Overview & Reviews

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:

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  My Mini - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By Rod_Man - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I think this car is perfect to have in the city. Looking for parking is very easy due to the size of the car, making quick turns at fast speed and showing off. Gas consumption is very low and I ussually spend around $20 to fill out the tank in NY. It is a fun car to have.

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  I love this car - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By sizedsmatr - July 3 - 9:50 am

  This car is the most fun little thing to drive. I am amazed at the handling and power for such a small engine. I also have a 745Li, but I love zipping around town in my Mini.

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  mini-cooper - fun with quality - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By f.a. albert - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Foget the rumbling about quality. My 2003 has no quality problems at 4,000 miles. Great handling in a fun and great looking package. The quality issues must be with the 2002 first year vehicles. The Mini Houston, Texas dealer has a mini race track out back. After an awesome ride on the track in both dry and wet conditions, I bought the car. Nuff said.

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  Unexpectedly Roomy inside - 2007 Mini Cooper
  By leapinlizz - June 30 - 2:33 pm

  Have owned my Mini for three months now. It gets a lot of attention and questions from curious people. People even roll down their windows and ask questions when Im sitting in traffic. Cant believe how smooth and fast the car accelerates. Torque steer on this car can be a little scary if you punch it hard. Very comfy for two people. Great on gas, averaging 32 MPG with combined city/highway and can go almost 400 miles on one tank. Had a Murano try to follow me through the twisty bits a couple weeks ago. That was funny. The ride can be a little harsh over bumps and is probably not for everyone. Probably the most irritating thing about this car is having traffic in front of you.

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  Dont judge the MINI by its size! - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By MINIMON - June 29 - 4:13 am

  The MINI has given me pleasure since I purchased the car. From the looks people give, to the things people say when I get into my MINI I still love it! I would not trade it in for any other car at this time. Each time I get into my car I smile because I know it will be another great experience. I get great mileage, free car washes, and dont judge a car by it size! I love the flip down seats- they give you much more space. My MINI has transported a Lazy Boy recliner, TVs, multiple dogs, five people, a bike and golf clubs! I love my heated seats in the cold winters. The MINI heats up and cools down quickly because the inside is smaller to cool and heat. I love my Mini!

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  Fun Commuter - 2006 Mini Cooper
  By Fun Commute - June 24 - 6:40 pm

  After much research I purchased a used one with 35k miles for local commutes.Its a go cart on steriods. Whole family loves it. It handles as well as anything Ive ever driven in the twisty hills we have here and Ive driven about every sports car out there. However, at speed on interstate( say 80-90 mph) it gets squirrely. Primarily as a result of torque steer, tight steering and fact its a square box.Ive put 7k on it and have had no maintenance issues except radio. Top is wonderful and surprisingly quiet but youre blind in rear quarterpanels when its up. Mileage has been so so (24 cty-26 hwy) but pedal has been to floor since Ive had it.Id buy another in a heartbeat.

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  Poor Quality - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By riverbendmike - June 21 - 1:23 pm

  I have had nothing but trouble with my 2005 Mini Cooper Convertible. I have spent thousands of dollars in out of warranty repair bills. My problems have been. 1. Convertible mechanism cable replacement. 2. Oil gasket replacement. 3. Power steering failure (safety issue) 4. Trunk latch replacement. 5. Shift mechanism replacement. The car is at the dealer and the oil issue is being looked at again because Ive had to add oil too often. So that may need to get done again. Im seriously thinking of just leaving the car there. There is a reason it has go-cart handling. - Its built like a go-cart.

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  The Best Car In The World!!!! Hands Down - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By Mr. Mini - June 17 - 10:00 am

  The Funnest and Bestest car i have ever droven. That exterior is unique and the interior is roomier than a house. I wouldnt trade it for anything in the world.

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  Crazy in love with my MINI - 2011 Mini Cooper
  By JML - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Had been dreaming of getting a MINI for years. (family member has had 2 already) Finally got bran new 2011 w/ manual tranny last month, and have been grinning ear to ear ever since. If my MINI could be said to have any flaw, it would be that the ride is a little noisy--but thats ok: have been turning off radio anyway b/c enjoying listening to the engine growl and purr as I shift gears! This is by far the best car I have ever owned. Almost tempted to do the grocery shopping one item at a time just to have as many excuses to drive as possible!! Cant describe it: its more than just a car...it has a personality all its own. Its like a pet I can drive around in!

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  Brand New MINI Cooper S - 2006 Mini Cooper
  By soggy - June 12 - 9:56 pm

  My MINI Cooper S is a brand new car. It has had so no problems thus far. I absolutely love driving the car, it makes me want to drive too much...