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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  Lovin it! - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By gaulfing - April 3 - 2:00 am

  So many car models exist to choose from; I have owned quite a few! Yet I have never before had a car that is so complete in its personality. It is a truly unique motoring experience. Yes it is small, so back seat riders arent going to be so comfortable on a cross-country and I need to borrow my wifes minivan to bring home drywall from the home center. But that small size makes for an intimate driving experience, fantasticly nimble handling, and great fuel economy. Its a delightful combination!

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  Positive Mini Cooper Experience - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By jhb360 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Mini. I purchased the "Works" option on this one. It is fantastic with significant power improvement from 2500 rpm. The 2004 model seems to be slightly more refined than 2002. Seats and interior room for the driver are excellent. The total driving experience is superb if one likes to drive. Performance is along with the best of sports cars. My 2004 has had no problems. I have taken this car on long trips. Great driving enjoyment, superb handling. Gas mileage ranges from 22-30 mpg at highway speeds well over the limit. Everyone seems to love the car and ask about it still after being out for over two years.

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  Fun - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By conradplan - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I previously had a BMW Z3, and while the Mini Cooper S is no Z3, it does provide a lot of fun-factor. Lots of lookers as well. Spirited and precise handling, fairly good low-end torque, except for off a start. Readily recommend to anyone who wants a quality built fun car.

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  Mini Cooper S - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By RECorby - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is tons of fun for about $21000, nicely equipped. And its amazingly roomy inside. Lots of power, corners like a go-kart, and complete reliability (except for a cigarette lighter failure, covered in warranty). After 50 years of driving performance cars, I finally found the one thats perfect for me. I compete with it on weekends and drive it to work M

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  Put a Permenent Smile on your Face - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By whazup - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is the most fun vehicle,,excluding motorcyles,, that i have ever drivin. It can keep up with anything on the road and handles corners like a snake...Its wonderful. Even with todays gas prices, and using the best gas,,,it only costs 20. bucks to fill it up which is great,,and parking in the city is effortless. he he

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  I just love it - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By Ls9009 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I also have a 2002 Lincoln Blackwood. This Mini is a blast. It is like a Harley, It does not take much to make it VERY fast. Sure it is a sports car and should ride like one. And if you have children and this is to be your only car pass it up. But if you want fun for the dollar this is it. I had a 1966 Cooper S in High school and just had to have a new one. Caused a divorce but I still love the car :) Service is outstanding. Highly recomend this vehicle.

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  Awsomw - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By Brookie - April 3 - 2:00 am

  mini coopers are the best cars ever

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  NO Buyers Remorse! - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By Loubird - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Let me start by saying that I got my Mini in 2002.Right after they came out, and I consider myself fortunate because I was in the market for something "different, although at the time I wasnt sure what I wanted. We came upon a used car lot that does an occasional "eye candy" car, to encourage people to stop, and we did. It was so different than what I was driving, that I knew almost immediately this was it!Not one day has gone by that I regretted getting my Mini, nor do I long for any other kind of car. I have one of the original remakes, and Im lovin it!!

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  MINI Cooper Rocks - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By MBHall - April 3 - 2:00 am

  It really moves! Its fun to drive and is easy on the pocketbook.

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  big guy loves it - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By rick61 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  6-3 230lbs never thought I would fit in it..bought it for the wife but i drive it more than her