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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  GP - From 0019 in the US - 2006 Mini Cooper
  By AprilWhine - November 30 - 1:40 pm

  This is my fourth MINI, not bad on a car only that has only been available in the US since 2002! Ive loved them all, but the GP is really something special. From the sound of the supercharger winding up to the road hugging dynamics, its the most fun to drive car Ive ever owned.

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  disappointed - 2008 Mini Cooper
  By kmbkat - November 30 - 4:06 am

  Bought my Mini new in 2/08 and the fuel pump went out at 17000 miles. Although it was covered under warranty I can only guess what troubles lie ahead. I also had to replace one of the run flat tires to the tune of $249. The car is fun to drive and I have adequate space since I no longer have young kids to transport. But once I experience a major mechanical failure I start looking for a new car. I plan to buy a new Honda or Toyota in 2/10.

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  Wont drive anything else! - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By brentski - November 26 - 10:56 pm

  I dont think I will ever drive any other cars but MINIS ever again! Reliable, stylish, safe, and fun to drive! What more can you ask for! Even though its small, its a people-mover; everyone wants to ride in the MINI! Always carrying 4!

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  I Love my Mini Cooper Convertible - 2006 Mini Cooper
  By Allison Mayer - November 25 - 7:06 am

  Its so fun to drive that I look for excuses to go places so that I can get in my Mini and go. It looks great and is much more interesting-looking than other cars on the road. It is very roomy inside. The stereo is terrific. There are so many standard bells and whistles that I still am learning how they all work. This is the "funnest" vehicle Ive ever ridden in or driven. It makes me smile and lifts my spirits whenever I drive it. My other car is a 98 Toyota 4Runner, which I absolutely love. But my Mini is the most fun. I love the attitude of the company too. It doesnt take itself too seriously.

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  MiniCooper S - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By kapitan - November 19 - 2:00 am

  have driven the "S" since July and now in the snow and ice of upstate NY winter. Both experiences good- Mini goes like hell on good days and gets thru just fine over snowy roads, much better than my Ford Focus. Just now getting used to the somewhat un- yielding seat, gasoline mileage not impressive(c. 25) but smile factor 100, with strangers regulary walking up to ask or comment about it.

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  Maxifun - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By Maxifun - November 19 - 2:00 am

  We bought the Mini because we loved the original when we where first married but were raising/having children. We can afford to have a third fun car and the Mini is it. I like to drive it hard, meaning put it through the corners, pass people on the expressway, find other Minis to "race and get comments from Grandmas and teenagers re"nice Car" etc. etc. I dint drive the "s" when we bought it, because I wasnt willing to spend the extra 3K and the regular Mini is fast enough. Ive had it past 115 with a "little peddle left"...

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  love my mini cooper S - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By mininowicki - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I also own a 2004 BMW 530 with sport package/ active steering and premium package. I think it is one of the best driving cars on the road today... but for some reason I find myself driving the Mini Cooper S more than the 5. It has so much personality and is just plain fun to drive.

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  The best car Ive ever owned - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By Stroudnyrfan - November 13 - 2:00 am

  The Mini Cooper is by far the best car Ive ever owned. It is a great deal of fun to drive, handles extremely well and is suprisingly comfortable even on long trips. Very fuel efficient too, a big plus with gas prices rising daily! I highly recommend this car!

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  Fun Mini - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By cw2fly - November 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Mini Cooper S a week ago, and I love it. This is the most fun car I have driven in the 34 years I have been driving. It handles extremely well on curves, and has plenty of zip. I get lots of grins, waves, and thumbs up from other drivers, and the car is a conversation piece where I work.

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  Fun but poisoned - 2007 Mini Cooper
  By Fun but poisoned - November 8 - 12:16 pm

  This car should win the Bang for the Buck contest. It is a performer that is easy on the gas. 0-60mph under 7 seconds and gets 30 mpg city/highway. There is no other car that can match the performance and the fuel efficiency of the new MINI Cooper S. But the engine makes loud noises like a diesel truck. On some occasions, it is worse as if it is grinding on some internal metal parts. Dealer has not found the solution yet. I have my fingers crossed that the MINI company will find a permanent cure for this problem. The car rattles sometimes. Handling is second to none.