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Mini Cooper
Complete MINI New Car Reviews listed below
MINI COOPERs are the most fun cars on the market regardless of price range. The cars are hip and stylish with sports car like handling and BMW build quality.
The first MINI motorcar was originally sold under BMC's (British Motor Company) Austin and Morris brands in 1959; the MINI name didn't make an appearance until 1961. [1] Although it had just 34 horsepower, the MINI was the ideal urban car and proved popular in crowded European cities. [2] It was said that the 1960s were the glory years for MINI with hundreds of thousands of units sold. They played an important roll in pop-culture, fashion trends and luxury lifestyles. However, in the wake of stricter emission policies, Minis were pulled from the U.S. market and didn't return until 2002, years after it was acquired by BMW. The original MINI COOPER is the longest running production car in history. And, there are now more of the old, original MINIs in the U.S. - because fans import them from Europe - than there are new MINIs.
MINI COOPER's current lineup is composed of three vehicles the MINI COOPER COUPE (MSRP $18,050 - $21,200), the MINI COOPERS CONVERTIBLE (MSRP $21,950 - $25,400), and the MINI COOPER CLUBMAN (MSRP $19,950 - $23,450). The coupe and convertible models compete with the Chevrolet Cobalt, Honda Civic, MAZDA3, MAZDASPEED3, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Mitsubishi Lancer, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Pontiac G4, Pontiac G6, Pontiac Solstice, Pontiac Vibe, smart fortwo, Toyota Matrix, Volkswagen Rabbit, Volkswagen GTI, Volkswagen New Beetle, and Volvo C30. But in reality only the Volkswagen New Beetle has a unique-enough design and comparable pricing to be a direct competitor. The CLUBMAN competes with the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Fit, Scion xD, Mazda MAZDASPEED3, Smart for two (a division of Mercedes-Benz), Volkswagen GTI, and Volvo C30.
All three MINI COOPERs are available in Base and S trim levels. The COUPE or CLUBMAN with the Base package comes with a 118-horsepower, 1.6-liter I4 engine, and the MINI COOPER S package comes with a 172-horsepower, 1.6-liter I4 T engine (turbocharged inline 4-cylinder). The CONVERTIBLE with the Base package comes with 115-horsepower, 1.6-liter I4, and the S package comes with 168-horsepower, 1.6-liter I4 T engine (turbocharged inline 4-cylinder). All trim levels are available with a six-speed manual transmission and a front-wheel drive system. A 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted Agitronic paddle shifters is optional for all trim levels.
A look at the MINI COOPER's reliability ratings from ConsumerReports.org shows the coupe with the S package receiving Excellent ratings for engine, transmission, drive, fuel, climate, and audio system, suspension, brakes, exhaust, paint and trim and body hardware trouble spots; Very Good ratings for its electrical system; Good ratings for squeaks and rattles trouble spots; and a Fair rating for its power equipment.
MINIs are also equipped with loads of safety features. Data from from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that the 2006 MINI COOPER COUPE received four stars out of five in frontal crash, side crash, and rollover tests.
MINIs are priced similarly to competing models like the Pontiac Solstice and Mazda Miata MX-5 - as long as you can find one without a $2,000 to $3,000 markup over MSRP. Depreciation-wise, however, the MINI COOPER's value can increase, rather than decrease, depending upon the package and features.
Prospective buyers may choose from many options to customize their rides, and can utilize tools on the automaker's website to "build" their own MINIs. Additional accessories include the MINI roof graphic - a choice between a British, American or checkered flag - Premium, Sport, Cold Weather or Convenience packages, stripes, metallic paint, aerodynamic kit, sport seats, leather upholstery, navigation system, active carbon filter, park distance control, panoramic sunroof (a must have), or the John Cooper Works package, among many, many others.
Click here for more information on 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 MINI COOPER car prices, auto insurance, auto loans, car dealers, and car leases.
