2007-2008 Mini Cooper: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Fuel economy
- Acceleration (Cooper S with manual transmission)
- Handling
Cons
- Control layout
- Rear-seat comfort (except Clubman)
- Ride
- Noise
- Cargo room (convertibles)
Vehicle Highlights
Sporty performance has been the byword for the modern-day Minis, since they debuted as 2002 models. Mini Cooper hatchbacks were redesigned for 2007, gaining slightly more power and marginally larger dimensions. Convertibles continued for 2007 using the 2002-2006 generation design. All Minis had four-cylinder engines. Base hatchbacks had 118 horsepower; performance-oriented S hatchbacks were turbocharged, developing 172 hp. Convertible ratings were slightly lower: 115 hp for the base model and a supercharged 168-hp engine for the S model. A six-speed manual transmission was standard on all but the base convertible, which had a five-speed manual. New for 2007 was a six-speed automatic, which replaced a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) as an option on all but the base convertible. Antilock braking was standard, and an antiskid system was optional. S models had a functional hood scoop and a sport suspension. Hatchbacks contained front side airbags and curtain side airbags. Convertibles had front side airbags that provided head and torso protection. They also had a power fabric top with a heated glass rear window, plus standard rear obstacle detection and a "sunroof" mode that opened the top only above the front seats. Newly optional for convertibles was a Sidewalk package that included unique alloy wheels plus upgraded interior and exterior trim. A wireless cell phone link was a hatchback-exclusive option. BMW owns Mini, and Coopers were sold at most major-market BMW dealerships. Minis were in a class by themselves, but possible rivals might include such disparate models as the Scion tC and Volkswagen New Beetle, or even the Ford Mustang.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Cooper S hatchback w/manual Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 9 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 53 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 2007-2008 Mini Cooper includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2007-2008 Mini Cooper and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2007-2008 Mini Cooper is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Minis may look like economy cars, but these Recommended picks are actually sporty driving machines. Base models have no surplus of power, but S versions are quick, and all handle with the agility of a sports car. Ride comfort is a sore point-almost literally. So is rear-seat room, except in the Clubman. In convertibles, add awful top-up visibility and limited cargo space. Demerits aside, Minis are reasonably priced when new (less so secondhand), brim with character, and have been available with a dizzying array of personalizing accessories. Quality issues have surfaced with recent models, which weren't so evident when the Mini first debuted.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Cooper S hatchback w/manual Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 9 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 53 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $660 |
| Alternator | $590 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,870 |
| Brakes | $570 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $770 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,260 |
| Exhaust System | $480 |
| Radiator | $770 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,010 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $580 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2008 | |||
| Cooper S conv. | $28,000-30,000 | $26,000-27,900 | $19,000-20,400 |
| Cooper S coupe | $24,000-27,500 | $22,300-25,600 | $15,600-17,900 |
| Cooper conv. | $24,500-26,500 | $22,800-24,600 | $15,900-17,200 |
| Cooper coupe | $20,500-22,500 | $18,900-20,700 | $13,300-14,600 |
| 2007 | |||
| Cooper S conv. | $25,500-27,000 | $23,700-25,100 | $16,800-17,800 |
| Cooper S coupe | $22,500-24,000 | $20,700-22,100 | $14,600-15,600 |
| Cooper conv. | $22,200-24,000 | $20,400-22,100 | $14,400-15,600 |
| Cooper coupe | $19,000-20,500 | $17,500-18,900 | $12,400-13,300 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 2-door hatchback | 3-door coupe (Clubman) |
| Wheelbase, in. | 97.1 | 97.1 | 100.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 143.1 | 145.6 | 155.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.5 | 66.3 | 66.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.7 | 55.4 | 56.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2700 | 2546 | 2723 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 4.2 | 24.0 | 32.8 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.2 | 10.6 | 13.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.4 | 38.8 | 39.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 | 41.4 | 41.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.1 | 37.6 | 37.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 27.7 | 29.9 | 39.0 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I41 | 1.6 / 98 | 115 | 110 | 5-speed manual: 27/35 CVT automatic: 26/33 |
5-speed manual: 27.6 CVT automatic: -- |
| dohc I41 | 1.6 / 98 | 118 | 114 | 6-speed manual: 32/40 6-speed automatic: 30/37 |
6-speed manual: -- 6-speed automatic: -- |
| Turbocharged dohc I41 | 1.6 / 98 | 172 | 177 | 6-speed manual: 29/36 6-speed automatic: 27/34 |
6-speed manual: -- 6-speed automatic: -- |
| Supercharged dohc I41 | 1.6 / 98 | 168 | 162 | 6-speed manual: 25/32 6-speed automatic: 23/32 |
6-speed manual: -- 6-speed automatic: -- |
|
1. EPA Note: Figures shown are for 2008 models. The Environmental Protection Agency changed its procedure for 2008 to yield more realistic estimates. Therefore, estimated mileage is lower than for prior years. Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2008 Mini Cooper |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
NHTSA Recall History
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