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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  Excellant compact engineering. - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By cjsanamo - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Best affordable sports car hands down. Super safety, fuel economy, top ergonomics and a real kick to drive! P.S. I havent even mentioned the combination retro and futuristic looks that only a MINI can pull off together.

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  a car for enthusiasts - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By dylant - July 17 - 2:00 am

  The Mini has exceptional styling and graceful lines. The main feature is the possibility to customize the colors and features you want - to personalize the car. In that sense, its something of a fashion statement. Make no mistake, however, the mini cooper s is as fun to drive as anything out there and leaves a smile on my face even for a simple run to the grocery store, traffic aside. Gas mileage hovers in the 30s and it has low emissions. If you enjoy driving, really enjoy it, this car is an excellent choice.

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  Fun and Quality - 2012 Mini Cooper
  By jcihak - July 16 - 10:55 am

  We purchased a fully loaded 2012 Cooper S Convertible thinking it would just be a fun cruiser. I have been awed by its excellent handling and performance. Its become my daily driver and despite having a lead foot, Im getting 33 mpg mostly country driving. The quality is that of a luxury car - compared to the Honda CR-V and Toyota Prius I also have in the garage. The Honda and Toyota feel like tin cans in comparison. Once you get used to the quirky controls, the car is nothing but fun.

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  Minis Rock!! - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By ford - July 12 - 1:23 am

  This is by far the BEST car that we have ever owned. We previously had a BMW 330CI with M3 package and this car blows it away in all aspects.

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  Dougs Mini review - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By dojohns - July 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the best automobile, I have ever owned, period.

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  My Daisy, My World - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By Melinda - June 26 - 9:53 pm

  I was able to love my MINI from the day I ordered it, thanks to MINI USAs convenient web order-tracking. I have never regretted this car purchase, this being the first time I can say that about ANY car. Daisy is a joy to drive, and we have done so across more than twenty states, with pets and luggage in-tow. Glad I sprang for the sport package, as it adds to the giddiness of the drive. Also glad I sprang for the cold weather package in this Midwestern climate--and its also great for cramps! The mileage could be better; I average around 30 with a combo of city and highway driving. Overall, the best investment I ever made, and a big smile to myself whenever I see it in the garage!

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  anns fun mini - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By graham1 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I am 68 and have never had a more fun vehicle. Love it!

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  Fast and fun - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By tswsimmons - June 23 - 2:00 am

  This car just makes me smile. Everytime I get in the car it begs to be driven and driven hard. With the wide stance and stability I look for the most curvaceous road I can find. I had much rather take the long way at ever opportunity.

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  No words............. - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By MINICooperSJCW - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I find myself gasping for breath at every stoplight. In a world where you need stop signs and stoplights just to catch your breath why settle for anything less. A capsule propelling you towards your destination, under your direction that nobody can waver. The MINI Coopers styling is no doubt for today but inspired from the past and drected towards the future, you can never lose. Any voids in your life? The Your MINI will fulfill each and every empty space in your existence. Your MINI will be your best friend, your shelter, at times your purpose in life and even your personal customized mode of transportation. www.miniusa.com

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  The best! - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By roadhogmini - June 7 - 9:53 pm

  I have had mine for 5 yrs. Just made my first repair tonight for $131. I kept up my maintenence and its paid off. No problems what-so-ever. I have had 2 wear & tear replacements that I would consider normal. New brakes put on last year (bought them from online site & had local mechanic put on for much less than dealer) and am on my 3rd set of run-flat tires, also purchased from online site. Shipped to my house and put on at mechanics shop. At 107,000 miles, several friends are in a bidding war to buy mine when I upgrade in about a year. How many cars have that kind of draw? Everytime I think I will go back to a regular car, I drive a regular car and go running back to my MINI!