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 Cooper S Couldnt Be Better - 2006 Mini Cooper
  By Muschki - September 25 - 12:26 pm

  I have wanted a Mini Cooper since the day they first came out. Im glad I waited though because they have only gotten better. I really have fun driving my Mini Maus and the GPS system really rocks!

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  Mini Cooper S - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By siliconcenturion - September 22 - 10:00 am

  to be short: Love this car, small, fun, sporty

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  Inconsistent Build Quality - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By babyboomer - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Having driven my MINI CVT (Automatic) for 5,000 miles, I have mixed feelings. When operating properly the most fun Ive had in a car. But, and this is a big but, car has intermitent issues, ie. stalling, idle variances and lack of power. These issues are sporadic, which makes it difficult to feel safe. Service does what it can, yet issues keep coming up again. Car has been in 6 times with almost 30 days in service. I suggest waiting for the 2003 model and avoiding the CVT. Hopefully the 2003 S will have worked all the bugs out. Also, order the car, shop around as many dealers add up to $3000 in mandatory accessories above MSRP!

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  Love the Car - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By John - September 20 - 5:23 am

  The Mini Cooper holds the road like a magnet. Has great responsiveness and engine bite. It is excellent on winding roads in my area, as well as on the highway. The amenities in the interior make it feel like a luxury car. It brings me back to my TR4A days, only no rust or oil leaks.

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  2 going on three - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By vicky - September 17 - 1:10 am

  in 2003 i bought a mini - when my 16 yr old daughter started driving - we bought her a mini - and now ive ordered a mini convertible - i will never drive another car - want to have the most fun ever in a car - get a mini -being stuck in traffic has never been better

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  Out with the Tundra, in with the Mini - 2016 Mini Cooper
  By Barry - September 14 - 2:58 am

  I decided to trade in the first truck I had ever bought, just six grand shy of owning it, as a way of getting to work (25 mi. each way) more economically. I have only had my gorgeous mini one day, but these first 25 miles have been amazing. The interior is incredible, reminds you of glancing in a Porsche, or at least an Audi. As someone who has had a Volvo, three Camrys, and a Tundra, I know what quality is, and I dont mind paying a little more for it. Im looking forward to taking dad up to Big Bear in it tomorrow. Then its on to visit the eldest son, up near Oakland. No more worrying about distances and gas on the card.

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  Plenty of power - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By concordmini - September 13 - 2:00 am

  To all you out there that complain about lack of power. You need to remember its a 4 cylinder, not a V8. And being a sporty car, it is designed to be revved. Dont be afraid to run it in the 4-6000 rpm range, and I dont mean just shifting, cruise at 6000 if you need to. On trips to tahoe (ie:big mountain climb) I may be in 3rd gear at 70 mph during some parts of the climb. Its not a big deal, the engine can handle sustained 6000 rpm for days. Oh and I still get 39 mpg round trip (350 miles up and back down to san francisco area) Rev it , dont lug it if you need the power. generally you need to hit 4000 rpm or higher to get the sweet spot in the horsepower.

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  OH WHAT GREAT FUN!!! - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By barb2 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up my Mini-S convertible and I cant stop smiling. its just too much fun to drive and has a wonderful feel for the road. Im new to the Mini so the cockpit took a little getting used to and the hood release is on the passenger side and the rear visibility is limited with the top up as is the case in every convertible ive ever owned. All in all, just a whole lotta fun.

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  the most fun car made - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By rmarks1602 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  i am in the automoble business.this is the first car i paid full retail. it is a bagin at $24,500

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  What a fun car! - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By PJ - September 5 - 12:23 pm

  From the moment I pulled off the lot, this car has been nothing but fun. No problems whatsoever, after having it for two years. Great fuel efficiency, but thats not why I bought it. Its FUN! I love this car and will probably buy another when my son is old enough to drive.