2006 MINI Cooper Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Part of the appeal of the two-door, front-wheel-drive MINI Cooper is its fun factor, according to many drivers. And for 2006, that fun...
Part of the appeal of the two-door, front-wheel-drive MINI Cooper is its fun factor, according to many drivers. And for 2006, that fun factor was kicked up a notch with the introduction of a MINI Cooper with the factory-outfitted John Cooper Works performance package, which provided a power boost to the standard engines while still delivering acceptable gas mileage.
Named for John Cooper, an aftermarket tuner who applied his skills to the original Minis in the 1960s and whose shop is still in existence, the package included an upgraded transmission, exhaust system, and brakes, as well as an engine performance upgrade that kicked horsepower up to 207, and pushed the MINI from 0 to 60 in about six and a half seconds. Lighter wheels, a limited-slip differential, and a tighter sport suspension are also part of the package.
Inside, the John Cooper Works edition received carbon-fiber trim on the dashboard and special badging.
Of course, the MINI Cooper was also available in four other versions, including a hardtop in either the Standard or S (supercharged) trim packages, as well as a convertible, also available as either a Standard or S model.
Power for the Standard hardtop and convertible models was provided by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 115 horsepower, while the S models were equipped with a supercharged version of the same engine, producing 168 horsepower.
The Standard models came with a five-speed manual transmission, while the S versions were equipped with a six-speed Getrag manual transmission. A continuously variable automatic transmission (also known as a CVT) was optional in the Standard models, while a six-speed automatic was optional in the S models.
The MINI Cooper was well-equipped with such standard features as air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, dual front and side airbags, an AM/FM stereo system with a CD player, remote keyless entry, and anti-lock brakes. The S versions received larger 16-inch tires (as opposed to 15-inch tires in the Standard model), as well as a hood scoop, traction control, and a sport suspension. Leather seats and a navigation system were among the options.
Drivers felt that even without the supercharged engine or the special performance package, the MINI Cooper provided a quick, sporty ride with pinpoint handling, all in a package you could easily park just about anywhere. Most drivers noted that the back seat was a tight fit for anyone older than a teenager, and that the ride could be a little too stiff at times, but overall drivers gave the MINI Cooper high marks.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers love the 2006 MINI Cooper for its fun driving experience, sporty design, and solid performance. Many appreciate its great handling, stylish looks, and decent gas mileage. However, some owners have expressed concerns about expensive repairs and the car's limited interior space."
The car model itself is a great car if in good shape, but this car was misrepresented. It was in awful condition, with the EML warning light on (which could mean catastrophic engine failure if being driven), as well as a myriad of other things broken or missing in the car.
May 9, 2025The 6 speed manual is quick and responsive. So much fun to drive. Getting in and out is a bit tough, but I am 6 foot 2 inch tall. With that said, the Mini Cooper S is super roomy.
February 26, 2026As long as maintenance is kept up it will keep going. An amazingly fun street legal go cart.
April 18, 2026What owners say
The car model itself is a great car if in good shape, but this car was misrepresented. It was in awful condition, with the EML warning light on (which could mean catastrophic engine failure if being driven), as well as a myriad of other things broken or missing in the car.
May 9, 2025The 6 speed manual is quick and responsive. So much fun to drive. Getting in and out is a bit tough, but I am 6 foot 2 inch tall. With that said, the Mini Cooper S is super roomy.
February 26, 2026As long as maintenance is kept up it will keep going. An amazingly fun street legal go cart.
April 18, 2026I love my little car! It gets great gas mileage and handles wonderfully in the curves. I love the Harman Kardon sound system,it really rocks. Even though the car is a 4 cylinder and not even an S model, it has really good acceleration. It is a joy to drive.
April 15, 2012I love this car more than anything it can handle turns beautiful, gets up and goes fast, small enough to weave through the tightest traffic. It's a beauty!
April 24, 2008Acceleration is very good with the 5-speed manual transmission. Car feels very solid, responsive and stable at freeway speeds (in Arizona that's pretty fast). Makes one feel really comfortable and safe even though it is a small car. Overall, this is just one FUN car drive!
January 8, 2015The name Cooper is highly regarded in Mini circles, what with world-championship racing car producer John Cooper having lavished his skills on the original car and BMW wisely reestablishing the name Cooper S for the hot version of its latter-day Mini. Super fun to drive! Really fast and easy to maneuver though traffic. Flashy and sporty. Limited edition, so very few on the road.
August 21, 2013I have a close friend that owns a Mini Cooper S. He's a salesman that travels all over town on a daily basis. He absolutely loves his Mini and can't say enough about it. When he bought it a year ago he dropped by the house and let me take it for a spin. This was an incredibly fun car to drive. It was quick and very responsive in many respects. The twin-turbo pushes you through traffic with ease. It handled amazingly well to boot. I'm sure I'd be able to serpentine the narrowist of cones. Besides, he says it gets 30-32 mpg on average. Not bad for this little performance package.
June 29, 2007This car's picture is next to the definition of fun to drive in the dictionary. I have a blast with it on the road or on the track. Fun, quick, reliable and awesome in the corners, this one's a keeper.
April 3, 2015I love this car, but hard for it to be my only car. Need a little more room for camping & other activities. Very dependable, always friendly. I love that the automatic also has an option for manual shift. The seats are plenty comfortable for a long road trip.
January 23, 2013Trims & specs
Base MSRP $22,500 | Seating 4 |
Engine 1.6L 115 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 7.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $31,150 | Seating 2 |
Engine 1.6L 214 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 7.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $21,450 | Seating 4 |
Engine 1.6L 168 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 7.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $18,000 | Seating 4 |
Engine 1.6L 115 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 7.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $25,950 | Seating 4 |
Engine 1.6L 168 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 7.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$18,000 - $31,150
Current avg. market price
$6,157
Trending up by 0.2% this month
May 2026 - October 2026
