• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability

Mini Cooper - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Mini Cooper ranks 9 out of 36 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 2010 MINI Cooper is a favorite in the automotive press for its unique looks and excellent performance capabilities. Nonetheless, its price can be a hurdle for many consumers, especially considering that its rear seat isn’t really comfortable for any passenger other than a suitcase.

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. Reviewers were even surprised that despite the car’s small size, it’s surprisingly spacious -- at least in the front seats.

Still, despite its tremendous performance and distinctive styling, it does have a few drawbacks. With a base price of around $18,500, it’s one of the most expensive cars in the class. It also 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 in an emergency. Finally, its cargo capacity is rather limited (5.7 cubic feet) if you do have to carry four people.

Most consumers interested in the MINI have already made up their minds about what they want, but if you aren’t dead-set on a Cooper, there are other options 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, its styling is 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. Little has changed about the Cooper for 2010, savvy car buyers (who don’t want the 50th Birthday packages which are outlined later in the review) should consider buying older model years. You might be able to snag a discount

• "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 - 8.4 (Very Good)

The MINI does well in federal government and insurance industry crash tests, but some reviewers report issues with rear visibility. Read More

Cooper Reliability - NA

The 2010 MINI Cooper's new vehicle limited warranty is good for four years or 50,000 miles. Read More