MINI in Minneapolis: The Diminutive Diva

A significant weak spot is rearward visibility -- on all counts. Small outside mirrors, a small interior rearview mirror and compromised visibility with the rear rollover hoops made passing on the freeways a more laborious task. Also, with front seats extended for legroom, this becomes more of a two-seater than a true four-passenger cruiser, as rear seat legroom is poor. Price also hurts, as the Mini Cooper convertible is priced well above its hardtop siblings. However, those extra few thousand dollars provide both traditional open-air sensation and engineering innovation - think the retractable sunroof and Easy Load boot. The 2005 Mini, once again, will be the only one like it on the block. Although, this time you might have to sign a contract to go topless 24-7.