2002 Mini Cooper Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

Think of the born-again 2002 Mini Cooper as an affordable, luxurious go-kart for adults. Is this your dream car? Better get in line.

Pros

The thrill of owning a piece of history laden with modern-day comforts, low base price, rally-ready suspension and steering, availability of BMW's latest safety technology, hatchback utility, lots of standard features, scheduled maintenance on-the-house for 3 years/36,000 miles.

Cons

Questionable interior ergonomics, limited first-year supply.

What's New for 2002

BMW subsidiary, Mini, resurrects an unforgettable old favorite with the release of the 2002 Mini Cooper. Available with either a 115-horsepower four-cylinder or a supercharged version of that engine worthy of 163 hp, the pint-sized but glamorous three-door hatchback features BMW-engineered suspension and steering and a base MSRP under 17 grand. Whether you're a 40-something hoping to relive earlier days, an autocross enthusiast or just the mild-mannered next-door neighbor, we expect that you'll run to the nearest BMW dealership in search of this coveted bundle of joy.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Very upset!!

Written by: ghost on 09/30/2008

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	2	Fun-to-Drive:	7	Build Quality:	2
Comfort:	5	Interior Design:	6	Reliability:	1
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	7

Vehicle

2002 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I purchased my 2002 Mini last Aug. 2007. I have driven it less than 3 thousand miles..if even that much. I was told today that something called the Final Drive needed to be replaced and the Transmission was messed up. Being that our economy is so great and I can't get a job- I couldn't afford the thousands it cost to fix it.. and lost over thousands in letting it go for pennies. I am saddened beyond belief that a car that I thought was so incredible, after all, a BMW etc., turned out to be the biggest lemon that I have ever purchased. OK.. I loved that car for the whole time I had it.. and now.. feel so very let down!

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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Kudos to this car, so far

Written by: Jim from Indy on 06/09/2008


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	10

This car handles almost as well as my 1991 Dodge Stealth. Plenty of leg room for 6'2 and above. Just bought it a week ago but no complaints as of yet. Keeping fingers crossed.

Handling, and fuel economy. Head and leg room.

Fog lamps should be more stable as they vibrate with the more than unstable rubber bushings on the end of the screw bases.

"uncle"

Written by: cheryl, on 05/26/2008


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	2
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	2
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	10

This car is so much fun to drive, rivaling other imports I've had. It has plenty of power to render confidence in passing and on ramp approach, corners on a dime, and has awesome gas milage without performance trade-off. However, I've experienced way too many costly repairs ie. engine wire harness, intake valve module, cooling fan module, power steering pump etc. It's time to cut my losses. Regretable, I scream uncle.

I live on a hill in New England. The traction control makes it a great winter car.

Quality. This could be a great eco friendly car.

Clutch and Transmission Failure

Written by: Fun in Del Mar on 04/03/2008


Performance:	4	Fun-to-Drive:	7	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	4	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	4
Fuel Economy:	4	Exterior Design:	10

I have had a lot of trouble initially with the computer system of the car, but the worst is that I had to have the clutch replaced at 75,000. miles and now I need a new transmission at 83,000. miles. Dealer tells me it's my driving - but I have been driving Beemer stick-shifts my whole life - I never had to have either one of those parts replaced until I got to 175,000. miles. Furthermore, all maintenance the car needs is very expensive - which may have to do with individual dealerships. Nor am I happy about the acceleration of the car. It certainly does not compare to any of the 3- series of the BMW's - but then again it's also cheaper.

Design inside and out

More pep, better cupholders

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

Mighty

Written by: T Ritchison on 02/08/2008


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	10

2002 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)

My Mini S, makes me smile. It's everything I ever wanted in a small car. Lots of fun to drive. The 6 speed is awesome. The engine is very reponsive. I've taken many long trips. The hum of the engine & exhaust at 60- 80 MPH, is music. Never had so much fun. I'm a backpacker. The room in the back is perfect for wine, hiking poles, cooler, 1 large suitcase and 2 back packs. My only dislike; the run flat tires. Expensive to replace and are good for about 25-27 G's. But I can live with that! I believe, its the best reproduction ever. My Mini & Me. My license plate is MIGHTY. Its that and then some. Wow!

Style, comfort, the dash board and CD. Awesome sound. I love the tu-tone paint. The six speed transmission is tight. The Mini brings lots of smiles to children and adults alike. I think when people see it, it makes them have a happier day. I know it does me.

Better cup holder's, solid colors, with large GT stripes down the middle (complete wrap). Rear intense red light for driving in fog or severe weather. (European)

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

2002 MINI Cooper Consumer Ratings & Reviews

2002 MINI Cooper Review