oil, just look at the exhaust pipe on any of them, they use plenty of oil. I sold mine at 77K after a series of replacements. Heat kills & every trip is a risk after you get significant mileage on these.

  • Fun & cute but not perfect !! - 2003 Mini Cooper
    By -

    This car sure gets a lot of looks, which is good (and bad sometimes). Real fun around town. I love how cute my mini is ! Great on gas, but its not too comfortable on long trips. Didnt even test drive other cars b/c I wanted this just based on how cute it looks ! Not as reliable as I wished it would be !!

  • Runabout Plus! - 2002 Mini Cooper
    By -

    This is an amazing automobile for what I got it for. I drive a lot coming and going to work and wanted something other than the traditional Toaster-Box commuter car (PT Cruiser, Toyota Yaris, Ford Focus, etc.) This car has as much equipment as my larger SUV and is just a comfortable and Im a rather large fellow of 6, 250 lbs. I can still even get four folks in for a run to the movies, mall or what have you. I love it and so far and Im glad that I bought it. I wish I could have gotten a smarter salesperson at the Mini dealer who told me that there was no certified used program thus causing me to get one someplace else. Whatever, I do most of my own maintenance anyway.

  • neenee - 2004 Mini Cooper
    By -

    The car is reliable,fun to drive and has great gas mileage and a killer stereo.

  • It is still a "British Car" - 2004 Mini Cooper
    By -

    I bought a "luxury" Mini for my wife; Gold, CVT, every option except navigation. Even with the CVT this car is fun to drive but we have had four trips to the dealer for unschedualed maintenance. Things like the horn quit, the window lifts squeeked -loud, dashboard was replaced, plastic seatback cover replaced, Tire pressure sensors replaced, radio replaced, sunroof leak fixed, and more. BMW may own the company, and may have designed the car but.....It is a "BRITISH CAR" through and through.

  • Great Car - Horrid Gas Mileage - 2006 Mini Cooper
    By -

    We received our MINI in May 06 - we live in the hills of San Francisco. It is the perfect city car in terms of being able to park anywhere. The power is great and it easily accommodates two men and a dog. Our big gripe is that it is only getting 14 mpg in the city - after break in. We have taken it to the dealer to inspect but they insist nothing is wrong and that low mileage is typical in this model. So why do the claim it "sips gas"? We are very disappointed that our MINI is as bad as an SUV on mileage.

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