MSRP: $18,050 - $25,400
Invoice: $16,327 - $22,942
MPG: 32 City / 40 Hwy
Get local dealer price quotes:

U.S.News Scores

Overall:8.2
Performance:8.4
Exterior:8.0
Interior:6.5
Safety:8.4
Reliability:NA
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • Zippy handling
  • Unique, retro style
  • Good fuel economy for a sporty car
  • Very little cargo and rear seat room
  • Complicated cockpit controls
  • Options can quickly raise sticker price

Prices

Shop around for the best deal by getting price quotes from local dealers.

MINI Cooper

Overall Score - 8.2 (Very Good)

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 other small cars.

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.

Reviewers raise concerns about the cost of the MINI, especially with options, and the MINI is one of the most expensive cars available in both our small car and hatchback rankings, where the car places mid-pack. But the MINI maintains an outstanding resale value, and offers good fuel efficiency. BMW did not release a 2008 model of the Cooper, but did offer a 2008 Cooper Convertible and Clubman models. However, the current price of fuel has inspired interest in the compact car, and all MINI models are now sold out. If you're interested in a MINI, you'll have to wait for one of the upcoming models.

Cooper Performance - 8.4 (Very Good)

Reviewers like the 2007 MINI Cooper's fun driving experience and updated 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. Read More

Cooper Exterior - 8.0 (Very 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." Read More

Cooper Interior - 6.5 (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. Still, reviewers say the MINI makes the most of a small space.  Read More

Cooper Safety - 8.4 (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. Read More

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. Read More

Review Last Updated: 7/30/08