2009 Mini Cooper Photos And Reviews
2009 Mini Coper
This is the reviewsThe 2009 MINI Cooper ranks 16 out of 35 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 43 published reviews and test drives of the MINI Cooper, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Cooper has loads of unconventional style and a fun-to-drive personality, but its fashionable cabin is not very functional.
After a year hiatus, the 2009 MINI Cooper has come back with the combination of classic and contemporary that won over reviewers in 2007. Like its name suggests, the MINI is one of the tiniest options in the affordable small car class. But the car's name also hits on other aspects of its personality, like its nimble road manners, its outstanding fuel efficiency, and even its rear seats that seem to be designed to keep chiropractors in business.
If you like the MINI but want more passenger room, the Clubman might suit you better. The Clubman has 9.2 cubic feet of available cargo space with rear seats up, and an impressive 32.8 cubic feet of space with rear seats folded down. The 2009 Honda Fit also has plenty of personality -- and 57.3 cubic feet allotted for cargo.
BMW did not release a 2008 model of the Cooper, and the model's limited supply along with the cost of fuel resulted in the model selling out in 2008. The 2009 MINI Cooper hatchback carries over relatively unchanged from the previous model, but the Cooper convertible receives slight modifications, including a larger glass rear window and more color options. Both the hatchback and convertible have base trims and sportier S models.
"The Mini Cooper is a phenomenal car, which is to say a phenomenon. When you consider its solid feel, cult status and high demand, Mini could price it higher than it does." -- Cars.com
"It has a strong surprise and delight factor. Throw in high levels of build quality, cachet, personality and excellent performance, and it's easy to see why the Mini has captivated so many." -- Motor Trend
"The 2009 Mini Cooper is the automotive equivalent of a boundlessly energetic Jack Russell terrier. Sure, it makes a lot of road noise. Sure, it plays a little rough sometimes. And, well, it's little. But when that pooch is bounding toward you, yipping gaily, lips peeled back in an apparent smile, you can't help but smile back. That's the Mini in a nutshell -- it's not the most refined pup in the litter, but its exuberant personality is bound to win you over." -- Edmunds
"Hallmarks of the two-door four-seat hatchback's design include sporty handling, distinctive styling and more interior space than its small exterior dimensions might imply." -- Kelley Blue Book
"All in all, a consumer would be hard pressed to find a better combination of positive attributes than are present in the 2009 Mini Cooper." -- Associated Content
"Ninety-five percent of Mini buyers dig the Cooper just the way it is. And why not? Spec out a Cooper S model, and you'll have plenty of scoot under your right foot, a robust and sporty chassis, and a rather economical car to drive to work everyday." -- Popular Mechanics
Cooper Performance - 8.3 (Very Good)
Driving the MINI Cooper is fun, thanks to a recently beefed-up engine and more agile suspension and steering systems. Consumer Guide writes, "Minis may look like economy cars, but these 2008 Recommended picks are actually sporty driving machines." According to Kelley Blue Book, the MINI's "light, easy-to-use clutch, responsive steering and quick-shifting transmission make commuting in the 2009 MINI a blast." continue
Cooper Exterior - 8.4 (Very Good)
The 2009 MINI is best known for its Euro-chic styling, and reviewers still consider its bodylines as one of the most distinctive designs in its class. According to Car and Driver, the MINI is "Cute to the bone, cute." The first leaked photos of the 2009 MINI Convertible still show a style very similar to the hatch, but should have a larger glass rear window to improve visibility. continue
Cooper Interior - 6.6 (Mediocre)
Many writers approve of the MINI Cooper's expandable cargo area and cabin materials. But there are equally negative remarks concerning the shrunken space for sitting in the back and the hard-to-use controls. According to Edmunds, "The 2009 Mini Cooper's interior layout is as head-scratching as the exterior is endearing. The pie-plate-sized, center-mounted speedometer is kitschy (think Flavor Flav's clock necklace) and largely useless. The climate controls aren't finger-friendly, even after familiarization." continue
Cooper Safety - 8.4 (Very Good)
The MINI Cooper does well in federal government and insurance industry crash tests, but not as well as its bloated list of safety equipment would indicate. continue
Cooper Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2009 MINI Cooper reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2009 MINI Cooper's new vehicle limited warranty is good for four years or 50,000 miles. Full maintenance is provided for the first three years or 36,000 miles. continue
Review Last Updated: 4/13/09
