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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  repairs, repairs, repairs - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By terrie - December 19 - 1:43 am

  I love my mini, I hate the repair costs. It was great until Dec. when I ended up spending $4000.00 in repairs. The single largest expense was the clutch flywheel. I have it repaired at an independent shop where I purchased the car or it would have been twice as expensive. I called the dealer to compare prices. I was able to get 286,000 mi.on my last clutch so I do know how to drive a car without abusing a clutch. This car has been a delight to own otherwise. I have been tempted to sell, but I love driving it. I keep hoping each repair is the last. Lets hope it is. I do agree each time I take it in, just to get oil changed, it cost about $1000.00.

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  Only the best - 2008 Mini Cooper
  By lilmacarony - December 14 - 11:56 am

  This is my second MINI. I will tell you that these are the safest little cars you can get. I was hit on winding road and rolled, and I came out without a scratch; and the car looked like it just got rear-ended. I love the go-kart handling, the looks, the tight spaces I can get into! I rode in a 2008 M3 and I noticed everything was very similar to the MINI. Everyone knows that BMWs are "The Ultimate Driving Machine," but the MINI is the "Ultimate Fun Machine," no ifs and or buts. I have the Sport package, Convenience package, bonnet stripes, auto tranny ( with paddle shifters as standard) and leather.

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  I love this car!! - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By minilover - December 14 - 10:00 am

  I started researching the Mini last year when it came out. I am so glad I purchased one. I drive the CVT (automatic) which is great. It is so much fun to drive. It handles well and gets terrific mileage. Its easy to park. It has so many luxury car features. I love it!!

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  Outstanding Car!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By Angus - December 13 - 5:33 am

  In the last twenty plus years I have owned sixteen vehicles. P/U trucks, cars, pretty much everything, but I have never owned a car like my MINI Cooper MC-40, I trully look forward getting in and driveing, like when I was fifteen and first got my permit. This is without a doubt the finest car I have ever owned.

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  Fun in the sun! - 2006 Mini Cooper
  By Harddo @ Mini - December 10 - 11:53 am

  I am really enjoying my Mini Cooper Convertible S JCW. It rejuvinates me and puts a smile on my face. The snarl from the exhaust gets the blood going.

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  Not Good in the Rain - 2013 Mini Cooper
  By specialk8 - December 8 - 8:50 pm

  Caution! Dont drive your MINI in the rain! I purchased a Mini Cooper S Countryman in July, 2013 from New Country MINI and have been very pleased until this past week. I was unable to open the door electronically and upon entering via the manual system found that a number of electronics were not working, no ww wipers, no power locks, no speedometer and every conceivable warning light flashing.. Upon bringing it to New Country they diagnosed the problem as "water inside an electronic module" and repairs will cost $900. No problem I thought MINI tells us what a great warranty and maintenance plan they have. But guess what it doesnt cover water!!! They say I opened up the passenger side

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  Love My MINI - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By Vicsmini - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Only had a few months. This is my wifes car and if I could I would buy one for myself. Its like learning to drive all over again. Outstanding pick-up,front leg room, and Its so solid it weights more than my Honda Civic.

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  MINI COOPER FUN, BUT ENGINE ISSUES. - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By FIDEL P - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE A 2002 MINI COOPER STD. LIKE THE DRIVE GREAT HANDELING BUT HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH RANDOM STALLING. HAVE TRIED TO RESOLVE ISSUE WITH ENGINEERS@ BMW NO RESOLUTION, CONVINCED THAT IT IS MY "DRIVING STYLE." WHEN IN SERVICE DEPARTMENT ( I EXPERENCED THIS @ 2 BMW SERVICE DEALERSHIPS) BE READY TO GET TREATED AS AN ALIEN, OR A RED HEADED STEP CHILD. IF THE MINI REP IS NOT AVALABLE GOOD LUCK HAVING A BMW REP HELP WITH SERVICE. THERE OVERWHELING RESPONSE IS..... " I DONT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT MINIS." OTHER THAN THAT GREAT CAR WHEN IT IS NOT IN THE SHOP. PEOPLE LOVE TO LOOK AT YOU WHILE DRIVING! EYE CATCHER!

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  Best Car EVER - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By SailorMom2000 - December 8 - 10:00 am

  My father was a car dealer, so while growing up I drove just about everything. The MINI is the best car I have EVER had! The engineering, reliability, and performance match anything I have driven - but all the road tests and reviews already prove that. BUT the REAL pleasure in owning a MINI is just driving it! I have been a licensed driver for 33 years and I am having FUN behind the wheel once again!

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  MINI Mania - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By vonhanep - December 5 - 11:26 pm

  Without a doubt the most fun car I have ever driven. It still brings a smile to my face whenever I open the garage on my way to work in the morning. The one-button convertible top operation, which opens and closed the windows as well as the top is an engineering feat.