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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  From no car to wow car! - 2008 Mini Cooper
  By Mini-E - October 26 - 11:00 am

  I sold my Ford Escape last June, and hadnt had a need for a car since my job is a mile from where I live (I know lucky!). But as time went on, my fiancee and I were growing weary of sharing here car. You know waiting to get picked up, waiting for me to get home so you can go out, etc. I made it as long as I could, and finally bought the car I wanted, the 2008 Mini Cooper! I ended up getting one off the floor of the dealership, I thought I needed an S, but for me this one was the right one. It doesnt seem as small as it looks when your in it, and that is key for me, coming from an SUV.

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  2004 MINI Cooper Hatchback - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By Jim Spier - October 24 - 10:50 pm

  The handling of my 2004 MINI Cooper Hatchback is great amd its fuel consuption is outstanding. I get 38 MPG at under 70 MPH. Is a little under powered though, I should have gotten the S model, but still runs well. The Harmon Karden stereo is unbeatable. So far I am very pleased with this car.

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  Cant Wait to Get Another One - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By AimlssVail - October 19 - 9:13 pm

  We have had this car for 4 1/2 years in the Colorado High country. Even on a powder day I wouldnt trade it. It loves the snow and handles awesome. I average well over 30 miles a gallon around town and 40 on a road trip. It will wiz up Vail Pass at high speeds (shhhh dont tell). OK so it cant handle a snowboard over 156cm, I guess that is what the sunroof is for!

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  best car period - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Bill Dore - October 17 - 3:40 am

  Drive it and your sold, every day it is just a joy to see and drive.

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  Great Car - Horrid Gas Mileage - 2006 Mini Cooper
  By Joe Metro - October 16 - 1:03 pm

  We received our MINI in May 06 - we live in the hills of San Francisco. It is the perfect city car in terms of being able to park anywhere. The power is great and it easily accommodates two men and a dog. Our big gripe is that it is only getting 14 mpg in the city - after break in. We have taken it to the dealer to inspect but they insist nothing is wrong and that low mileage is typical in this model. So why do the claim it "sips gas"? We are very disappointed that our MINI is as bad as an SUV on mileage.

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  Unreliable - 2007 Mini Cooper
  By Sam Mignoni - October 16 - 1:26 am

  We brought the mini new 2007 and have had it tow in 3 time, they have at this point with 27000 miles replaced the fuel pump,timing chain,exhaust manifold,throttle cable,tail pipe.It does not run well in cold weather and we live in Michigan.The car is a lemon and I have asked them to buy it back from me or extend the warranty due to the dependability.It is a shame as we really enjoy driving the car when it runs

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  S Power - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By Bluesmaster - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Car is unbelieveably fun to drive. I have added an intake and exhaust to boost power. Ride is choopy on bad roads. 17" wheels and runflats make the ride firm. Great shifter and brakes.

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  Never Thought Id Own a Mini - 2009 Mini Cooper
  By Eric Dise - October 10 - 4:16 am

  Wow, what a fun car! Ive owned lots of cars through the years but Ive never owned one that could bring such a big smile to my face! The Cooper S has all the features one could ask for in a street legal slalom car! It handles extremely well, is balanced in turns, accelerates when called upon, and is willing to squeeze through tight spots where no ordinary vehicle will venture! Combined mileage has been 31 MPG and thats good with me. I just wish the engine didnt just sip high octane! Im 6-2" and fit very comfortably in either front seat (although I prefer the drivers side). The controls are not intuitive but they can be learned. Storage is what you should expect from a sub-compact. Tiny

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  MINI MAC =Fun - 2007 Mini Cooper
  By MAC - October 10 - 12:33 am

  I waited for the 07 since I liked the design details and 6 speed as a standard on the base MINI. Fun doesnt even begin to explain the driving experience. It seems it calls me when it is parked in the garage or in the work parking lot. Didnt feel I needed the MINI Cooper S and I am perfectly fine with the base MINI. I have been averaging 28 MPG (city driving only) since I have yet to have him (MINI MAC) out on the open road. Oh yes, you will name him or her since it becomes so personalized and full of character. MINI MAC loves the curves and getting the attention he deserves on and of the road. Good gas mileage, lots of newer technology built in, and loads of fun.

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  Criminally fun. - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By joewiesner - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Cool looking, exceptional handling, excellent comfort and gadgets, and really good fuel economy. Theres no car Id rather own, period.