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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  Flawless -- so far - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By David - April 19 - 7:50 am

  I find it odd how some people claim to have such bad experiences with car. I think they are the ones who write reviews, and the others (the vast majority) are out driving. Im in the latter category. I have had not one single breakdown, broken anything, or even a rattle develop in 6 months/7,000 miles of driving it. In fact, I cant believe Ive already put 7,000 miles on it. I had one defect from the get-go, but its so minor, its hardly worth mentioning: the drivers-side door handles LED seems to have omitted at the factory (the passenger-side one is present). Oh the horror! I can recommend this car without qualification as one with the best build, quality, fun and value out there.

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  Positive Mini Cooper Experience - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By jhb360 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Mini. I purchased the "Works" option on this one. It is fantastic with significant power improvement from 2500 rpm. The 2004 model seems to be slightly more refined than 2002. Seats and interior room for the driver are excellent. The total driving experience is superb if one likes to drive. Performance is along with the best of sports cars. My 2004 has had no problems. I have taken this car on long trips. Great driving enjoyment, superb handling. Gas mileage ranges from 22-30 mpg at highway speeds well over the limit. Everyone seems to love the car and ask about it still after being out for over two years.

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  Fun - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By conradplan - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I previously had a BMW Z3, and while the Mini Cooper S is no Z3, it does provide a lot of fun-factor. Lots of lookers as well. Spirited and precise handling, fairly good low-end torque, except for off a start. Readily recommend to anyone who wants a quality built fun car.

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  Despite the faults, my favorite car ever - 2009 Mini Cooper
  By Rob - March 30 - 2:10 pm

  Ive never had more fun in a car than in my MINI JCW. It pulls hard from 2500-5000 RPMs, corners like no other, brakes instantly, and looks outstanding (mines dark grey with a black roof). Its nice to be the envy of everyone on the road, especially others driving a Cooper or Cooper S. In fact, the sense of community with other MINI drivers is one of my favorite aspects of the car. I was fortunate enough to be in a financial situation where I could afford the JCW, and the slight performance increase (and I mean slight - its not much) and exclusivity factor made the extra money worth it. HOWEVER, for anyone more sensible than I, the Cooper S is plenty fun and very much less expensive

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  Miles of Smiles - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Bug Squasher - February 24 - 10:13 am

  My car was delivered to me on the 22nd of June, a black JCW-equipped Cooper S. In the past 6 weeks I have put nearly 5,000 km on the odometer. If there is an organization that helps Cooper addicts, please get me the number! The car is such a joy to drive I find myself inventing reasons to go great distances, at the expense of other, often pressing, duties. Not only does the car have a stance and look that makes one think bulldog, but it also has that famous breeds faithfulness, tenacity and go-go attitude. I did thorough research on the car before I bought, and from that I anticipated at least one or two issues. Though still a young car I have yet to experience any problems at all.

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  What a blast - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By SevenBob - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I currently own the MINI Cooper S and an Infiniti G-35. While the G-35 is a gas to drive, the MINI is fantastic. I have never owned anything that is so much fun to drive.

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  Its amazing, but... - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By miniryanide - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I found that if I really drive it like a sports car, the city gas mileage drops down to the 12-15mpg range! Drive it like your grandma and maybe you can get 25mpg. The leather is really cheap quality. After 3 months it is already creasing and showing signs of wear. Other than that it is definately a fun car, very safe and performs well. Be aware the service is done by BMW and that can lead to some frustration.

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  MONEY PIT! DONT BUY! - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By Chris P - January 8 - 12:16 pm

  I bought my 2004 mini cooper in the summer of 2008 used. I am the second owner. It is a blast to drive and gets tons of curb appeal. However, it is a complete piece of garbage. Literally over night about a month ago...the engine started to sound like a blender. After going to 2 mechanics to get opinions...I need a new transmission!...which baffles me since it is manual and i drive very carefully. Many other small problems, such as pwr windows breaking, airbag sensor light turning on, squeaky brakes, terrible to drive when A/C is on. It is SOOO expensive to maintain. I am currently looking to trade it in before problems get worse. Complete garbage. Dont waste your money.

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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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  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!