2007 MINI Cooper Convertible
in Affordable Four-Seat Convertibles
Based on analysis of 31 Cooper-Convertible reviews and test drives.
MINI Cooper Convertible - What the Auto Press Says
The 2007 MINI Cooper Convertible ranks 3 out of 9 Affordable Four-Seat Convertibles. This ranking is based on our analysis of 31 published reviews and test drives of the MINI Cooper Convertible, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Cooper Convertible offers the excellent handling and cute, retro style of the Cooper hatchback with the added fun and versatility of a one-touch soft-top roof. Its small size isn't practical for all buyers, but if you're looking at a MINI, you know that.
Most reviewers agree that the 2007 MINI Cooper Convertible, with its automatic soft top and unique power-sliding sunroof, is just as fun (if not more) to drive as the hatchback model. Reviewers often praise the MINI convertible for being in a league of its own. The only complaints about the Cooper focus on the convertible's quirky interior controls, cramped rear seat and sometimes choppy ride. Road and Track says it's "an excellent-handling front-driver with all the charm and economy of a regular Mini, plus the added fun of a high-quality soft-top that goes down at the touch of a button." The convertible edition has not been redesigned for 2008 -- the 2007 model is still on sale, and a redesign is not expected until 2009. In the meantime, MINI has added the Sidewalk package, which adds a few thousand dollars to the base cost and features interior and exterior upgrades.
The convertible MINI costs almost $4,000 more than hatchback models, and most reviewers feel it's worth the extra money. The MINI is available in two trims -- the Cooper and Cooper S -- with the S featuring a more powerful supercharged engine and other sporty performance additions.
- "The sprightly front-wheel-drive chassis, the quick cornering, the chunky and feelsome steering, and the muscular brakes are still on hand, just blanketed by a fabric roof rather than a flag-decaled metal one." -- Automobile Magazine
- "It's clear that Mini has another winner on its hands." -- Road and Track
- "BMW [which owns Mini] got it right as rain. Spang on. Nail on the head. … And all done with a slightly off-center sense of humor that's particularly appropriate to open-air motoring." -- Road and Travel
- "The Mini Cooper convertible is also a bargain, not so much in terms of mass for the dollar, but in the level of engineering it delivers at its price point." -- Car and Driver
- "Its fun factor -- in hardtop or drop top, base or hot-rod S model -- is way above average." -- Boston Globe
Cooper-Convertible Performance - 8.1 (Very Good)
Test drivers are very pleased with the 2007 MINI Cooper Convertible's performance, finding that it rides just as well as the hard-top version. New Car Test Drive says, "The Mini convertible surprises and delights with its serious motoring capabilities. Its chassis is extremely rigid for a topless car, so the Mini's acclaimed go kart cornering capability is left intact. Drop the top and enjoy the ride." Our full MINI Cooper Convertible Performance Review gives more detail. continue
Cooper-Convertible Exterior - NA
The MINI Cooper was already an automotive icon for its quirky good looks before BMW (which owns MINI) decided to take the top off of it. The convertible version does nothing to ruin that appeal. Dozens of published reviews call the car "cute." The Cooper convertible's top is even unique -- the car can be driven with the roof up, down, or in a halfway position that effectively makes a sunroof. Road & Travel Magazine calls the contraption "the cleverest top ever." See the trick for yourself (see how cute it is? We just said it does tricks) in our MINI Cooper Convertible Photo Gallery, or continue to our full Exterior Review to see the automotive press praise the unique look. continue
Cooper-Convertible Interior - 7.1 (Good)
Reviewers have generally mixed opinions on the 2007 MINI Cooper Convertible's four-person interior. Some feel it's stylish, while others find the retro dashboard design confusing, with unusual instrument placement. Almost all agree that it's cramped in back. Road and Track says, "The rear seats are for kids at best." Our MINI Cooper Convertible Photo Gallery gives you a closer look, while our full Interior Review describes the quirks. continue
Cooper-Convertible Safety - NA
The federal government has not yet tested the 2007 MINI Cooper Convertible, but the 2006 hatchback model does well in crash tests. However, one major shortfall that many reviewers comment on is the MINI's poor rear visibility. Continue with our full Safety Review to read about available safety features. continue
Cooper-Convertible Reliability - NA
The MINI Cooper is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. continue