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 Mini is a Hoot - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Linda - May 26 - 7:53 am

  The Mini is a "big car in a little body." It has plenty of power on the highway, gets great gas mileage, and is just plain fun to drive. The only negative thing about it is that it uses a higher grade of gasoline than most.

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  Wait, and youll regret it...... - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By DRIVE ONE NOW - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I sold a 1996 M3 to buy my Dark Silver Mini Cooper S. OH MY GOD,,,,this car, driven the right way, will hang with an M3. The comment I make over and over again is, "this car is about impossible to unsettle!" I live close to the mountains of NC and love finding an excuse to rip through the twisties. Get ready for the comstant questions from onlookers and the provocations from Mustangs, Vettes, etc. No worries though, the Cooper S holds its own. If you live in the south, be prepared to tick off some rednecks in there Mustangs with horrific handling,,I speak from experience. Dont wait buy one now, youll be glad you did.

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  Fun Factor+++ - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By da libby - May 22 - 1:40 pm

  Once you get past the ordering and waiting process, which MINI had made kind of fun in its own way, the real fun comes in driving it. Easy to drive and park in the city and great to drive on the highway. Best though is driving on twisty "country" roads. Great handling and a very solid ride -- no twist and shake like in other convertibles Ive driven. The sport seats are very comfortable, even after a 5-hour cross-state drive. Contrary to the "official" review, the HP in the base Cooper is plenty for getting to highway speeds smoothly and effortlessly -- watch the speedo because you wont realize how quickly you can pass the speed limit!

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  Mini Cooper Coupe/Hatchback 2005 - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Sharon Banis - May 6 - 3:36 am

  Its a joy to drive. Its a conversation starter. I get "flashes" from other Mini owners -- like a secret handshake. Everyone wants to go for a ride in the Mini (well nearly everyone)! It causes smiles! It handles well and is fairly sturdy -- unfortunately Mina was hit by an Accord and had some "internal injuries" but the Accord lost its bumper and Mina looks like new after some repairs! I remained unhurt. It hugs curves and feels very stable.

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  Great Car - 2009 Mini Cooper
  By Will - May 2 - 4:30 pm

  I absolutely love this car. I got it loaded and it has all the amenities of a luxury automobile along with the sportiness. I was shocked and sold when I sat in one and it was extremely comfortable and roomy. Get a convertible or a sunroof because they operate great. It gets great gas mileage and all maintenance and the entire car (Including paint and body) is guaranteed for five years. I dont have to change the oil or nothing. All i have to do is put gas in it and that isnt very often. What a wonderful car!

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  Mini Cooper - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By sondra kellam - April 20 - 10:00 am

  I have purchased many cars in the last 25 years and I can honestly tell you that I have enjoyed this mini so much. We have had a BMW 325 in the past and I loved it, however the mini makes people smile, it handles traffic and I feel safe which is the most important.

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  YEAH, Baby! - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By coasterguy - April 12 - 2:00 am

  MINI promotes togetherness, freedom, and above all: FUN!Togetherness happens, since all you have to do is park at the local grocery for a few minutes and soon a crowd with gather. Freeway driving makes you a rolling conversation piece, as carloads of folks all press their noses to the window for a better look at your MINI. Freedom happens because your MINI will take you anywhere you want to go, do it in style, and not break your gasoline budget in the process. FUN is the key, though. Its impossible to drive this car without a big, goofy grin on your face...

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  Great Car....but...Service is a Concern - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By JCRAY49 - April 4 - 6:20 am

  Initially, I purchased the Mini Cooper S because of my wife and daughters infatuation with this car. After driving this vehicle only one time, I also became "hooked". My main concern about purchasing this vehicle was the lack of dealer certified service in my area. Unfortunately, my fears became reality just 3 weeks after purchasing our new 2005 Mini. Our sun/moonroof motor went out after only 1,200 miles on the car. I spent a day traveling to get this car repaired under warranty. I am hoping for the best from here on out. The car is truly very fun to drive and actually fits our family of 4. I am 64" and the car fits me fine. We all have a great time taking rides in our Mini.

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  Company Vehicle - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By Fabworks - April 1 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car one the looks for the price, with our company name on the back window we get a lot of attention

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  2004 Mini - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By slstratto - March 30 - 8:20 am

  My 2004 Mini Cooper is FANTASTIC - any time ALL the time! This car is so much more fun than I can describe. Everywhere you go people are always smiling at you...what a great feeling!