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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  Sams Mini Cooper - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Sam Mannos - February 7 - 2:46 am

  This vehicle is the best small auto I have ever owned. As soon as a 4 door model is available, we will be shopping for a second Mini Cooper for our family. This automobile is comfortable, fun to drive, very responsive and has power to spare.

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  LOVE IT!!!!! - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By Titi - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE this car and could drive it all day. Its so much fun to drive and I have no complaints at all!!

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  My third Mini - 2006 Mini Cooper
  By fabworks - February 1 - 5:03 am

  I have purchased three MINIs since 2002 and also own a Porsche 911 Cabriolet. The only reason my Porsche gets driven is to get washed and on a once a month drive down the coast. I love driving my Minis for everyday use.

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  My Mini ROCKS - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By PyroSkittle - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I drive a 2003 Mini Cooper and it is the greatest. Mine is Yellow with a white bonnet and I absolutely love my car. It gets great gas mileage because my drive to school in the morning is 16 miles so it does great on gas. I would recommend this car to anyone. Its very safe and fun to drive and everyone at my high school LOVES IT!

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  MY GREAT CAR - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By Charleene - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Hey... I just wanted you people to know that the new MINIs are the BOMB!!! They are so awesome. You really need to get one. Especially if you cant spend lots of money on gas!!!

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  Go buy this car and have some fun! - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By colin - January 26 - 2:30 am

  I purchased the Cooper model with std. 15" wheel and suspension for the better ride. Added sport seats, computer, and multi-function wheel with cruise. The dealer through in floor mats, a useful cupholder and bonnot stripes. This chili red and white sporty car is the most fun car I have ever owned. I also looked at Scions, but when loaded with the basics that the mini had, the Scions were going to be as much as my mini ($18,200.00) and not as much fun to drive. This car is a blast. I mounted 3 sets of 5 point racing seats belts in the back seat, so our three sons can share in the fun.

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  My Mini Review - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By Kelly Keyser-Thompso - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely LOVE my mini !!! BMW Manufacured without the BMW price tag was also attractive. It is a blast to drive and it handles the road like a sports car! Cant wait for the convertible!!

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  mini cooper s - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By fh38109 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  this car is fresh and it is fun to drive

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  mini rules!!!! - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By joey s - January 13 - 10:00 am

  if you want a car that turns heads and is fun to drive then, this car is for you!!!the the car turns on a dime and has the power of a much bigger car. the gas mileage is excellent and the interior comfortable for even the biggest person.of course you can forget about comfort in the back. this car is definitly for a couple or single person.

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  The Wonderful World of MINI! - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By drtdsmith - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive put about 2400 miles on my 2004 MINI Cooper, primarily commuting. Weve taken two short trips, too. I cant say enough for the styling, fuel economy, surprising interior room, and driving enjoyment.