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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  onmywy - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By larrucho - September 26 - 10:00 am

  great fun car and a terrific price

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  Mini take - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By yes - September 26 - 10:00 am

  well built, excellent handling, quality

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  Great car - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By longclose - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have nothing but praise for the MINI. It is fast, great fun to drive and handles beautifully.

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  MINI Cooper S after 30K miles - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By thommmasss - September 26 - 10:00 am

  After 13 months of ownership and 30,000 miles I still look for an excuse to drive my MINI. It is so much fun it should be illegal, especially the way I drive it.

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  mighty mini - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By sharaff - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Great car, fun to drive, build quality could be better.Run flat tires makes the ride somewhat harsh.

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  A Pip - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By Fangio - September 26 - 10:00 am

  When reading that John Cooper (Paris Dakar Minis) and BMW teamed up I couldnt resist. Just bought a 1904 S and it is a sheer delight to drive. In its class it holds its ground beautifully with the Porsche Boxster and Cayenne Turbo I drive.

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  If you enjoy driving, whats not to like - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By topmini - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Looking for a drivers car that didnt break the bank, the Mini S cant be beat. Each time you slip into the leather seats, pop the sunroof and hear the throaty response of the exahust, you begin smiling. Once you actually zip off the mark and pull a quick corner (all within the speed limit, of course), the grin hits your lips and doesnt stop till youre parked and flip the unlock toggle to end your latest fun journey - to the store, work, or a weekend away. Simply a joy to drive in every way.

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  More fun than... - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By ROGER - September 26 - 4:06 am

  This is the most fun Ive had driving since my 70 Pontiac Trans-am. My Mini has several after-market additions and is an absolute delight. You just want to get in and drive. And WOW, what a ride it is. Im a big guy and was put off by the size till I climbed in and drove the car. Its roomy, comfortable and offers excellent driver visibility. Mine has dual moon roofs and tinted glass all the way around--highly recommend that trick. The roadability is superb. Get the S- model with a 6-speed Getrag and youre in for a real thrill. This car wants to go 70 mph so youll want to watch the foot because 70 in this car is like 50 in another car. Go for it!!!

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  Motor On! - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By Debbiann - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Car drives like a higher priced sports car. Handling is fantastic, wicked tight.The 6 speed is perfect on the highways! Over 160 horsepower, allows me to pass in 6th with a huge amount of room for pickup! Clutch is smooth. Sticks to the road around corners no matter what speed you take them. Gas milage on my long commute is fantastic 28-35,depending on weather conditions. Believe it or not, I will at times drive my family of four around town with this car, with no one being squished in anywhere. You can really feel the BMW-ness of this car when you are inside driving it!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  MINI Cooper - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By czsue - September 18 - 10:00 am

  I cant believe how much fun this car is to drive. It handles great both on the highway and city driving. Even when you are driving at higher speeds you dont feel like you are in a small car, it feels stable and secure. Very roomy interior, and I like the set-up of the gauges. It may only be a 4 cylinder, but its zippy and gets great gas mileage. I am very satisfied with my MINI.