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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  fun, fun , fun! - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By sergio - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought an "S" model loaded for just $20,900, tax free. Great looks, draws lots of attention. Interior design is gorgeous, fit and finisf are great, but some plastics look too cheap. Engine is weak in the low range, but once you pass 4000rpms, then you get all the power. It reminds me of my Civic VTEC. ( and this is weird for a supercharged engine, though). Anyways, the car drives like a go-kart, and that is the main reason why I bought it. Ride is harsh, but not as I expected. Got it in silver with a black top. This will be in the future my second car. Im already saving for a 350Z.

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  What more could you ask for... - 2006 Mini Cooper
  By kl - October 13 - 2:23 am

  This is one of the few vehicles that has everything going for it, a great warranty, insane resale value, low maintenance, fun to drive, good gas mileage and it is easy to park. :-) I have had a lot of nice cars, a Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4, Cadillac STS, Z28 Camaro, and an 04 Cooper S. So this is my second MINI. I just cant seem to get away from them. This is car you have to drive to understand.

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  Beautiful car - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By davyjones - October 10 - 6:43 pm

  I havent enjoyed driving a car since my 73 Buick Riviera -- and before than a 1962 VW Beetle. But with my 2005 Mini Cooper Im having fun again. The Mini is attractive inside and out and a pleasure to drive. Its welded to the road, and even though Im not a hard cornering road racing type, I still appreciate its handling and driveability.

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  1 Month Review - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By Indygo - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I had studied the car for almost a year before getting it. Ive now had mine for a month. Most of the production kinks have been worked out, and the car is something else. Its real fun to drive, an eyecatcher, and very comfortable. The dual sunroof feature makes the car extra roomie inside, while the on steering radio controls let you enjoy driving the car.

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  2008 Mini Cooper - 2008 Mini Cooper
  By jlee924 - September 29 - 6:20 am

  Got my Mini Cooper in May and I love the car. I had an SUV before, and Im really liking not having to buy gas every week. Im getting around 35mpg with the 6 speed auto and while using the Triptonic trans. Handles surprisingly well in the snow too.

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  Bump Up The Style Points - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By dysfunct9 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  When I drove to work (an elementary school) the first day I bought Earnest (my Mini), one of the other teachers looked at me and said, "You, Mr. Abney, are hopelessy trendy." Smiling, I said, "Thanks!" I traded in an Audi TT Convertible for this car and, though reducing a whole lot of monthly payment, Ive actually increased my coolness factor driving around. And, considering it has one of the lowest True Cost To Owns on Edmunds, I think its an amazing value, even though I ended up paying 1500 over MSRP.

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  I Will Have This Car Forever! - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Malulani Jervis - September 10 - 6:36 pm

  I love my car. I have never said these words before in my life. My Mini is a fun car that makes me smile whenever i drive it and also makes people on the street smile whenever they look at it. I will keep this car forever. It is the kind of car that you want to have even if you get another car! I cannot say enough good things about it!

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  MINI Cooper S - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By enzo_27 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  This is a wonderful car. It is an absolute blast. It is truly the re- birth of one of the great iconic cars of all time. It has so much more character and personality than most cars on the market. I have had people honk their horns, wave like maniacs and give the thumbs up in traffic. It is hands-down the best car I have ever owned.

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  Too Cool - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By Larardo - September 9 - 2:00 am

  The car is great. I have the automaticic so my wife can use it and it ok but it takes away performance and it has a governor on the rpm. It is hard to hit the right rpm when you need it and it shifts slow. I knew that going into it so I have no grips.

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  Easiest Purchase I Ever Made - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By ruhockey - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Jugding by my rating you can tell I love this car. The car is very comfortable to drive with all of the controls at your fingertips. It is mor fun to drive than you would imagine.