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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  Fun - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By MILTON - May 22 - 8:46 pm

  This is the most fun car I have ever driven. Its only downfall is that it is a little weak on take off. Its high end speed and gas mileage at the high end are great. There is no way to explain the handling and fun factor.

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  Mini, a great surprise - 2009 Mini Cooper
  By AD MCMLX - May 22 - 4:16 am

  I actually own a Cooper Clubman S which I transitioned to via MB C class Kompressor and BMW Z4. I had no high hopes for this car outside of that was built by BMW. 4 months later and 4k miles on it I absolutely adore this car. Granted this car is the most expensive and overpriced little car on the market but when you get a good deal you appreciate it that much more. This truly is a drivers car especially in SPORTs mode. LA to Vegas (300 mi) with barely over a half a tank (37.6 mpg) 75 mph @3k rpm. 476-500 miles to empty w/ some city driving. Cruises uphill Mount St Jacinto with 3 people in 4th gear to 8000 feet with ease. Rancho Mirage- Idyllwilde-Los Angeles 39.7 mpg.(140 mi)

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  Good Choice - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By bjtnaper - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Have had many fun cars, including a Honda S2000 which I still own, but the MINI Cooper S is the most all around fun Ive had. Great car, inspiring low- end torque, a head-turner on the streets.

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  What a car! - 2007 Mini Cooper
  By Dave - May 16 - 9:56 pm

  The MINI is truely unique! One never gets tired of driving it. Gas mileage with premium is 35mph & steady. Ive had the MINI for 9 months and its never been back to the dealer. I guess I got lucky? One problem I will discuss when I do go for my oil change is the cosmoline grease that runs down on parts of the car. Be sure to wipe it off as soon as you see it. Looks like runny vasoline. Will stain the rubber. But overall the Mini is super.

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  Dont wait. GO get one! - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By NOSUV - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Indi Blue Cooper for almost a month and its a superb vehicle. I consider it a sports car. Excellent handling, braking and visibility. Fantastic ride even with the optional 17inch BBS style wheels. GO GET ONE.

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  Nuts over it - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By Anne - May 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a head-turning car, SO fun to drive. Great handling, feels really solid on curves, smooth acceleration, and a ride that is much quieter than you would think for such a small car. Lots of power for my needs, and besides, if you want an S, looks like youll be on a long wait list and miss the fun of driving!

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  Fun happy car to drive - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By Beany - May 13 - 10:00 am

  You wont be disappointed in the Mini. It is a great car to drive and it feels like a sports car! The car is best suited to drivers using the back seat for occasional passengers. If you will be seating more than two people on a regular basis you might be well to size it up for all concerned before purchase.

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  Poor Reliability - 2009 Mini Cooper
  By lorri636 - May 13 - 2:08 am

  I have a 2009 Cooper S with automatic transmission. Its a fun car to drive, but goes in to have work done about every 6 months. Its had multiple problems with misfiring, carbon build up, timing belt replaced at 24,000 miles, electronic sensor issues. Ill probably keep it until the warranty is up and then trade it. Will never buy a Mini again.

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  My very first brand new car - 2007 Mini Cooper
  By Siava - May 11 - 9:46 am

  Owning a MINI is sentimental and an experience Ive been looking forward to. I am not disappointed in the least! My drive to work and home is approximately 65 miles per day and this week Im averaging 41 mpg. Last week it was 44! I only have to fill up once a week vs. 2 1/2 times in my old Ford Focus. Im usually afraid to drive in the rain, but Ive not been since driving this car. I really feel connected to the road. I cant rave enough about my little Jerry.

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  Mini Cooper S Electric Blue - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By Knuckles - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Love driving the Mini Cooper S. The shifting of the 6 speed transmission is so smooth and the clutch is so easy that it is nothing but fun to drive. You can see all around the vehicle. No blind spots. The car has lots of zip and personality. People stop you everywhere to ask you about it. The toggle switches are easy to access. There actually is room in the back seat for four people.