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 Turns Heads - 2006 Mini Cooper
  By Bthayer23 - July 24 - 5:16 am

  The first week I owned this car, I gave my bosss daughter a ride around the block and answered questions from three complete strangers about my MINI. Its a flashy car by virtue of its uniqueness, but it has the zip and handling to back it up. Its sensible fuel economy doesnt hurt, either. Take a spin in a MINI at night. The huge speedo gives the whole car an orange glow, and the giant sunroof lets in the moonlight.

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  Simply Outrageous Mini - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By SO Mini - July 3 - 10:53 pm

  Our Mini Cooper is exciting and fun to drive. Weve had our Mini for about 3 months and really enjoy the performance and compliments we get. It has become a great marketing tool for our company and a relief on the wallet with fuel economy at over 30 miles per gallon on the highway. This is one of the best values on the road for your money. We cant wait to join some of the rallies that seem to take place every weekend. We nicknamed ours Simply Outrageous Mini or "SO Mini." Lets motor...

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  Best car for the price - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By movovr - July 3 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car for the price. It has value inside and out. Never has a car been built with this technology for the price. 3 years and 36000 miles of free schedule maintance is awsome too.

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  Cooper S with Rally Package - 2006 Mini Cooper
  By Ron - July 1 - 6:03 am

  This is the most fun Ive had with a car in twenty years. I never thought this car would make me feel like this, its sporty, fast, stylish and a pleasure to drive. I bought my Mini with the air filter upgrade (JCW), it provides a nice sound and a little more performance. Breaking, steering and handling are all you can expect from this car.

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  MINI - A better MGB - 2008 Mini Cooper
  By Carlover - June 27 - 3:20 am

  I have a British Racing Green basic MINI with the cold weather option. Nothing extra and I love this car. People who say its under powered do not know how to drive a stick shift sports car properly. You must use the tach, rev the engine and you have to love to shift! Use its power curve and it will never dsappopoint. I have a hard time keeping to the speed limit. My little car just wants to fly! Its very similar to my long-gone MGs, but better. Its faster, handles better, great mileage, little engine, big heart, I havent had this much fun driving in years. No issues with reliablity. More room inside than my Pontiac and room for friends if needed. What more could you ask for? Love it!!

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  Mini S Owner since July - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By Garyt - June 24 - 2:00 am

  the speed of the car is the most surprising thing. didnt expect that quickness out of a 4 cyl. I am 65" and there is plenty of leg room and head room. Safety feature of the car and recent rating of 4 stars is impressive

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  This is a great little car! - 2007 Mini Cooper
  By DCroft - June 20 - 7:00 pm

  Ive only had it a week so the reliability rating may be bogus but this is the most fun you can have on four wheels. I find myself looking for twisty, winding roads. It is relatively inexpensive to buy and extrememly economical to drive. All that and a fast, very nimble drive as well! I couldnt be happier (but wait till next week...)

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  Love my mini - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By John - June 16 - 9:23 pm

  My 2005 MINI Cooper S is a great car. It is lots of fun to drive and fast. It is the perfect car.

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  MINI ME - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By tripower - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Just plain FUN! Every time you get into or get out of the MINI you cant help but smile!

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  First MINI - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Leslie Potter - May 28 - 4:10 pm

  The car was bought for my wife. It is a solid, well build car especially considering the size. Handles and performs very well.