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Mini Cooper - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Mini Cooper ranks 13 out of 31 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 51 published reviews and test drives of the Mini Cooper, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Mini Cooper is a solid favorite with drivers and the automotive press for its unique looks and excellent handling. Nonetheless, its price can be a hurdle for many car shoppers, especially considering that its rear seat is more comfortable for a suitcase than a real human.

Mini Coopers are among the most recognizable cars on the road, beloved for both their cutesy looks and zippy driving dynamics. The Cooper’s small size means it’s already incredibly maneuverable -- and that’s before you consider that it has handling dynamics designed by parent company BMW’s engineers. Also on the positive side, reviewers have been surprised that despite the car’s small size, the front seats are surprisingly spacious.

Still, the Mini Cooper does have a few drawbacks. With a base price of around $18,500, it’s one of the most expensive cars in its class. It has a very uncomfortable rear seat, to the extent that many reviewers suggest you think of the Cooper as a two-seater that’s capable of carrying four only during an emergency. Its rear cargo capacity is also quite limited (only 5.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up). So the only way to carry luggage or make a successful trip to Costco is to reserve the back seat as a cargo-only zone.

Many people considering the Mini Cooper have already made up their minds about what they want. But if you aren’t dead-set on one, there are other small and sporty cars that are definitely worth a look. The Mazda3 offers similarly sporty handling, a more powerful base engine and a starting price that is around $3,000 less than the Cooper. Furthermore, some argue that its styling is even sportier than the Mini’s. Also worth a look is the Volkswagen Golf. It boasts a luxurious interior, an incredibly smooth ride and a more powerful base engine. To top it off, the Golf’s base price is around $1,000 less than the Cooper’s.

The 2010 Mini Cooper comes in three trims -- the base Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works edition. Since there isn't much new about the Cooper for 2010, savvy car buyers (who don’t insist on the 50th Birthday packages -- described in our Interior review) may want to consider buying an older model. You might be able to snag a deal.

• "The Mini Cooper offers agile handling and crisp performance and a distinctive bulldog appearance, the latter enhanced by a variety of trim and color options. We're traditionalists, so we prefer the hardtop over the convertible. Either way, the Mini provides the most fun per dollar of any car on the market with the possible exception of the Mazda MX-5." -- New Car Test Drive
• "The MINI Cooper provides the driving enthusiast with a combination of fun-to-drive performance, engineering and unconventional attitude." -- AOL Autos
• "At around $30,000, these Works Minis certainly aren't cheap, and their firm ride probably won't appeal to everyone. But that's not the point. They are adorable, well-built little cars with go-kart handling and superb fuel economy - and there's definitely a market for that." -- Automobile Magazine
• "A marvelous marriage of British character and German know-how, the…Mini Cooper is stylish, fun to drive and remarkably good on gas." -- Edmunds
• "Minis are reasonably priced, brim with character, and are available with a dizzying array of personalizing accessories." -- Consumer Guide

Cooper Performance - 8.4 (Very Good)

With some of the most powerful engine options in the class, the 2010 Mini Cooper is a favorite among reviewers for its performance and handling dynamics. Moreover, it offers one of the best fuel economies in the class and is considered a blast to drive. As Road and Track puts it, "It possesses the same basic go-kart-like handling character as the previous…Mini, but a notch sharper." Read More

Cooper Exterior - 8.4 (Very Good)

Reviewers are fond of the Mini Cooper’s unique and recognizable style, which is one of the car’s main draws. Drivers who want to be seen should consider the Mini. Left Lane News says, "This is still about the most flamboyant driving device you'll come across, so introverts need not apply." Read More

Cooper Interior - 6.6 (Mediocre)

Mini definitely didn’t skimp on quality materials for the 2010 Cooper. Although some controls can be a bit confusing, most reviewers find the design to be well executed and the cabin surprisingly spacious in the front seats. As Cars.com says, "Overall, the Cooper is roomier inside than the modest exterior dimensions imply." Read More

Cooper Safety - 9.1 (Excellent)

The Mini performs well in both federal government and insurance industry crash tests, but some drivers report issues with rear visibility. Read More

Cooper Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)

The 2010 Mini Cooper reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2010 Mini Cooper's new vehicle limited warranty is good for four years or 50,000 miles. Read More