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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  The only problem is the crowd. - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By kilian - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Great fun to drive. It took a little while to get the hang of the folding seats when someone gets into the back seats. The headlights are great compared to my 1988 VW Quantum synchro stationwagen. Only 250 Miles so far. Wheel rims needed cleaning from brake dust after only 100 Miles. I hope its just from the breaking in period. I love this car, and I hope to have it for many many years.

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  Attention Getter - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By Mini-drvr - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This car corners like its on a rail! Go- cart-like handling and roomy interior. (For two passangers) While the front seats are very comfortable, there is little leg room for additional passangers. Gadgets! This car is so cool. Heated seats, headlamp washer jets, on-board computer, retro interior styling just to name a few. Dont purchase this car if you dislike attention. People love the way this thing looks. The 17" rims and low profile run-flat Pirelli tires with the wide stance gives it a bulldog appearance. The "S" model looks aggressive with the hood scoop to feed the super charger.

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  Love My Mini - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By steve - September 10 - 7:06 am

  I was totally bummed when my Alfa was totaled (pun intended) but owning this Mini has made the passing a positive experience. This is the most fun car I have driven in a long time. Even though I didnt get the faster model, it is plenty quick around town. On a recent 4 hour road trip, we couldnt believe the gas mileage we got on the highway going back and forth from NY to DC in one tank of gas! The car cruised effortlessly at 80 mph the whole way and was a comfortable ride.

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  This is a great car! - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By LM - September 8 - 8:56 pm

  I want one!!! I wish I could be driving a S convertible today, but, finances would not allow it!! :(

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  Mini Cooper S: Fun to drive! - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By tpiatt - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Over all the Mini Cooper S is a fun car to drive. Its peppy and handles excellent. It sticks to the road. Even on the interstate, Semis dont blow it around. More room than expected.

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  Mini - 2006 Mini Cooper
  By Debi - September 1 - 12:03 am

  This car is just too fun! It puts a smile on my face whenever I just look at it. The mileage is better than my last car and it handles like a dream. I do wish I would have purchased the S, mine is a little sluggish off the line. Overall, I couldnt be more pleased.

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  really fun to drive - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By acrossit - August 23 - 2:00 am

  If you want a quick responsive car this is it! They say it "drives like a Go- cart" and they are exactly right....

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  Even Better Than Advertised - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By Topper - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Looking for performance and a car thats fun to drive, I originally looked at Porsches Boxter...great car, but overpriced, given the competition and speed laws in the U.S. Next stop, Mini-Coopers S Model. All the fun, acceleration and corner- hugging thrills of the Boxter at half the price...plus, theres more attitude and whimsy with the Mini that Porsches upper-brackets simply cant offer. In sum, an excellent drivers car that never fails to excite or bring a smile to your face. Theyre worth the wait.

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  I love it! - 2007 Mini Cooper
  By graphicjoe - August 21 - 5:56 am

  Ive almost reached the break in mileage so I have not really pushed the car to its limits as yet. But it has great handling in all areas, a lot of grunt for a 1600 cc car, and good mileage. I like the jumbo speedo. The unusual placement of controls that receives lots of complaints isnt a problem for an owner. If you drive the car frequently the control placement becames natural. For my needs it is almost perfect.

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  The Best - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By Connor - August 18 - 2:00 am

  The car is excellent. What else can i say!