Comments on: Consumer Reports Road Tests the R56

By: JS

JS — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 20:13:39 +0000

I’m especially fond of the New ’07 Torque Steer Feature……even with LSD!

By: Timmee

Timmee — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 11:59:36 +0000

funniest comment thread of the year, so far

By: lavardera

lavardera — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 21:06:04 +0000

I'm pretty sure he said IRONIC.

Like the way his arms waved around when he was standing still.

By: edijak

edijak — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 13:12:52 +0000

PS. The toggles are ICONIC

By: edijak

edijak — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 13:11:32 +0000

Backseat, backseat-heck. I took mine out to lighten the weight and am now designing a full rear deck with side fencing so I can haul around my 6’5″ Motoring Advisor to point out the awful placement of those controls. Fencing is being erected to keep the MA’s arms in place cuz he gets excited and waves alot when he finds a control to use. Geez-forgetaboutit-CR does not have a clue about Motoring and driving enthusiasts. Their audience is really the other 800MM motorist of which only 56 read their reviews anyway, and besides you can get another $50 bucks off without the toggle swithces.

By: Jimskater

Jimskater — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 16:58:47 +0000

CR’s review has obviously lead to some raised eyebrows. Evidently, at some point in his career, the narrator was told “Stop squinting!”

Otherwise, a pretty fair review. I agree with the criticism of the location/layout of the controls–their placement is pretty counterintuitive. At 6’4″, I turn the R56 (or any MINI for that matter) into a 3 passenger car. So we keep the luxobarge for family outings. Problem solved. Besides, the MINI is for me–and I don’t give a rat’s behind about the rear seat space.

By: add84283

add84283 — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 04:39:30 +0000

I think they could have used the word iconic a little more….but at least they seemed to like the car.

By: lavardera

lavardera — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 04:35:24 +0000

The review was fine – the heck with that, lets make fun of the way he waves his arms around when he talks.

By: gokartride

gokartride — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 04:08:08 +0000

I agree…a very favorable review. After months and months of reviews, commentary, and actual driver experience it’s clear that R56 is a really great MINI and a sound evolution of the car.

By: msh441

msh441 — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 23:15:47 +0000

I’m just shocked and amazed that CR had the car on a TRACK! Wow! They EXCEEDED my expectations, personnaly.

By: emtrey

emtrey — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 22:59:22 +0000

I always check Consumer Reports the auto reviews very carefully before I make a vechicle purchase. I also check in with Car and Driver and Top Gear when I need a new washer and dryer.

By: rkw

rkw — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 22:41:06 +0000

Man, you folks are way too sensitive about this review. The criticisms are expressed very mildly and are things that most people will notice on their first encounter with a MINI. I think the review is quite positive.

And all of you have small dogs? My current dog (90 lb greyhound) and previous (100 lb lab) cannot fit on anybody's lap, and cannot share the rear seat of a MINI with a person.

By: c4

c4 — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 21:19:20 +0000

If if were up to Consumer Reports, that bastion of automotive knowledge, we all should be driving around in pale beige colored, 4 cyl Toyota Camrys, with plastic wheel covers and velour seats…. You know so the packages and the dog can ride in utmost comfort.

By: RoccoRocket

RoccoRocket — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 21:11:57 +0000

I have driven a MINI with 4 6 foot and over adults in the car. I am 6' 5".

Heading to the dragon; I had so much stuff jammed in that the wheels were rubbing on the larger bumps.

My dog is 11 lbs. He fits just fine.

By: Phil

Phil — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 20:43:38 +0000

I think that the mainstream media is a little out of whack. Maybe John Q Publics expectations for cars are equally whacked. What do people really need? I am 5-11 and can sit comfortably in the back seat of my Cooper S, as long as the front seat is pulled forward a bit. Its true that I wouldn’t want to sit back there for hours, but packages and dogs? Its a car, not a couch.

By: Phil

Phil — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 20:42:50 +0000

I think that the mainstream media is a little out of whack. Maybe john Q Public’s expectations for cars are equally whacked. What do people really need? I am 5-11 and can sit comfortably in the back seat of my Cooper S, as long as the front seat is pulled forward a bit. It’s true that I wouldn’t want to sit back there for hours, but packages and dogs? It’s a car, not a couch.

By: Craig

Craig — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 19:03:24 +0000

It took them 11 months to produce this? They’ve had that car since March.

By: Jim W.

Jim W. — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 18:14:38 +0000

Is this a pet in the car thread? My Bichon/Poodle is named Oscar, and he doesn't really like riding in my MINI.

Yes, he gets a lap to sit on in the passenger seat, but perhaps it has more to do with the fact that his trips usually involve a haircut, a trip to the vets, or the traumatic "neutering day" ride....

...rather than the smallness of my R53!

By: RoccoRocket

RoccoRocket — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:48:51 +0000

Consumer reports know nothing. I did not waste my time looking at the report. I learned long ago, THEY SUCK!

By: dave

dave — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:31:00 +0000

my german shepherd/chow sits in the back of my r53 happily, and now the seat back is full of dog hair