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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  Perfect fit! - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By randolph03 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This car does it all! It does it with style, character, charm, charisma, zip, and a touch of class! For those of you looking for affordable, dependable and comfortable transportation, you might be dissapointed. This cars a bit jarring. A tad squeaky. A little jittery. But its definitely entertaining, charming and always attention-getting! Its a VERY special car, and Ive grown VERY attached to mine!!

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  Super Pleased - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Chris - July 10 - 6:00 am

  I just picked up a slightly pre-owned 2005 Mini Cooper S. Im here to tell you that I absolutely love it. I had a chance to sit in one of these cars at an auto show earlier this year. I never guessed to give it a try because Im a big guy. I tell you what, I had loads of room left over. Ladies and gentlemen, this is a sports car. So dont complain about space or convenience. You dont buy this car for those things, you buy a Honsa Civic. You buy the Mini for fun and thats what it is, FUN, with a capital "F" baby. Its very quick on its feet and handles like there is no possibility of slidinig. Sure its stiff but its supposed to be, again its a Sports Car...and I am LOVING it, Giddy Up!

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  R56 MCS - 2007 Mini Cooper
  By shaweety - July 5 - 11:16 pm

  Ive driven this car in snow, on ice, across the country (1700 miles)) and back and forth to work. Love it. The car is roomy for one, tight for two passengers on a longer trip where both wish to have a drink in the holders at the same time. I usually have my cell phone in one of the cup holders which is handy. Cornering is fun, tight, no sway. No problem in traffic, visibility is great, power to get out of anyones way or away from traffic is supreme. Ive got a roof rack on my MINI. I used it to maximize cargo capacity if I ever have the need, but be aware, there is wind noise with the rack but Ive gotten used to it. Would buy again!

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  mini - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By krunyan - July 3 - 9:26 pm

  best car I have ever owned

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  Mini cooper S - 2008 Mini Cooper
  By ccs8c - July 3 - 8:40 pm

  My clutch went out at 14,000 miles, windows finicky (dont work all the time). Re the clutch: no explanation other than its my fault from Mini of North American and the dealer; I had to pay for the replacement less than a year after purchasing it. My previous clutches didnt burn out until 60,000-75,000 miles, so I dont understand this, but I wont buy another mini and will sell this one within the year.

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  Love the Look, Spotty Reliability - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By UnsureMini - July 3 - 11:43 am

  Ordered our MINI back 2004 to exact specs.. We paid MSRP but we got exactly what we wanted. The MINI was nearly perfect with Free oil changes and normal maintenance until 36K. The exception of around 29K, AC unit was replaced. Around 60K the engine mounts and bushings ($700) had to be replaced and then around 100K the oxygen sensor went out with some other parts around it. MINI refused to pay even though it was a known issue ($900 we paid) Later, Clutch 114K ($1700), 114k Cylinder #1 died on the freeway ($2700.) If you keep this car over 100K, find an independent shop, the cost is half. The dealers charges $300 for an oil change, some areas $400.

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  2004 Mini Cooper S - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By Karmays - July 2 - 3:43 pm

  Within 11 months we have had the window motor replaced, the drivers side door mechanism replaced and a speaker replaced. Also, had a run flat tire replaced at 340.00. Its cute and fun to drive, but there are some quality issues.

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  COLES REVIEW - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By HOTCOLE - June 29 - 5:33 am

  Fast and fun - excellent Sunday car!

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  Mini Cooper-the best - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By TerryP - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Heads turn, people want to talk, everyone smiles. High style, pure function, extreme reliability!

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  Gotta love it! - 2007 Mini Cooper
  By Nick - June 25 - 7:50 am

  I bought this as my first ever new car. Within seconds of pushing the start button I was grinning ear to ear, and it hasnt stopped since. The fun factor of this car is off the charts. I have a feeling those who buy a Mini want a car that makes their heart race a little every time they sit in it. It drives and handles like a dream. I decided to go for the S package and get the better performance and pay more for that instead of paying for leather seats and an upgraded interior. Im glad I did as the interior is already pretty nice in its stock form. Overall its a great car. Theres ample room inside. In fact I can fit my skis inside instead of on the roof.