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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  I love my MINI - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By Frederick Stecker - November 11 - 4:06 am

  I have taken my MINI Cooper -S through a variety of conditions and have only two complaints. The first is that the rear view mirror is decidedly too small; the second is that the run flat tires do not fare well in the north country in early spring driving. We have a phenomenon called frost heaves and driving with rigid tires can slow one down to a speed of 5 mph. Ive sloved this problem by buying extra rims and having baloon tires for spring motoring.

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  All I want to do now is drive - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By beavis87 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This car makes me dream back to the days of flying along in a go-cart. Except Minis allow you to feel in much more control than a go-cart.It is glued to the road at serious speeds. It feels great for doing anything. If you looking for attention this is the car you need and well,if youre not then you can just outrun em. I love everything about this car. I went with just the normal and although the power isnt totally there.I feel it is enough,although many people do not. It isnt too expensive on insurance and it will definately be the most fun youll ever have in a car.

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  6"4 and still have room - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By rak - November 10 - 10:00 am

  The Cooper S is a perfect commuter car. Im 6"4, and can still put the seat back another 2 inches. I have a 34 inseam, for those of you who thought I might have short legs. The car is a pleasure to drive. After driving a 87 BMW 325 for 16 years, I expect the car to be reliable. I love the way it handles. The reviews are much to hard on the cars steering. There is no play in the wheel, the way things should be made. Just like the BMW, the battery is in the rear, with a connection in the front should you need it. Steering, braking, and acceleration are all very good. This car is a blast!

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  mini cooper s - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By RobSmythe - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Awsome drive. Great features in a small car. Mine is fully loaded for less than $24,000.

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  Return of the giant killer - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By moorlockx - November 4 - 2:00 am

  The Mini-S is one well designed piece of machinery. Coupling the awesome handling capabilities of the original Mini with modern aesthetics and innovations MINI has created a rare breed indeed. This car feels at home anywhere. The small size makes getting around congested areas a breeze. The ride and seat design doesnt wear you out on those long distance voyages, though the car is really at home on the curvy roads through hills and mountains.

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  Awesome Car - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By Seannkelly - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Best all around bang for your buck under 25k. Fun to drive, sporty, fast. Excellent dealership in the Orlando FL. Cant say enough good things about this car.

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  I love this car - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By N. Warren - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my first new car, ever, and I cant believe I waited until I was 41 to buy one. The MINI is cool - handles great, looks cute, very comfortable on the inside, and much roomier than you think. It is very peppy, and you cant beat that BMW engine.

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  my mini - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By JRB - November 4 - 2:00 am

  You gotta love this car. its a blast to drive

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  What a Great Car! - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By jjblount - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I have only had my MINI Cooper S for a little over a month but I think that it is the best car I have ever owned.

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  THE BEST - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By RON NORRIS - November 2 - 10:00 am

  If you want a small sporty car with pizzaz, get one! The fit and finish is just about perfect. I used to work at the factory where they are made. They must have changed a lot of things, because the MGs we turned out were crap in comparison> Ron