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2002 MINI Cooper consumer reviews

$16,300 starting MSRP
side view of 2002 Cooper MINI
(10 reviews)
90% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.6
  • Performance 4.4
  • Value 4.4
  • Exterior 4.8
  • Reliability 4.1
Explore the 2002 MINI Cooper

Most reliable and fun car I've owned!

I hate to part with her, but it is time. A fun ride that a first-time driver would really enjoy! Handles great, decent gas mileage, fun with the windows down and the sunroof wide open!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Expensive to fix. Thrill to drive.

Mini coopers are notoriously fun for their incredible handling. If they were more reliable, I would buy another one immediately. The first new mini (In the U.S. *2002 ) got an average of 29.4 MPG. It's an everyday comfortable and fun car to drive; not overly luxurious, not too basic, nor too sporty but just perfect.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Great Car

35$ fills up the gas tank, people always stare at this car and it drives amazing, it's like a hybrid but with power, anytime i pass another driver in my Mini they wave most of the time, i love this car.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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sold on the minis

Best downsize for the money. Reliability of the BMW and size and gas mileage of a VW Highly recommend for those who want dependability combined with fun.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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cant wait to get rid of it!

Have had to replace the AC system twice in 60,000 miles. Lots of electrical issues. Only good thing I can say is the fuel economy is great...when it runs. Always worrying I will end up stranded...I have been trapped in the vehicle 3 times due to AC and electrical failures. In 110 degrees interior heat from Florida weather I had to pull over and to get out of the car after shutting it off for ten minutes which allowed the electrical to reset...MINI service sucks just as much. They know they have the market on repairs and could care less about getting to your car anytime soon. They told me this year cant run the AC and struggles under HP when you do. Have to shut it off when stopped...and still cant explain the electrical defects in hot weather.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 2.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does not recommend this car
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Not Japan Quality but fun to drive

We have owned a 2002 for the last three years with less than 60,000 miles. Besides the basic tires etc. the car needed a seat repaired because of poor design and of course the price was very high, nearly $900. Front bearings are going out to the tune of $350 per side. These things dont happen on a Toyota or Honda let alone a GM car now days. The car is great fun to drive and being a cult car gives one a good feeling being a part of the community. Expect to pay for the lessor quality of the product vs. say a Toyota or Honda. Sad considering it is built by BMW. Now days one expects nearly years of flawless performance from a car. Nice start but needs further refinement.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Great Car

Awsome to drive! Fun and sport! Very responsive and furl efficient! Its a pleasure to drive, in the city as well as on the highway! A real head turner! Awsome fit for todays high fuel prices!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Fun car

I appreciate this car's abilities and performance. When I bought this car it had a problem with the exhaust pipe, evidently a manufacture's flaw. I replace it and have had very little problems. I did have a factory recall though on the electrical for the air bags.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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I love my MINI!

I am thrilled with my MINI! I have had it since 2002 with no major problems and excellent gas mileage. The MINI is a blast to drive, is very agile, responsive and quick. I elected for the automatic transmission, which also comes with a clutchless shifting option, should you wish to mix things up. The interior is deceptively roomy and I have been able to seat 6' 3" men comfortably. I also have transported bikes, ladders and furniture in this car. If you are looking for something fun, affordable, and easy to drive, look no further.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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All the fun AND efficiency

Bought this MINI brand new in '02 and have never looked back. The BMW full-service was fully responsive for the two minor malfunctions (seat handle, dead battery) I've experienced. It's very roomy for the front seat passengers, very comfortable, though stiff and bouncy for long drives, and an absolute thrill on a twisty road or a race track. Good mileage, a dream to park. Wish the Cooper didn't burn premium, but it's a small price. The car is simple, ingenious, well thought out and reliable. Oh yeah - it's a ball to drive and a head-turner, too.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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