2004 Mini Cooper: Road Test
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2004 Mini Cooper ▼
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- MSRP: $16,449 -$19,899
- Invoice: $14,887 -$17,992
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Our road test for the 2004 Mini Cooper includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Mini Cooper from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Mini Cooper, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Mini Cooper help you decide if a 2004 Mini Cooper is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base, man. | Base w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., man. | S w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 6 | 6.1 |
No CVT version made available for test so far, but Mini says they're only slightly slower than manual-transmission models. Base Cooper is peppy enough around town with manual--9.1 sec 0-60 mph in our test--but it feels taxed during high-speed passing. Cooper S has no such shortfall and feels quite lively at 7.6 sec 0-60 in our test.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base, man. | Base w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., man. | S w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 5.6 |
Test manual-transmission base Cooper averaged 24.5 mpg. Test S averaged 24.7-25.9 in mixed city/highway travel, but 20.9 with gas-eating performance tests. Mini recommends premium-grade fuel for both engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base, man. | Base w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., man. | S w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 3.6 |
Choppy travel over all but glass-smooth surfaces. Base Cooper's 15-inch tires soak up bumps reasonably well. But ride suffers with Sport Package's 16-inch run-flats. Those 16s are standard on S model, where an even stiffer suspension feels harsher still. Add the S's optional 17-inch run-flats and bumps are jolting intrusions. On the upside, Minis are undisturbed by high-speed dips and rises.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base, man. | Base w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., man. | S w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 8 |
Minis turn on a dime, with outstanding steering response and feel. Reflexes sharpen with base model's 16-inch Sport Package. S takes handling to an even higher level. Still, stiff suspension and tires can compromise adhesion in bumpy turns. When passing trucks or battling crosswinds, Minis exhibit roadholding stability of larger, heavier cars. Stopping power, brake-pedal feel first-rate, though sudden high-speed braking induced momentary right-rear wheel lock in one test car.
QUIETNESS
| Base, man. | Base w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., man. | S w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.1 |
Engines lack BMW turbinelike smoothness, but aren't coarse even at high rpm. Both the 16- and 17-inch tires roar as speed rises. And hatchback design combined with many hard plastic interior surfaces means Mini does a poor job of muffling ambient noise.
CONTROLS
| Base, man. | Base w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., man. | S w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.1 |
Large speedometer mounted in center of dashboard pays homage to original Mini, but driver must divert eyes from the road to read it, along with incorporated fuel gauge and warning indicators. Tachometer is atop steering column, where steering-wheel rim blocks its upper portion. Navigation system was unavailable for testing, but its screen goes in the central dashboard, moving speedometer to steering column. Power windows, locks, fog lamps governed by nostalgic toggle switches mounted too low on dashboard. Audio and climate controls within easier reach, but suffer small markings, poor night lighting. Cabin blends retro cues, solid workmanship. But many plastic surfaces ring hollow and feel hard to the touch.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base, man. | Base w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., man. | S w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
Generous seat travel, high ceiling accommodate large occupants. Seats firm, supportive, but too low for best entry/exit. Large sunroof extends partly over rear seat and slides outside roof to benefit head room, but tinted glass and perforated blind don't protect well against hot sun. Inside rearview mirror slightly undersized, but airy greenhouse means great outward visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base, man. | Base w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., man. | S w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 1.2 |
Sufficient head room and seat width for adults, though seat is not contoured or padded for much comfort. Knee space OK only if front seats set more than halfway forward. Shoebox-sized footwells restrict movement and thus comfort, and they become unusable if the front cushions aren't tilted high enough to clear toes.
CARGO ROOM
| Base, man. | Base w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., man. | S w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 2.8 |
Tight with rear seatback up. Seatback folds 50/50, but sections rest several inches above load floor. Large door map pockets, but cockpit storage otherwise tight, with no center console and front cupholders limited to 12-ounce cans.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base, man. | Base w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., man. | S w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 6.2 |
Don't look at the Mini as a subcompact "economy" car because it's really a sports coupe rendered in the smallest possible scale. The base model has no surplus of power, and any Mini's driving dynamics will be compromised by a ride that too easily becomes harsh on imperfect pavement. But this machine brims with character and is available with a dizzying array of personalizing accessories. Retail prices are attractive for the level of equipment, though some dealers may tack on steep markups.
Total Score
| Base, man. | Base w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., man. | S w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52 | 50 | 52 | 47.6 |
Total Score: 51
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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