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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  my shube - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By shube - April 13 - 10:30 pm

  I bought the convertible with 9 miles on it. Its the basic convertibel but I had CVT (6 speed septronic auto)installed with the Premium package, after reading the manuals the car still surprises me with all the safety features that is has, as well as the Premium options. I normally drive a SUV, but this is my new toy,, and the funny thing is I think that I am the only one in my town that has one....

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  great car one of the best - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Megan Reilly - April 10 - 10:00 am

  thia was one of the best cars i have ever had. it has a very fun wild side and is very comfortable. also has a great perkyness to it its @$#!#@ awsome

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  My title - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By s.k. witeman - April 10 - 10:00 am

  The best automobile value Ive found in a looooong time

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  ROAD HUGGER - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By HappyMINI - April 9 - 3:40 pm

  Ive driven many sport cars, BMW, Porsche, Mercedez and Lexus....but this MINI is right there with them when it comes to ROAD HANDLING and CORNERING IS AWESOME!!! And not mention fuel efficiency. I get lots of smiles from my neighboor whenever I cruise. Just being lucky to have one of these. Keeping this one for long time!!!

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  05 Mini Cooper convertible - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Will Conyngham - April 7 - 10:50 pm

  Ive been driving for 40 years and have never fallen in love with a vehicle, til now. The cars a head turner and prompts impromptu conversations with strangers all the time. I simply love the car.

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  So Much Fun! - 2006 Mini Cooper
  By jfied - April 6 - 10:20 am

  I bought my Cooper Hatchback used with 13.4k miles, and I absolutely love it. Yes, its a little on the loud side, and rough roads make for a bumpy ride. But this is absolutely "the most fun" car I have ever driven! It absolutely hugs the road - I love putting the sunroof down (and the seat heaters on if its chilly) on a sunny day, especially if I have the luxury of a drive across the back roads. However, I live in an urban area, and most of my driving is a rush-hour commute. I still wouldnt change the car. I get about 27 MPG in town (bumper-to-bumper) and 33 MPG on the highway.

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  My forever car - 2007 Mini Cooper
  By mini love - April 6 - 12:53 am

  I did a lot of homework on this car, selected what I wanted and have no regrets. The weather outside is not an issue with this car. (and this Chicago winter has been nonstop). Be sure to get the heated seats!) Mileage is good, handling is superb, and very precise. I have the upgraded radio and have rear dimming mirror, which are a must. xenon headlights are perfect for night driving. since you are going to purchase this car, go for the color and interiors that make you happy. Keep it clean, and it will remain looking brand new. Have had no problems for the 6 mos. Ive owned it, just lots of onlookers, smiles, waves, and questions from curious people and other Mini drivers. Go for it!

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  05 JCW MINI Cooper S - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Drew - April 4 - 1:00 am

  The MINI Cooper and all its different models are great and are totally an expression of the owners personality. Love how customizeable it is. The handling and acceleration on the S is awesome. Totally a fun car to drive around in & turns heads.

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  Driving While Smiling - 2006 Mini Cooper
  By Jim W. - March 27 - 2:36 am

  Ive been driving my MINI S 6-speed since August, and always buckle up smiling... something I cant say about my previous car - the 03 Jetta 5-speed from VW (a great car itself). This car has very sporty handling, great styling inside and out, and an engine which I would rather listen to than any radio or music! I love the bright red and chrome accents inside. You just never forget that you are driving a special car. I dont race about, but any time a curve comes along I cant help but raise the revs and enjoy the thrill of this cars cornering. The fit and reliability so far have been excellent - some features like the toggles may seem quirky but thats the British touch!

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  Just had the car for a month or two - 2007 Mini Cooper
  By jlevy - March 26 - 1:20 am

  Ive got a minimally optioned Cooper S (LSD, HID lights, arm rest, 16" wheels, no sport suspension). The handling of the car is very good. It reminds me of an MR-2 I used to have and is much more responsive than the WRX I traded for it. Its just plain fun to drive. Torque steer and the LSD can conspire to twist the wheel a little - use two hands. Power from the 1.6 turbo motor is very nice - not as fast as the WRX I traded (Cobb stg 3), but very useable low end torque and nicely spaced ratios in the manual 6 speed trans.