Best economy car, hatchback 2011 Honda Fit *Est. $15100
Best economy car, sedan 2011 Hyundai Elantra *Est. $14830
Best sporty compact car 2011 Volkswagen GTI *Est. $23695
Best nonhybrid fuel economy 2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI *Est. $23225
Best cheap compact car 2011 Nissan Versa *Est. $9990

See All Economy Cars

2008 Mini Cooper

(*est. $18,050 to $25,450)

Pros

Unique appearance
Enjoyable to drive
Many standard safety features
Excellent fuel efficiency
Convertible version available

Cons

Pricier than comparable hatchbacks
Uncomfortable back seat
Choppy ride on uneven surfaces and at highway speeds
Redesign complicated use of some controls

Our Analysis

The 2008 Mini Cooper is the subject of many credible reviews, thanks in part to a recent restyle and the 2008 debut of the extended Cooper Clubman model. Motor Trend magazine's exhaustive testing and careful analysis result in an excellent review. Consumer Reports magazine also publishes the results of comprehensive road evaluations. The Cooper is a 2008 editors' pick at ConsumerGuide.com, Kelley Blue Book and Cars.com; all offer helpful expert reviews. Car and Driver magazine reports on the performance of the Mini Cooper S in head-to-head testing. Reviewers at ForbesAutos.com name the 2008 Cooper S one of their up-and-coming "small luxury cars", while Autoblog.com offers a meticulous overview of the new-for-2008 Mini Cooper Clubman.

The 2008 Mini Cooper, available as a two-door convertible or a hardtop coupe, comes in base or turbo-charged S trims. A new addition to the 2008 lineup is the Mini Cooper Clubman (*est. $19,950 and up), which modifies the design of the classic Cooper hardtop to add nearly 10 inches in overall length, an additional curbside passenger door and two outward-opening cargo doors instead of the rear liftgate. Although reviews for the Cooper Clubman are scant at this time, its convertible and hardtop siblings are well-regarded by most sources. Unless you must have a convertible or are simply charmed by the Mini Cooper, the Honda Fit (*est. $13,950 to $16,070) is the top-rated subcompact hatchback at a lower price.

Where To Buy

Get Free Price Quotes for
2008 Mini Cooper

Bid on
2008 Mini Cooper

Our Sources

1. Motor Trend Details/Subscribe

The redesigned 2008 Mini Cooper fails to make the final round of testing for Car of the Year even though the judges like most of the changes, particularly those that impact the driving dynamics.

Review: 2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year: The Contenders, Editors at Motor Trend

2. ConsumerGuide.com

After ConsumerGuide.com's road testing, the 2008 Mini Cooper wins a "Recommended" label. Its steering, handling and fuel economy are cited as strengths, but editors note that the ride is rough and that the interior volume is lacking.

Review: 2008 Mini Cooper, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Aug. 22, 2008

3. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Consumer Reports offers comparative data on virtually every economy car on the market, including the Mini Cooper, with an interactive function that lets subscribers select models to compare side-by-side in a table format.

Review: 2008 Mini Cooper, Editors of Consumer Reports

4. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

Low price and high excitement were the qualifications for this five-car roundup at Car and Driver. Reviewers say the Mini Cooper S is eager enough but loses its composure when pushed to its limits.

Review: Power Toys, Patrick Bedard, May 2007

5. Cars.com

Safety, practicality, comfort and performance are among the considerations for Cars.com's annual compilation of Best Bets. The 2008 Mini Cooper makes this list, which has links to reviews, consumer reviews and a side-by-side comparison tool.

Review: New Best Bets, Editors of Cars.com

6. Kelley Blue Book

Editors include the 2008 Mini Cooper among five recommended compact cars starting over $15,000. They praise the Mini Cooper's high style and performance but note that comfort is not its strong suit.

Review: Recommended Shopping Lists: Compact Cars, Editors of KBB.com

7. ForbesAutos.com

This brief list of up-and-coming "small luxury cars" includes links to reviews and slide shows. The Mini Cooper S is described as exciting to drive.

Review: Hatchback Comeback, Phil Patton

2011 Ford Fiesta Base MSRP: $13,320 to $17,120

8 picks including: Car and Driver, Cars.com…

2011 Volkswagen Golf Base MSRP: $17,995 to $19,755

8 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…

2011 Honda Civic Base MSRP: $15,605 to $25,490

5 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…

2011 Mini Cooper Base MSRP: $19,400 to $31,300

5 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…