2003 MINI Cooper Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The MINI Cooper two-door hatchback was available in both Standard and S (supercharged) trim packages for 2003. Other than a few minor...
The MINI Cooper two-door hatchback was available in both Standard and S (supercharged) trim packages for 2003. Other than a few minor changes, such as a new interior color, new optional exterior graphics, some additions to the options packages, and an MP3 port on the CD player, the 2003 MINI was virtually the same as the previous year's model.
Power for the front-wheel-drive MINI was provided by a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine. For the Standard model, horsepower was rated at 115, while the supercharged engine in the S version pumped that up to 163 horsepower. The Standard version received a five-speed manual transmission, while the S version upped that a notch with a six-speed manual. A continuously variable automatic transmission (also known as a CVT) was optional in the Standard model.
Design-wise, the MINI retained many of the elements of its iconic ancestor, which first appeared in Great Britain in the late 1950s, although the new MINI gave those elements a decidedly modern twist. For instance, the new MINI's taillights, fender, and roofline all mimicked similar elements in the 1960s-era Minis, while interior components such as the center console, instrument panel, switches, and air vents all drew inspiration from the classic Minis.
The MINI Cooper was well-equipped with such standard features as air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, dual front and side airbags, a CD player, remote keyless entry, and anti-lock brakes. The S version received larger 16-inch tires (as opposed to 15-inch tires in the Standard model), as well as a hood scoop and a sport suspension. A sunroof, leather seats, navigation system, and traction control were among the options.
The MINI Cooper's BMW heritage appealed to many drivers, who felt they were getting a BMW-quality car at a cost that was considerably lower than that of a standard BMW model. Some drivers were put off by the MINI's small size, but most drivers found the vehicle to be fun to drive, nimble, reliable, economical, and comfortable, as well as a head-turner on the road.
What owners say
"Owners really enjoy the fun and zippy nature of the 2003 MINI Cooper, appreciating its quick handling and distinctive design. The interior is praised for its stylish and retro vibe, making it comfortable for passengers. However, some drivers expressed concerns about reliability issues, particularly with clutch and gearbox problems, and noted limited cargo space as a downside. Overall, this car is great for those looking for a sporty, fun ride."
36 miles/gallon - city or highway, handles well, look very cute in its red and white paint scheme, plenty of leg room for front passengers, can seat 4 adults somewhat comfortably, haven't had any major malfunctions. Car has 69,000 miles on it. Fantastic car for two passengers!
July 8, 2008My favorite car that I have owned! Performance: With the supercharger, I had no problems getting anywhere quick. The entire time I had it, I had a whole lot of fun zipping in and out. Handling was a dream, like a go cart with great suspension, and the drivetrain ran smoothly, like a well oiled engine. Build: This was extremely solid. I can not name a car that was better. I was scared at first, knowing it was so small. But after examining everything, I became very confident in my vehicle. Appearance: It turned heads everywhere! The pin stripes were a wonderful addition to the blue, and the white top fit well. Cost: Everything the right price except for the loan payments. Fun: Never had anything better!!
September 15, 2009I loved this car from day one. I accept that it is a very small car, so it never frustrated me. In fact, I was surprised at how much actually fits inside, and you will be, too. Keeping expectations in line is key. It is not an SUV. It's a great daily commuter, grocery-getter, fun-around-town sort of car. If you like twisty mountain pass drives in the summer, you will love it for that. F.U.N.
July 17, 2013What owners say
36 miles/gallon - city or highway, handles well, look very cute in its red and white paint scheme, plenty of leg room for front passengers, can seat 4 adults somewhat comfortably, haven't had any major malfunctions. Car has 69,000 miles on it. Fantastic car for two passengers!
July 8, 2008My favorite car that I have owned! Performance: With the supercharger, I had no problems getting anywhere quick. The entire time I had it, I had a whole lot of fun zipping in and out. Handling was a dream, like a go cart with great suspension, and the drivetrain ran smoothly, like a well oiled engine. Build: This was extremely solid. I can not name a car that was better. I was scared at first, knowing it was so small. But after examining everything, I became very confident in my vehicle. Appearance: It turned heads everywhere! The pin stripes were a wonderful addition to the blue, and the white top fit well. Cost: Everything the right price except for the loan payments. Fun: Never had anything better!!
September 15, 2009I loved this car from day one. I accept that it is a very small car, so it never frustrated me. In fact, I was surprised at how much actually fits inside, and you will be, too. Keeping expectations in line is key. It is not an SUV. It's a great daily commuter, grocery-getter, fun-around-town sort of car. If you like twisty mountain pass drives in the summer, you will love it for that. F.U.N.
July 17, 2013This is by far the most fun car I have ever driven. I have driven some SUPER performance cars but nothing feels quite the same as a MINI. Dont confuse the Cooper S with the base model Cooper, as the car is completely different. I set out to buy a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, or a WRX STI and as soon as I saw this MINI, I had to to test drive it. My intentions were to test drive it for fun, and continue on to buy an EVO or STI but within the first 2 to 3 minutes I was sold. I went back and bought the car on the spot. I have had some minor electrical problems with the door lock, and window motor on the passenger side but I believe it is a direct result of passengers slamming the light doors. I wish it had an arm rest...but I can certainly live without one. The handling on this car is fantastic, it turns like a go-kart, there is VERY minimal body roll, and you would have a very tough time TRYING to lose control of this car. I drive it in the upstate NY winters where the snow on the road is often higher than the front bumper, black ice is present, slush, hard pack, etc. I bought a winter wheel set for the car which is shown in one of the pictures(black), and this car is fantastic in the winter. When the weather is terrible and everyone on the road is driving slow, i'm actually passing cars. I think every car enthusiast thats driven in the winter has purposely slid around in parking lots or wherever the mood strikes, and I slide it around on purpose all the time and I constantly maintain control. The sound system is amazing and the bass is phenomenal. The sound of the stock exhaust is really nice and sporty, and the sound of the supercharger is even sportier. The power of the car is very nice. It does have a small engine, and these cars arent as light as they look so it does take a second to a second and a half to get it into the power and then when the supercharger kicks in... its indescribably fun in this little car. The interior is comfortable, beautiful, and highly slylish, but there are many points where the plastic rattles. There is MUCH more room than you would ever imagine by looking at the outside, and by folding down the rear seats, you create a huge trunk. I dont even need to mention gas mileage. Overall...this is a great car for the money, and if FUN is important to you while you drive...then buy a MINI S.
January 17, 2009For the price, the mini cooper S is a steal. The stock suspension feels wonderful, and the brakes are really excellent (I would know >.<). It's a compact car, but you can fit 3 very, very large people in it with a little effort. Because it's made for auto cross, the 2nd gear is suuuppper long. You can go from 20mph to 70mph before you have to change gears if you're willing to push it to 6 or 7000rpms. The acceleration is great, but you get super charger lag until about 3500rpms. The interior is kind of like a space ship.. the speedometer is HUGE, and the tachometer is where the speedo normally is, but honestly I find that more useful. The tacky silver-colored plastic trim is a nuisance, and the steering wheel is kind of chunky, but you can control the radio with switches on the back of the wheel, and that's pretty awesome. My biggest complaint is the cupholders. For some reason, the designers thought it would be cute to have two little black hoops on either side of the switches above the cupholders, so any drink larger than, say, 6 inches can't fit in the damn things. The newer models have improved the interior substantially, but I can't say the 2003 design really works for me. Although it's pretty funny to see people who have never been in the car before search around for the tiny round door handles. :P Also, it's front wheel drive, so the turning radius is absolutely abysmal for such a small car, but I guess on the bright side it handles fairly well in the rain. I have the model with Run Flat tires, so a little sensor/alarm goes off when it senses a tire is going flat, and then you have (reportedly) 100 miles to go if you go 50mph or lower on the flat before you need to fix it, but I've gone around 250 miles doing highway speeds, so they're actually more useful than described. All in all, it's a great car, and I'm going to run her into the ground before I get another. :)
March 28, 2008If you want a car for fun and also for driving day to day, then this is just the ticket. If you get the S model of the mini cooper you will never want to part from it. I have had mine for 18 months and I can't fault it. It handles like a go cart in the corners and is so much fun. Inside you have got full, heated leather seats that are just perfect for cold winter mornings. Climate control, rain sensor wind screen wipers and cruise contol are an added bonus. My ar also have an electirc sunroom, which is brilliant for summer time! Mine is very high spec, but if your going for a mini that's what you should aim for in order to get the best experience.
January 27, 2008The new mini was always going to be an issue, as the old one had always been the 'classic mini' and the new mini could really not do this status justice. However, when you put the production into the hands of BMW, you know that they will not mess the project up. And so in 2001 the first mini rolled off the production line. This car looks good from an overall point, and the interior is very 'retro and old school' but this is what people love. The engine is only a small 1.6 litre, but dont let the sound of a small engine decieve the speed of this car. I have tuned my mini and so it can do 0-60 in sub 8 seconds, it has a great roar sound about it, which comes from its sister cars (BMW's) and the handling is extremely responsive, very much like a large go kart. The downside to this car is that it tends to break (clutch, gearbox, power steering) and the list goes on. BMW didn't build this car as well as they could do, but try owning an old mini and not breaking down! 10/10 for looks, speed, sound 2/10 for reliability
January 18, 2008Performance: 0-60 in 7.0s and it sounds like a pretty song with the supercharger comes on around 3000 rpm. it is amazing. the looks of the car is one of the best out there and its handling it like a go-cart.
October 17, 2009I love the handling! It's like a go-cart... the appearance is also very nice. I don't like how impractical it is. The cup holders aren't big enough for American sized drinks and there's really not enough cargo space. The back seat isn't half bad considering it is a Mini, however I wouldn't want to be back there for more than 45 minutes- tops!
September 23, 2009A quick little car that will surprise other drivers.
March 31, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $16,975 | Seating 4 |
Engine 1.6L 115 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 5.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 29 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $19,975 | Seating 4 |
Engine 1.6L 163 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 5.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 26 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
