My MINI is fast, efficient, and fun to drive. The car's small size can be a bit intimidating next to an eighteen-wheeler on the highway but makes it a breeze to squeeze into a tight parking space. Its compact design gives the car a lot of visibility and makes you feel in control of the road while driving. The turbocharged V6 engine puts out a ton of horsepower for the car's small frame and gives it a very sensitive accelerator, despite nearly making a very conservative 30 miles to the gallon. The car has a very stiff suspension, which can be rough to drive with because you feel every single pothole distinctly. That said, the car’s stiff undercarriage does provide the driver with a kind of sports car feel generally reserved for more expensive models. I also love the MINI's compendium of special features including the multicolored track lighting on the interior, deluxe sound system, complete Bluetooth functionality, built-in GPS navigation, HD radio, and xenon bulbs on my headlights. Unlike my old car, the Bluetooth connection lets me talk on the phone wirelessly as well as play songs through my phone’s media player or Pandora, YouTube, etc. The MINI navigation suite transitions fairly seamlessly between telephone, navigation, and radio, giving the driver a pleasant experience.

I was not sure I would like the Mini when we bought it, but it has been a joy to drive. On mountain roads it is so much fun to cut around corners. It seemed a little small, and with a family of three and a couple dogs, traveling any distance can be a challenge. That said, it is too much fun to drive not to own.