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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  MINI Cooper - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By slider8411 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle preforms well, is fun to drive,and is wonderfully unique. After driving the MINI Cooper, driving a "normal" vehicle seems very lacking.

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  I LOVE MY CAR! - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By Stacia - May 24 - 10:00 am

  My car is wonderful, I would not pick a single car over my Mini.

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  This mini is Hot! - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By CU - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive,fantastic looking,very fast,very good on gas and its easy to park.

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  love my mini - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By Hollyct - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Great car to go zipping around in. comfortable on long trips, and good on gas. Makes us pack lighter since not much trunk room. Xenon Headlights work great! Can see all around you! Will never buy another car without heated seats now that I have them.People seem to always smile when they see you coming, less road rage for sure! Teenagers dont mind being seen with Mom in this car! Looking for second MINI

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  Mini what else is there fo under 25,000. - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By Matt Pelton - May 22 - 10:00 am

  excellent through and through,,,

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  My yellow MINI - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Meg Duarte - May 16 - 9:00 pm

  This is my third Mini - drove two in Europe - I just love, my clients love it, and even my very tall friends are comfortable and get a kick out of it. I will NEVER change brands. There are a few problems, but all are curable. Ive driven lots of different brands since I began to drive in 1956 and the MINI is #1

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  My Second MINI - 2008 Mini Cooper
  By Michael Berliner - May 12 - 3:23 pm

  My last MINI was a 2003 hard top, and this new convertible is much better than my old car. It was love at first sight when I picked it up at the dealer. Ive had it for a month and it is past the 1250 mile break-in point, and it is more limber and willing. As far as Im concerned, Ill be happy to drive this MINI for many years.

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  Sweet Mini of mine - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By Penguin - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Wow! What a fun car to drive,wash,fuel up,wax,look at and of course motor in. We use it everyday and have had a great time everytime we get in it. We are getting 29mpg, lots of looks ( good and bad) and well worth the wait to get.

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  Awesome Little Hobbits Car! - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By Hobbitgrl - April 29 - 10:00 am

  My experience with this car has been great! Ive had it since my 22nd birthday (three months ago)and it has been the most reliable, stylish auto Ive ever drove!

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  Solid Little Machine! - 2003 Mini Cooper
  By Ryanide - April 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is amazing. The interior space is ideally only for 2 people, but it does not feel like you are in a small car. The steering is tight and very responsive as there is no play in the wheel. If you move it a little, you go that way. The ride is rough, but in a sporty way. I can see that some may not find it comfortable. The six speed manual requires some effort too. The amazing thing is the handling. It speeds through corners with no body roll or any sense that you might loose control. Eventhough it is a small car, I feel very safe and confortable. Now if I can just find enough excuses to go out and drive somewhere...