2008 MINI Cooper Consumer Reviews

Unfair Advantage

Written by: Jerry on 06/29/2008

Vehicle

2008 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)

Review

This car definitely presents an unfair advantage over all other cars. Having owned a used car dealership and driving dozens of different car over the years, the Mini Cooper takes them all by storm. Hands down, it is by far the best car. Excellent mileage, get- up-and-go, cornering, comfort, reliability, and just down right fun! Total strangers walk up to you and start a conversation about it. It stands out from the other faceless shadows in the parking lot. It truely is BMW's "Ultimate Driving Machine" and "Driving Excitement". (Sorry Pontiac, you lose).

Favorite Features

Go cart handling, fuel mileage. Cold weather package, attention from other motorists.

Suggested Improvements

Move the switches up a little to make room for the beverage holder. Speedometer could be more acurate. Should come with temp and oil gauge. This car should also come with a medical insurance plan because your jaw get extremely sore from smiling so much when your driving it!

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Fun Car!

Written by: Laurie on 06/17/2008

Vehicle

2008 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)

Review

I was looking for a smaller car with better gas mileage than my SUV. I considered the Prius but didn't like the design or the high price tag. The Mini has it all - economical, fun, great gas mileage, excellent and unique styling! The car is a blast to drive and much roomier than it looks from the outside. Add the roof rack for additional storage and you're good to go!

Favorite Features

Unique styling, great color options, nostalgic design, fun to drive, easy to maneuver, great gas mileage

Suggested Improvements

Improve the quality of some of the interior materials, door storage could be deeper and hold more

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Excellent Engineering

Written by: JT on 06/15/2008

Vehicle

2008 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)

Review

Been driving about a month now in by base mini hardtop. Great car! Fun to drive. Sticks to the road. 42 mpg highway! Great engineering. Tons of room for pilot and passenger. Every feature thought through. The engine will stay on to ensure the car cools down, even if you shut it off. Hold the unlock button down on the remote and the windows go down and sunroof resets to vent. Standard sport button resets steering and gear ratio for more feel of the road. Very impressed. What other 40+ mpg car inspires you to get in every day?

Favorite Features

Interior space. Ipod and bluetooth phone operation. Mood lighting grows on you. Hidden compartment in the dash. Standard seats are perfect blend of comfort and performance. Driver visibility is excellent.

Suggested Improvements

Tinted windows should be standard. There are 2 outlets (1 in front, 1 in back). Would love to see a second in the front.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Fun!

Written by: EC on 06/06/2008

Vehicle

2008 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

The Mini Cooper S was the last in a long line of cars we looked over. From Honda, Mercedes, Infiniti, GM, Toyota, Smart, we looked over and drove various models for 6 months before deciding. The Mini Cooper S was hands down the most fun to drive. The acceleration, handling, and manual / automatic transmission features were the most notable. The Mini makes the simplest driving trips more interesting and exhiliarating with the feel of the road evident in every drive. My wife and I both enjoy driving the car and look forward to taking a vacation during the summer to several destinations in the US.

Favorite Features

The acceleration, manual feature of the automatic transmission, gas mileage, leather seats, large different speedometer and tachometer, exterior looks, and fun feeling while driving - hard not to smile.

Suggested Improvements

Lower pricing, cooler runing engine, engine which can burn regular gasoline, more back seat leg room, option to deflect more heat from sunroof, more fun (if possible !)

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Only the best

Written by: lilmacarony on 06/04/2008

Vehicle

2008 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)

Review

This is my second MINI. I will tell you that these are the safest little cars you can get. I was hit on winding road and rolled, and I came out without a scratch; and the car looked like it just got rear-ended. I love the go-kart handling, the looks, the tight spaces I can get into! I rode in a 2008 M3 and I noticed everything was very similar to the MINI. Everyone knows that BMW's are "The Ultimate Driving Machine," but the MINI is the "Ultimate Fun Machine," no ifs and or buts. I have the Sport package, Convenience package, bonnet stripes, auto tranny ( with paddle shifters as standard) and leather.

Favorite Features

Engine sound, go-kartyness, great heater, brakes, safe, great sound system, auto tranny and just about everything on my MINI

Suggested Improvements

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Sports car disguised as econo-car

Written by: rob_gendreau on 05/30/2008

Vehicle

2008 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)

Review

The MINI has been described as a go-kart with functionality, and that's not far wrong. The car is a blast to drive, but works as a comfortable, affordable economic daily driver. The gas mileage is awesome: I get about 35 MPG in mixed freeway/surface driving. The standard Cooper has more than enough performance pizzazz to delight anyone who likes driving, and it's even a decent autocrosser for those who are more ambitious. A great way to have fun and not go broke in the era of $4 gas.

Favorite Features

The sport button: it tightens up the steering and throttle response and makes the car a mad performer on twisting roads.

Suggested Improvements

More DC outlets, and more dealerships to service the car under the 3 year free service contract.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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amazing commute!

Written by: emily on 04/28/2008

Vehicle

2008 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)

Review

I elected to build my mini from scratch, and it was a really fun experience. Mini Marketing kept me in the loop with what was going on with my car and supplied me with fun little mini accessories along the way. I live in the city, and commute ~20 miles to work. On both fronts, this car is amazing... it puts a smile on my face when commuting (and not just because of the 39mpg), and makes me want to hug it when it inevitably fits in the most ridiculously small street parking spots. The car oozes character.

Favorite Features

heated seats, sunroof, secret compartment, cruise control, in-wheel audio adjustment, lane change mode for turn signals, power folding mirrors for extra tight parking spots, and most importantly... mini-sized proportions perfect for zippy parallel parking brilliance!

Suggested Improvements

console audio controls not so intuitive, wish premium gasoline wasn't a requirement.

75 out 76 people found this review helpful

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Race car

Written by: Beth on 04/22/2008

Vehicle

2008 MINI Cooper 2dr Convertible (1.6L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have only had my mini convertiable for a week and it is the best car I have ever owned in my life.. this was a 40th birtday present from my husband and he really knows how to get brownie points, when I drive this car I feel like every road is my racetrack, this car corner's on rails, it handles like a dream, it is so much fun to drive, I traded a small suv in for my mini, and i was thought i might feel a little intimated on the road, but it just moves through traffic like a dream.

Favorite Features

I love the auto top, and the heated seats.

Suggested Improvements

I love it just as it is.

11 out 19 people found this review helpful

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From no car to wow car!

Written by: Mini-E on 04/14/2008

Vehicle

2008 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)

Review

I sold my Ford Escape last June, and hadn't had a need for a car since my job is a mile from where I live (I know lucky!). But as time went on, my fiancee and I were growing weary of sharing here car. You know waiting to get picked up, waiting for me to get home so you can go out, etc. I made it as long as I could, and finally bought the car I wanted, the 2008 Mini Cooper! I ended up getting one off the floor of the dealership, I thought I needed an S, but for me this one was the right one. It doesn't seem as small as it looks when your in it, and that is key for me, coming from an SUV.

Favorite Features

Panoramic sunroof, navigation, heated seats.

Suggested Improvements

Make bluetooth standard with navigation.

14 out 17 people found this review helpful

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MINI - A better MGB

Written by: Carlover on 03/30/2008

Vehicle

2008 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)

Review

I have a British Racing Green basic MINI with the cold weather option. Nothing extra and I love this car. People who say it's under powered do not know how to drive a stick shift sports car properly. You must use the tach, rev the engine and you have to love to shift! Use it's power curve and it will never dsappopoint. I have a hard time keeping to the speed limit. My little car just wants to fly! It's very similar to my long-gone MG's, but better. It's faster, handles better, great mileage, little engine, big heart, I haven't had this much fun driving in years. No issues with reliablity. More room inside than my Pontiac and room for friends if needed. What more could you ask for? Love it!!

Favorite Features

Looks - so unlike everything else! It has character and presence. Love the interior, stick shift, handling, performance, road gripping is amazing, the faster I go the more solid it feels. Ride quality and road feel are excellent. Steering wheel very comfortable. My little hot rod sports car! Love it

Suggested Improvements

Little nits. Put the volume control by the radio. Let the rear windows roll down. Choice of different lighting for dash. It's 2008 - make the cigarrette lighter optional. Temp and oil pressure gauges as std equipment.

25 out 26 people found this review helpful

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