2007 MINI Cooper
Based on analysis of 36 Cooper reviews and test drives.
MINI Cooper Ranks #8 in Affordable Small Cars
Overall Score - 8.1 (Very Good)
Based on U.S. News editors' analysis of 36 leading automotive reviews and test drives, the 2007 MINI Cooper ranks #8 of 29 in Affordable Small Cars.
The Cooper delivers on its promise of a fun ride and a unique, quirky style, but it doesn't match the value pricing or interior space of others in the small car class.
Since its reintroduction by BMW several years ago, the MINI Cooper has earned high marks for excellent handling, classic looks and compact size that live up to the car's nearly 50-year-old roots. The remodeled 2007 hatchback model features an all-new engine, steering, suspension, and a redesigned interior and exterior.
But the New York Times cautions, "The MINI can also rack up more than $13,000 in options, not counting those from an accessory catalog." However, MINIs have maintained outstanding resale value. Kelley Blue Book says, "The revised MINI models are expected to continue the brand's reputation for excellent resale value, retaining an anticipated 61 percent of its value after 36 months." And Cars.com says, "Not long after its introduction, the MINI Cooper became one of the most sought-after cars on the planet, with resale values that had the rest of the industry salivating."
This review applies to the 2007 MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S hatchback models. As Car and Driver reports, the convertible version is largely unchanged from 2006, awaiting the production of a "new ragtop based on the 2007 coupe's brand-new mechanicals and sheetmetal. Nevertheless, the convertible is just as much fun as the hardtop Mini."
Cooper Performance - 8.1 (Very Good)
Reviewers like the 2007 MINI Cooper's fun driving experience and new engine, suspension and steering systems. "These cars handle like karts, shift like BMWs, and get along pretty briskly -- especially in the high-performance versions," praises Car and Driver. continue
Cooper Exterior - 7.7 (Good)
MINI updated the 2007 Cooper's exterior to meet European safety regulations but made the changes as subtle as possible -- a decision that pleases most critics and MINI enthusiasts. Road and Track considers the 2007 hatchback "cuter than a bucket of puppies." continue
Cooper Interior - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 MINI Cooper receives fair reviews for its four-seat interior, based on the small amount of cargo and rear seat space and sometimes complicated cockpit controls. But, "For such a small car the MINI makes the most of its available interior space," says Kelley Blue Book. continue
Cooper Safety - 8.6 (Very Good)
The 2007 Cooper MINI boasts a complete range of safety equipment, including six air bags. It has not yet been rated in government or insurance industry crash tests, though the 2006 model received good scores. continue
Cooper Reliability - NA
The MINI comes with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and full maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles. continue