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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  Funfunfun! - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Traci - June 10 - 4:33 pm

  This is just down right, fun! My husband bought it for lengthy drive to work, or so he says! The S-model is quick, a step up from its regular model sibling, which was sluggish to me. Ive wanted a convertible since I had one in my teens, and this is perfect. Great for his commute, and for weekends when the 4 kids arent here! Not too much room for passengers...but thats not what this car is for! Have fun with this one!!!

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  Fast and Fun! - 2006 Mini Cooper
  By KCKel - June 9 - 8:00 pm

  Speed Limits spoil the enjoyment of driving this car! That is the only negative thing I can say about it so far. I highly recommend it! If you want a small and peppy car, this is it! No need to test drive anything else. I am 56 and my husband is 6 we both fit in it perfectly. We fight over who gets to drive it. It has numerous features such as leather heated seats, Harmon/Kardon stereo system, computer which indicates fuel consumption, miles left before needing fuel, and xenon head lights.

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  Be ready for questions - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By Virginia F - June 8 - 10:00 am

  If youre planning on buying a Mini, make sure that you memorize all the stats, as you WILL be asked questions about it by random people in every parking lot. If youre not prepared for lots of attention, buy something else. Its beyond fun to drive, doesnt notice the steepest hills, and is tight and solid going around the sharpest curves. Be sure to get the sport package, with the upgraded seats, and itll be the best car ever for road trips - super comfy, too much fun, and decent gas mileage. I tend to get 28.5 city during the worst of the summer with the AC blasting, 30.5 city rest of the year, 34.5 mountain hwy, and 38.5 straight hwy.

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  R LEES MINI - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By ISTBASE00 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THE MINI! IVE OWNED MANY CARS SINCE MY COMING OF AGE AND NEVER HAVE I DRIVEN ONE WITH SUCH A ZEST AND ZIP. THE CAR CONVEYS A FEELING OF POWER AND SAFETY LIKE NO OTHER COMPACT OR SMALL SEDAN IVE DRIVEN. PURCHASE ONLY IF YOU ARE A FUN LOVING, LIFE LIVING INDIVIDUAL!

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  Wild Maus (mouse) - 2008 Mini Cooper
  By JimH - June 5 - 10:10 am

  This is my second burgundy Mini. My first was a 1967 that I brought back from Europe. Both cars were/are go- carts. The 67 cornered better, but was underpowered. The 08 has the power but it overpowers the steering. No complaints, mine you! Lord, what a fun car to drive. By the way, the title refers to a carnival ride, "The Wild Maus." It would snap your head off your shoulders, if you werent careful. Read the complaints: Bumpy ride: It is a sports car - dodge them. Limited space: drop the back seats and think again. Odd radio controls: It has a radio? - who knew! I love to hear it purr!

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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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  If you drive >5 miles you need this car - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By VWBusType2 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I was out cruising in my 71 VW Bus when I was flagged down by a guy in a 50-something Mini. We checked out each others rides, and ever since then Ive been in love with these things! Driving them is a blast... racing with people on the interstate is even better... especially when there are curves involved! The look you get when you get to the next light after roasting your tires through 1st and 2nd is pretty nice too... The Mini may look small and be deemed a "waste of money" but until you actually drive it (if the owner will ever let you) the amount of fun to be had is unmatched.

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  Luv my Mini - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By Marco Polo - May 30 - 2:00 am

  My experience with my Mini is both a love affair and fun to drive. Not for a long time do I find myself missing driving a car if not for a few days. My Mini is like a family member. It has personality, charm, and people love to admire it.

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  minicooperS - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By smell - May 30 - 2:00 am

  FIRST 750 MILES ON HIGHWAY FROM MEMPHIS TO TEXAS. IT ROCKS! SUPER GAS MILEAGE AND POWER THATS THERE WHEN YOU WANT IT.AWESOME AUDIO WAY TOO FUN TO DRIVE..AND AT EVERY STOP..A MAGNET. IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF A MINI.."VAN" THIS ISNT YOUR CUP OF TEA..BUT IF YOU HAVE MIND TO BUY A TWEED SPORT JACKET WITH LEATHER ELBOWS AND GET TENURED AT THE LOCAL UNIVERSITY ROCK ON!

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  Mini Cooper is more than I expected! - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By johavamini - May 30 - 2:00 am

  After carefully considering buying this new model car I took a chance. Ive been driving it religously for three weeks and absolutley love it and fall in love with it more and more. Not only do I feel special since not many people own one, but driving it is the best part of my day. The performance is awesome on this car. I takes off nicely and is a solid and great handling vehicle. i must admit that I am nervous about the future of this car but right now I am just enjoying every minute. BMW mini is wonderful!