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:

• 

  EURO SUV - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Bob Carico - May 2 - 10:13 am

  Just finished 860 mile trip, averaged 32 mpg, great fun driving in the Virginia mountains. Very comfortable given we were driving a very fast go kart. We have enjoyed everything about the car. So far (12,100 miles) the car has been problem free. We have had car since Aug 04 and I still smile each morning when I get in to drive to work!

• 

  Wow. - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By jbaker - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Most fun car I have ever driven. The clutch and gearbox are phenomenal, harmon kardon stereo has nice deep bass and crystal clear highs, the car sticks to the road like glue, and the exhaust note is beautiful. Dont even get me started on parking! If you dont need space for more than 2 people, this is one heck of an urban vehicle. I couldnt be happier :D

• 

  Drive it like you stole it - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By HonoluluDoug - April 30 - 2:00 am

  The essence is this: the MINI Cooper (particularly the S model) is a drivers car. This is the most fun Ive had driving a car, ever. The unofficial motto says it all: "Drive it like you stole it!" Driving it like you have your mom in it is no fun at all, and its worse deal for your mom. Very direct, tight, steering, brakes, and shifting make for a rewarding experience. Choosing a new car is always a gamble, but after two months of driving it like I stole it, I feel like a winner.

• 

  coopsoso - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By jc vol - April 26 - 2:00 pm

  Performance it good. Fueling its great and the best car for parking!! I just love it. lol

• 

  Awesomest car to ever buy! - 2007 Mini Cooper
  By Mini_Car_Luvr45 - April 24 - 7:00 am

  This is the cutest and coolest car Ive ever seen, and I hope to drive another one some day, because it is just so fun to drive, and I love the way it feels as you drive along the streets. Its so fuel-efficient, and I couldnt believe how it could squeeze into a tight parking space! Im telling you, this is a one-of-a- kind car! Youll be very happy!

• 

  Fun, but dont get the Turbo - 2007 Mini Cooper
  By MartyJ - April 21 - 3:36 pm

  Ive had my 2007 Cooper S for 2 years and have over 48,000 miles on it. I LOVE to drive it, but Ive had several issues with the turbo engine, mostly the turbo itself. Its been replaced twice and I also had to have the valve cover replaced, all under warranty. This is my third Mini, first was an 02 Cooper. Second was an 05 S with the supercharged engine, which I had NO problems with. I would probably still have that one, but a drunk driver took care of that for me! If I were to do it again, I would stick with the base Cooper, unless they bring back the supercharger. Was much more reliable. On top of that, the closest dealer is a 90-minite drive away.

• 

  What a Great Car - 2006 Mini Cooper
  By Ernfun - April 20 - 12:40 pm

  I love my 2006 Mini Cooper S with the John Cooper Works Kit. I have been to "performance driving" schools at Limerock and New Hampsire International Speedway and was able to keep up with cars costing many times more. You really cant describe how the Mini accelerates and handles until you drive it. The six-speed transmission is unbelievably responsive. I commute 45 minutes each way to work and a boring drive has become an adventure. The sound system is excellent. The back seat is small but Im able to drive my 12 and 14 year old kids comfortably and they love riding in the car.

• 

  CooperS - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By cooperS - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Great car, great handling

• 

  I LOVE MY MINI - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By actorboy3 - April 18 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my MINI. Its so much fun to drive and it has a snazzy look.

• 

  Liked it so much I bought 2 - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By mini4usa - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Excellent room for two adults in the front. Plenty of storage with the rear seats folded down. I have both a 2002 Cooper S, and a 2003 MINI Cooper. The handling of both are superior. The gas milage varies from 25 in town to 33 on teh highway. The dealer has handled all normal service at no cost. Had a windshield replaced under warranty on the Cooper S due to a stress crack. I will by a Cooper Works model when they are available.