New 2009 MINI Cooper [ 2007 ]
MINI Cooper - What the Auto Press Says
The Cooper has loads of unconventional style and a fun-to-drive personality, but its fashionable cabin is not very functional.
After a year hiatus, the 2009 MINI Cooper is coming back, and it still has the combination of classic and contemporary that won over reviewers for the 2007 model year. Like its name suggests, the MINI is one of the tiniest options for the affordable small car class, and its name hits on all aspects of its personality -- from its nimble road manners, to its outstanding fuel efficiency, to its rear seats which seem to be designed to keep chiropractors in business. But as a whole, auto writers find the car has enough personality to make its good qualities outshine the bad ones.
BMW did not release a 2008 model of the Cooper, and the model's limited supply along with the cost of fuel resulted in the model selling out in 2008. The 2009 MINI Cooper hatchback carries over relatively unchanged from the previous model, but the Cooper convertible receives slight modifications, including a larger glass rear window and more color options. If you're shopping for a small car, consider the Honda Fit, another hatchback with plenty of personality. If you like the MINI's persona but need more space, consider the stretched dimensions of the MINI Cooper Clubman.
- "The Mini Cooper is a phenomenal car, which is to say a phenomenon. When you consider its solid feel, cult status and high demand, Mini could price it higher than it does." -- Cars.com
- "It has a strong surprise and delight factor. Throw in high levels of build quality, cachet, personality and excellent performance, and it's easy to see why the Mini has captivated so many." -- Motor Trend
- "The 2009 Mini Cooper is the automotive equivalent of a boundlessly energetic Jack Russell terrier. Sure, it makes a lot of road noise. Sure, it plays a little rough sometimes. And, well, it's little. But when that pooch is bounding toward you, yipping gaily, lips peeled back in an apparent smile, you can't help but smile back. That's the Mini in a nutshell -- it's not the most refined pup in the litter, but its exuberant personality is bound to win you over." -- Edmunds
- "This is a great, responsive, agile car for a couple motoring along on an open highway, with nothing more on their minds than the fun of a carefree drive on a sunny day. And if you opt for the convertible version of the Mini Cooper, so much the better." -- Sacramento Bee
- "Minis are reasonably priced, brim with character, and are available with a dizzying array of personalizing accessories." -- Consumer Guide
Cooper Performance - NA
Driving the MINI Cooper is fun, thanks to a recently beefed-up engine and more agile suspension and steering systems. Consumer Guide writes, "Minis may look like economy cars, but these 2008 Recommended picks are actually sporty driving machines." Continue with our full Performance Review to find out what type of gas mileage the Cooper gets with premium fuel. continue
Cooper Exterior - NA
The 2009 MINI is best known for its Euro-chic styling, and reviewers still consider its bodylines as one of the most distinctive designs in its class. According to Car and Driver, the MINI is "Cute to the bone, cute." The first leaked photos of the 2009 MINI Convertible still show a style very similar to the hatch, but should have a larger glass rear window to improve visibility. Check out our full Exterior Review for more opinions on the car's appealing shape, or to go our MINI Cooper Photo Gallery to see the car in yellow. continue
Cooper Interior - NA
Many writers approve of the MINI Cooper's expandable cargo area and cabin materials. But there are equally negative remarks concerning the shrunken space for sitting in the back and the hard-to-use controls. According to Edmunds, "The 2009 Mini Cooper's interior layout is as head-scratching as the exterior is endearing. The pie-plate-sized, center-mounted speedometer is kitschy (think Flavor Flav's clock necklace) and largely useless. The climate controls aren't finger-friendly, even after familiarization." Continue with our full Interior Review for a better idea of the MINI Cooper and Cooper convertible's cabin dimensions, or go to our MINI Cooper Photo Gallery for images of the controversial instrument panel. continue
Cooper Safety - NA
The MINI Cooper does well in federal government and insurance industry crash tests, but not as well as its bloated list of safety equipment would indicate. Our full Safety Review gives more details on the 2009 MINI's safety scores. continue
Cooper Reliability - NA
The 2009 MINI Cooper's new vehicle limited warranty is good for four years or 50,000 miles. Full maintenance is provided for the first three years or 36,000 miles. Continue with our full Reliability Review for more information on the Cooper's maintenance coverage. continue
