2003 Mini Cooper S Review, Price, Specs & Road Test

At the conclusion of our 2004 Sport/Utility of the Year competition, Online Editorial Director Jeff Bartlett hopped into the long-term S for a three-day trek to our Florida office. Armed with a cache of CDs, he enjoyed the aural company of the harmon/kardon audio system during the 2400-mile journey. Bart reports the Mini is a first-rate cross-country hauler--in spite of its sporty suspension and short wheelbase. The Mini's bucket seats provide great support for long stints, and the car offers good fuel economy, with a 28.6-mpg average for the trip. With just over seven grand on the clock, the Cooper S hasn't given us a lick of trouble, though we expect the service-interval lamp to illuminate any day now signaling time to change the oil and filter. Prior to the Mini's Florida jaunt, Truck Trend Art Director Thomas Voehringer crammed in his family of four, only to hear complaints about the tight rear seat--the Mini is fine for small kids, but adults will find leg- and footroom lacking.

From The Logbook
"It's quite a sporty car for single people or newlyweds. The rear seat provides ergonomics only a cat would find comfortable."
--Thomas Voehringer