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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  Little Duece Coupe - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By imsadriver - April 6 - 2:00 am

  As a professional sportscar racer, car collector who has owned, driven and raced many types of exotics - this car is in the top of the pop for fun factor. Im looking forward to driving it to Daytona next week for the Rolex race. Its just so much fun to drive that I have changed course and decided to DRIVE this car and enjoy it, instead of letting it sit in the garage.

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  I cant stop smiling - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By pepperi - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. I have loved the way the car looked since I first saw it at the auto show a couple of years ago. I finally got it Christmas of 2003 and it has exceeded all of my high expectations. It is very fast once you wind it out a little and feels great in the city and on the highway.

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  Blue and White is Alright - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By colts fan - April 3 - 3:06 pm

  I have a one hour commute to work that used to be boring - now its a blast. The gas mileage isnt great (30+/-), especially at premium prices but the fun I have balances that out. One side benefit, most people who see it, smile. When they say its "cute" i say "no its understated".

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  Fun on Wheels - 2009 Mini Cooper
  By Hallockg - March 26 - 2:16 am

  I have had my Mini Cooper Hardtop for about a month now, and I honestly have to say without question its THE most fun c.ar Ive ever had (and I have owned a Firebird and a Camaro). I learned early that I have to be careful....once I was driving down a 35 mph street, and was shocked when I realized I was actually doing 89 mph!! Fuel economy is remarkable, and its extrior looks turns heads on the road.

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  Fun, Responsive, Yeah Baby! - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Kim - March 24 - 1:03 am

  My 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible is a terrific little car. It handles beautifully, has fantastic braking, and good acceleration (especially with available clutchless manual). Plus its a real headturner. The convertible top operation is a breeze. Rear seating and trunk space are nominal, but who cares? I have had no problems at all with it in first 9 months of ownership.

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  Who cares if people make jokes! - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Clingfam - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The Cooper is a blast to drive. As for design and build quality just sit in the car and look around. Youll see that the quality is revealed in the details. It is obvious that BMW greatly improved on the original design. The base model engine is indeed slow off the line. But,as for interstate travel, once you get going many larger cars would lose the battle in top end.

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  Still smiling.. - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By TxTimHere - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I ordered my MINI from the factory with also all options, including both SPORT and PREMIUM packages. The ability to track the progress of the car via the internet was fun and made the anticipation even greater for the arrival. I am still finding little features that set this car apart from others, not to mention the awesome value when compared to similiar cars with the same options. The quickness of this road-hugging, eye-catching, head- turning car still amazes me. At top highway speeds, the handling, accerlation and overall comfort is as good as any car I have owned or driven.

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  My Mini, my second youth - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By tandlpop - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The Mini is the best car I have ever owned. The dealerships, ALL of them seem like the American Embassy in a third world nation.

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  LUV MY MINI - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By bilzkd - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I have owned everything from a Lexus to a 4 RUnner a many makes and models in between. The saying is ture dynomite comes in small packages!! Not only is this car FUN to drive but, it has the feel of a sedan and the handling of a go cart. Not to mention the safetly featurs, with run flat tires and the many options add to its value. Open your mind and leave the gas gusslers behind!!

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  Second MINI I have owned and the best - 2006 Mini Cooper
  By Craig - March 20 - 11:40 pm

  I first owned a 2003 MINI Cooper that I purchased off the dealers floor. I owned it for almost 3 years. I at first wanted to order the 2007 with the newer engine, but after much research I decided that the 2006 engine had at least 7 years use behind it, as it first was introduced in late 2000 as a 2001 model in England. I included the JCW Air Intake which boosted the HP to around 178 or so. I ordered the "S" in Dec 05 and took delivery in Feb 06. The build date is 01/06. I followed it through the shutdown over the holidays and up to delivery here. The 2006 is a great improvement over the 2003 model. I recommend this ride to any and all that are up to having a smile transfixed on thir face!