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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  MINI - Making driving fun again - 2012 Mini Cooper
  By parscar - October 19 - 6:41 am

  I have had numerous cars over the years. Company and personal. The MINI Cooper is by far the most fun to drive. Handling is great. Acceleration is fine and exceptional with the turbo.

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  Fun car to drive - 2013 Mini Cooper
  By par404 - October 13 - 9:41 pm

  I had larger cars in the past and decided to venture out for a smaller fun car. The MINI is all this and more. Hugs the road with great handling, great fuel economy, tightly built and dependable. The car takes premium fuel. The dealer had indicated you can get away with regular or mid-grade. Do not try it. You will lose the driving performance you hear in some other reviews. Otherwise, do not regret buying it and still having fun after one year.

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  Luv my Coop! - 2006 Mini Cooper
  By Linda - August 26 - 8:30 am

  So far this car has been the greatest. It handles beautifully, has great pickup and is as cute as a bug. I have a Hot Orange Convertible! I traded in a 2005 Cadillac XLR, so I am trying something very different. I like the interior size. Having a back seat is a big benefit, even if it is a tight squeeze to get in it. It does not get the great gas mileage I expected. I only get about 25 mpg. For its size, and engine, I expected better.

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  mini - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By robina - August 7 - 10:00 am

  not great for kids who need car seats. hard to close the door from back seat. cant reach across from drivers seat to close passenger door. but very fun to drive and peppy.

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  more fun than 911 - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By mike - July 27 - 1:56 pm

  I ALSO OWN A PORSCHE 2000 911 C4 CAB 6SPEED, AROUND TOWN UNDER 60MPH THIS CAR IS AS MUCH FUN. IT HAS THE JCW WORKS PACKAGE.IT HANDLES ALMOST AS WELL AS THE 911 AND I CAN PARK IT ANYWHERE WITHOUT WORRY.I AM A BIG GUY AND I GET IN AND OUT NO PROBLEM. IF YOU ENJOY DRIVING THIS CAR IS FOR YOU

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  This car is garbage - 2008 Mini Cooper
  By Mike - July 24 - 11:40 am

  I bought my 2008 Mini brand new as I wanted a fun car to drive. I have been to the dealer for fixing things so often I am now on a first name basis with them. Its no one big thing, but a bunch of little things. Windows dont work properly, engine indication lights come on randomly, I needed a new valve cover gasket at 28,000 km and since getting the car back from the dealer, it sounds like a diesel. I tried to get it back in right away, but was told that I have to wait three weeks, likely causing further damage. I dont care if the repairs are fixed under warranty. Its the hassle of taking time from my day and having to continuously take the car in that is driving me nuts.

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  Joys of Motoring - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Babe Ruth - July 21 - 3:43 pm

  At first, I was somewhat shocked that I switched from a minivan to this tiny car. But within a day of driving, I realized why I fell in love with this high performance car. It is not a smooth ride but a thrilling ride. Extremely safe, quick, manuverable and surprisingly comfortable.

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  Not Pleased!!!! - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By RJD1 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle designed with a 10% variance in speedometer. Neither Mini, BMW or the Dealer will correct. Automtic Wipers must be turned on each time it rains, but will then turn off automatically. Not very automatic! Again, designed this way by BMW. Reported transmission problems 6 weeks ago, still no solution.

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  Great Fun When Not In Shop - 2007 Mini Cooper
  By Ron M - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought our S new years eve in 2007 Had great experience with the handling and power. Its probably one of the coolest looking cars on the road today. However, my wife and I were discussing our dilemma last night deciding whether to pay the $1800 to repair rear gasket oil leak or trade it in. Now that we are out of warranty it looks like shell be going. During first 50000 miles had fuel pump issue oxygen sensor,and numerous other problems. Has been in the shop a total of five weeks in the three years we had it.Too bad! Well miss her but cant afford to keep her!Will trade her in on a Honda.

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  A little good, a lot of bad - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By mini s - June 24 - 12:53 am

  I had this car at 40k it currently has 72k. This has got to be one of the funnest cars to drive until something goes wrong. Where do I start, lets just do a list: 1. Passenger seat (cant recline) cost $600 to fix 2. Driver side door will no longer lock by itself or with key $900 to fix... yup just to make the lock go up and down. 3. power steering went out at 67k. So many people have post the same problem but Mini says no recall, cost to fix $1300 4. Pinging and clanking noise from the supercharger might be bearings. Yes I do keep up with normal maintenance cost to fix. 5. Currently at 71k car is overheating. I am hoping it is just the thermostat