2003 Mini Cooper Recommendations

This 2-dr hatchback conjures the spirit of Britain's iconic 1959-2000 Mini, but is chiefly a BMW design built at the German company's plant in England. Positioned as a sporty coupe rather than an economy subcompact, the front-wheel-drive, 4-seat Mini is among the smallest cars sold in the U.S. The base model offers a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with a manual mode providing six "gear" ratios. A 6-speed manual is mandatory on the S. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. So are front torso side airbags and front and rear head-protecting side airbags. The S gets a functional hood scoop and sport suspension with 16-inch run-flat tires vs. 15s. Optional Sport packages include an antiskid system and increase wheel size to 17 inches on the S, 16 on the base Cooper. Xenon headlamps, navigation system, rear-obstacle warning, leather upholstery, and heated seats are optional.