Quotes from the Press

Rank: 1  MINI Cooper  The Mini wins by a long shot. Each of our design experts mentioned the Mini as one of the best-designed new vehicles available today. Tom Matano, co-director of the school of Industrial Design at Academy of Art University in San Francisco, said that the Mini has the all-important quality of staying power. “The design just resonates with the buyer and the overall public,” he said.  Brigid O’Kane, coordinator of the Transportation Design Track at the University of Cincinnati, added that the Mini has been so successful because it has a cult following, yet it’s not influenced by current trends, making it more than a passing fad. It’s clear that the public has been charmed by the combination of its retro shape and contemporary functionality, which includes peppy performance, great agility and road-holding and a parking-friendly size for city folk. Three years after its introduction, it’s still a must-have with people lining up at dealerships. Even used Minis are commanding a premium — the Mini topped our recent Top 10 Resale Value list.
ForbesAutos.com Top 10 Best Designed Vehicles April, 2006.

"To begin with, only a sports car could get away with as much style as this.  ... And, just like a sports car, the Mini's personality is determined by its power and weight.  This is a compact, lightweight package, and it darts into corners without hesitation, the signature of sports car performance. ... The Mini is a pleasure to own as well as a joy to drive, and it might be this sensible side of its personality that makes us love it so much."
Automobile All Star, Jan 2006.

"Arguably the most fun-to-drive, affordable car in the world today, true believers will find the Mini's plusses far outstrip the inherent shortcomings."
Motor Trend's Intellichoice, 2005

"After driving the 350Z and the Mustang back to back, you naturally wonder if you couldn't have agility and connectedness in one car. Enter BMW and the Mini Cooper S."  They go on to say "the Mini Cooper S isn't just good, it is one of the best driver's cars for sale.  It feels connected, responsive, and quick, something relatively few manage to combine, not to mention at this price."
Winding Road, July 2005.

"Completely utilitarian yet utterly stylish, the Mini Cooper S is the most personal expression you can buy for twenty-five grand, especially because its broad range of accessories ensures that no two cars are alike.  Meanwhile it drives like sports cars that are three times more expensive and turns every trip into an adventure."
Automobile, July 2005
Subsequently, in the Sept 2005 issue of Car and Driver, a comparison of the Acura RSX type S against the Chevy Cobalt SS Supercharger, Dodge SRT4 ACR, Saturn Ion Red Line and the Subaru Impreza WRX, the Acura came out on top--which by implication puts the Cooper S on the top of this heap, too!

"1st place: 2005 Mini Cooper S.  More juice and better gearing propel this year's super Cooper S to the front of this fun pack."
Motor Trend, Feb 2005 comparison of the Mazda3 5-door,  Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, Mini Cooper S, Scion tC and Ford Focus ZX4 ST.

"Despite flaws that emerged throughout the year, our passion for the Mini hadn't wavered after 12 months and 25,000 miles." 
Motor Trend, long term test of 2003 MCS

"It's an irresistible driver's car, with now-cliche go kart handling, comfy, nicely bolstered standard cloth seats, and interesting dash details. ...The Mini is the kind of car you can buy now and find fresh, fun and interesting long after the last payment has been made."
Motor Trend, 2004 comparison with Hummer H2.

"The beauty of the Cooper S is it's honesty. The car is no larger or more powerful than necessary to be an absolute blast to drive. ... With all the fun said and done, the Mini is our pick of this litter."
Motor Trend, Dec. 2002, comparison with VW New Beetle Turbo S and the Pontiac Vibe GT.