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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  Best small car on the road! - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By tywashin - January 23 - 8:13 am

  Well, I have only owned it for about two months, so far it has been a great car. Its very fun to drive. And I like how other mini owners wave when ever we see each other. I draw attention wherever I go. Its also the best car I have ever had on gas. The seats could be a little more comfortable for long road trips.

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  My Mini Review - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By Kelly Keyser-Thompso - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely LOVE my mini !!! BMW Manufacured without the BMW price tag was also attractive. It is a blast to drive and it handles the road like a sports car! Cant wait for the convertible!!

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  mini cooper s - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By fh38109 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  this car is fresh and it is fun to drive

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  Short Lived Love Affair - 2008 Mini Cooper
  By Ohioman - January 16 - 5:16 pm

  O.K., its cute, fit well in my garage and was truly "fun to drive", but the novelty for us was over for us in a big hurry. It is a very small car, and while likely the best in its class, we found it cramped, noisey, rattley and poor riding, especially on road trips. The run-flat tires are bricks, the premium stereo was fair at best, it was nearly impossible to get comfortable (no,we arent big people), and I really didnt care for the valve rattle at start-up on cold days. I switched to a Camry SE V6 which is (yes) faster, more refined, has far nicer/more of "everything", and for about the same money. If you need to drive regularly, long distances or with others, dont buy a Cooper

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  Fun Car, When Its Not In the Shop - 2007 Mini Cooper
  By Arisdad - January 16 - 6:50 am

  I first drove a Mini in 1966 and I never forgot it. When the 2007 model came out I decided to buy one. Everything about the car is great: a bicycle fits in the back, it gets great gas mileage, and the overall feel of the car is exceptional. Except...the engine malfunction light came on at 340 miles and it has been in the shop ever since. Mini U.S. and Mini Germany have no idea how to fix it at this point. I am told that it has been joined by another 2007 with the same problem at 380 miles. I would suggest that you avoid buying a 2007 at this point and give them time to work out the bugs if you feel you must have this car.

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  mini rules!!!! - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By joey s - January 13 - 10:00 am

  if you want a car that turns heads and is fun to drive then, this car is for you!!!the the car turns on a dime and has the power of a much bigger car. the gas mileage is excellent and the interior comfortable for even the biggest person.of course you can forget about comfort in the back. this car is definitly for a couple or single person.

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  The Wonderful World of MINI! - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By drtdsmith - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive put about 2400 miles on my 2004 MINI Cooper, primarily commuting. Weve taken two short trips, too. I cant say enough for the styling, fuel economy, surprising interior room, and driving enjoyment.

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  Just as good as an "S" - 2002 Mini Cooper
  By 2 many MINIs - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I have both the Cooper and a Copper S, the difference is minimal...I do not understand all of the hype for the S. It only matters when accelerating over 4500 RPMs. Dont wait for the S just get the Cooper and spend your saved money on aftermarket gadgets. THIS car is awesome and soooo much fun to drive!

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  Midlife Crisis Car - 2004 Mini Cooper
  By Downtown111 - January 8 - 2:03 pm

  I fell in love with the 09 MINIs the first time my wife and I drove a brand new 08 in the Spring of 09. But I was reluctant to spend the 28K on the sticker. Then I found an 04 with 50K miles for half that and thought it would be a good way to see if we really wanted one. This car has exceeded every expectation we had for fun, economy and attention-getting. We occasionally read about CVT issues for this year, but after 6 months of daily commutes of 70 miles we still love this reliable, trouble-free sports car. Just put snow tires on for our winter commuting. My wife thinks it is a sensible choice for a mid-life crisis vehicle, and nothing we have ever owned is this much fun to drive!

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  Most fun ever driven - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By pcphil - January 8 - 11:43 am

  This car makes me smile just thinking about driving it. It is surprisingly roomy even for large people. It drives like it is on rails. Room for two plus their luggage. Able to carry two more for short jaunts, but would not want to carry 4 on a road trip.