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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  cooper S - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By Ashlee - April 5 - 10:00 am

  The Cooper S is an exciting and fun car to drive. The gas milege could be better but some of that has to do with my driving style. I would highly reccomend this car to anyone who doesnt take life too seriously and likes to have a good time!

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  My "Lil Blue" - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By Kramer - April 4 - 1:20 pm

  I wanted a Mini for three years, and after much research and patience I finally bought one! I cannot say enough amazing things about this car, but first what I learned from reviews was DONT BUY AN AUTOMATIC. They have major problems. (I only buy stick anyways) And the "S" model may be faster but seems to have more issues. So I bought the good ol regular Coop. I just bought it with 99,000 miles and it drives and rides like its brand new! Its it so fun to drive, ever night after I get off work I find myself aimlessly driving around because its so fun to drive. The big mph gauge in the middle is awesome, and everything has a round and sophisticated feel to it. The clutch is so smooth. It handles like a dream. The seats HUG my back, even my dad was really impressed with the car. (And hes owned over 50 cars) He owns a Mercedes convertible which is fun to drive, but I have to say I enjoy driving this more! The second I test drove it I knew that was it. The car just feels like one with you. I will keep this car going for as long as possible unless I get a newer one. You are missing out if you dont have one! Just do the maintenance yourself and youll be fine.

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  Satisfied - 2007 Mini Cooper
  By livelifelove77 - March 31 - 12:52 am

  Ive had my mini for about 3 1/2 years; overall I still love it. I think it is unique and it does everything I need it to do; it just drives fantastic. Cons: the tires wear out extremely fast. I seriously have to rotate and get two new tires at least twice a year. I dont understand why they wear so fast, since Im not a crazy driver and have low milage. I feel like my car turns on maintenance lights fairly often, even though it is never turns out to be serious ( airbag, check engine ) Also, after about and hour and a half the seats get very uncomfortable. Pros: everything else

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  Fun and Affordable - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By T. Smith - March 30 - 2:50 am

  This has been a great driving year. I love my MINI. One of the great things about it is the smiles that are invariably produced when you drive by. Gas mileage is acceptable (though high test gas is a slight burden). The interior is very comfortable (definitely spring for the leather sport seats). My son (a tall 9 year old) has plenty of room in the back and the three of us have taken several long trips. Having a MINI means packing lightly, but its a good exercise in downsizing the extraneous stuff that crowds our lives. Pleny of room for groceries and such and tall people fit fine. But the real sell is the enjoyment of driving. Go-kart? Maybe. But its stable and, did I mention fun?

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  Compact FUN..... - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By Love my MINI - March 27 - 2:00 pm

  After driving Pontiacs for 20 years, I purchased a barely used 04 MINI Cooper S. This car is awesome, the handling, the power, and performance areamazing. I absolutley love this car and if I can help it will not drive anything else as long as I live. I highly suggest to anyone go take a test drive, you too will fall in love with the MINI.

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  Excellent - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By Jane - March 22 - 10:00 am

  it was an amazing car until i totaled it into an old oak tree. i will be expecting a free new mini cooper by wednesday. thanx!!! always, Jane

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  Love my MINI - 2006 Mini Cooper
  By Rebecca - March 11 - 12:20 am

  I have actually had my MINI since November of 2002. It is the most fun I have had on four wheels! The service that I have received (when necessary) has been wonderful! It is truly a joy to own - - my next car will be a MINI Cooper S.

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  It is a blast! - 2009 Mini Cooper
  By Joe G. - March 7 - 6:06 pm

  I never thought that I would be impulsive and simply buy it because I had driven one during a trip to Europe. I have a Porsche Carrera 4 in my garage, and I find myself picking-up the keys to my mini more often than not. It drives like a dream: It hugs the road like the best, it is roomier than the expensive german brother, and it gives me 35 miles per gallon on the freeway. People complain about a small trunk space: They should buy an SUV. I play golf often and my clubs fit in the back with the rear sits down. If you want fun, reliable transportation, and great gas mileage: Buy a Mini-cooper S. If you dont like it, no problem youll be able to seel it for almost as much as you paid.

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  Suggestions - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By parytbird1 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This is an awesome car. Fun to drive. This is my wifes care, and Im glad. I would probably lose my license. The size of the car concerns me for safety reasons.

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  Lotta Love for My Little MINI - 2006 Mini Cooper
  By Arobryn - March 5 - 1:50 am

  When my Honda Prelude lost a cylinder I was crushed. I loved that car. I decided to buy new, did the research and got an economy car - Mazda3. I almost took it back with buyers remorse. The Mazda3 is probably the sportiest economy car youll find, but it is no comparison to my Prelude. By the beginning of this year I was determined to get something new. I never looked at the MINI as I couldnt take the car seriously because of its looks. After sitting in one I did some research and finally ordered from the factory. After two months it arrived five days ago and Im in love, again! I got a Pure Silver MCS Convertible with JCWorks Kit and that 207hp moves my little street-legal go-kart like a DREAM!