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 convertee - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By MINIconvertee - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had the MINI for a week now, but have already driven 800kms (500 miles). Previously I owned a 91 Toyota Celica, so the step up in performance and build quality is quite large. I have driven the car hard through the Adelaide hills (Australia) and have already outpaced a WRX! This car handles extremely well and has great gearing for tight and twisty roads. This car has so far lived up to all the great comments from current owners.

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  Adult Go Cart - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By Chofgarden - February 13 - 10:00 am

  First economy car Ive owned in over 25 years, I much prefer it to our BMW 740 or 500 SL for sheer driving fun. Feels bigger inside than it has a right to. Though the ride is firm, the road and wind noise are minimal, and its comfortable on the freeway, though back roads and the twisties are its specialty. Build quality is quite good, utility is great, and Im averaging over 30 MPG. BMW nailed this one!

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  My MINI Soulmate - A Total Joy ! - 2006 Mini Cooper
  By AliMia/MINI-Neemo - January 29 - 9:20 pm

  I never thought that it was possible to love a car so much!! I Truly feel as as if it were my kindred spirit! I custom built this MINI Cooper-S Convertible on the MINI USA Website at least seven months before I bought it. I test drove four other convertibles, but they just didnt capture the spirit of who I am. Even though my test drive MINI wasnt a convertible, I loved the tight response the steering wheel delivered and was totally surprised by the room inside. Yes, its actually very spacious and accomodates all kinds of "personal junk" inside and out of sight from curious lookers. If youre a kid at heart - this is the car for you. Its a go-kart with soul. Plus it has super safety features and great power! It is exclusive and unique!

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  chili hot mini - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By yellekk - January 26 - 7:36 pm

  I got my mini convertible in Oct 2004. It is great to drive and draws stares where ever i go. It is very responsive and has quick pick up when needed. i highly recommend a Mini to anyone who loves to drive. My only complaint is the alarm system wasnt in when I got the Mini and after 2 months it is still not in. Apparently there was some problem on the alarm system for the convertibles and there is a delay in getting them to the dealerships for installation.

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  It Makes People Smile - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By mini man - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I own a 540 BMW, a Z3 and a Mini. As much as I love the BMWs the Mini is just the most fun to drive. It handles likes a sports car, has more than enough acceleration and is more roomy than you think possible. The most fun is on two lane country roads that wind up, down and all around. It just sits on the road, refusing to move off line regardless of how tight the turn. Its only flaw is a backseat that is designed to seat your worst enemy. It is not terribly comfortable. But if you are looking for a fun ride and like people waving at you or giving you the thumbs up, then you just have to have this car.

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  Best little car out there!! - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By coots cooper - January 25 - 2:00 am

  This is the absolute best! Great to drive, especially curving back roads. I really like the way that it looks and many hand waves from strangers who seem to admire it also. Plenty of room for hubby and I to take a road trip with our camping gear.

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  Its a blast. - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By Mark-in-Oakland - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The cordoba leather seats, steering wheel and climate control not only add style, they add comfort. Mine came with 17" Antera wheels and Michelin 215/40 tires, making its handling unbelievable. I dont understand the people who say the car does not have enough power. If you know how to drive 4 cylinder with a stick shift, there is more than adequate power. And dont buy it on a whim...do your research. Its a MINI, not a BMW or a Porsche! Motoring on...

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  Fun to drive - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By julianvh - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The Mini S is a fun car to drive, and the Price is unbeatable for the car you get. The ride is hard, but is a Sport type suspension, no complains. I expected a little more from interior design (platics) but is better than the Japanese competitors. A few things have to change in future models like the D ring in the hack door... Noisy.

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  Motoring with a smile - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By hipster - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had it one week but so far my mini cooper has exceeded my expectations.It is solid ,comfortable,responsive and most of all fuuuuun to drive.There is no other car in the world Id rather have right now.

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  Mini - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By texeyes - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Love the car!!! Handles well, great after buy service, FUN 2 DRIVE!!!