America’s Favorite Cars

Sections: R55 (Clubman) Jun 30th, 2008 11 Comments

CNN Money, as they like to do, has compiled another list of cars. This time based on JD Powers surveys taken within the first 90 days of ownership of a car.

Buyers are surveyed within 90 days of purchasing their new autos. They’re asked about 80 different vehicle attributes. Historically, cars that score high on this survey tend to sell well without needing heavy incentives, according to J.D. Power.

I’m having a hard time believing this, since usually JD Power aren’t the best of friends, but the Clubman actually holds the top spot for the compact car segment!

Not surprisingly, the Mini’s exterior design was a favorite point among owners.

The engine and transmission also earned praise.

It is nice to see this. After spending quite a bit of time with the Clubman, I think it’s a very nice car.

[ The cars Americans love best]Money.cnn.com

Written By: DB

11 Comments

Ken E. Jun 30th, 2008 Link

Our Clubman was delivered with the voice activation not functioning! I was not able to sit in the car as the sales man explained every system to my wife, the main driver, but if I had we would’ve waited to take the car home until all systems where operating.

The dealer had my car for FIVE weeks! Bull SH#*. This issue was not acknowledged from the start and let to wasted time driving to and from the dealer, five hours total, and no answers about how the car was delivered with out this issue being addressed. If the dealer would have acknowledged the issue and assured us that it would be addressed, the situation would have been easier to deal with. But the dealer really dropped the ball, second and probably last car from this Northern Illinois dealership.

Vanwall Jun 30th, 2008 Link

I don’t think the Clubman per se was the winner, it was MINI as a whole – the Clubman piccie was there as an example. Just my take.

RB Jun 30th, 2008 Link

Name the offender… Mine was Assael here in the Pasadena, CA area.. They are now Monrovia BMW/MINI. Have had a chance to try them yet.

I hear this a lot.

Charlie Jun 30th, 2008 Link

Voice Activation ? For what ?

jarrett Jun 30th, 2008 Link

why am i not surprised, I still get people asking me what is that car, and nowdays what’s the gas mileage probably as no dealership within 200 miles. yet as a 2004 cooper owner, i’d do it all over again and not miss a heartbeat

JimMINI Jun 30th, 2008 Link

I’m with jarrett. I love the heck out of my ‘05 CR/W Cooper. Maybe just maybe not the white wheels (brake dust). I also get a few looks, but more about the MPG. She still gets 35+ MPG on the highways.

Ken E. Jul 1st, 2008 Link

Charlie Jun 30th, 2008 Link Voice Activation ? For what?

The voice activation controls the radio, GPS modes and phone using Bluetooth. It is a great feature, you don’t have to take your hands off the wheel, or eyes off the road, to change the radio or get a map on screen. MINI but out a bulletin on the issue after my car was at dealer for a software fix for those 5 weeks. I don’t have a problem with the hiccup or having an issue with a new car; it’s just the way it was handled. I recommend spending the extra on GPS for any new MINI. The features that it adds enhance the small car experience. My wife loves her new Clubman.

SFRedMCc Jul 2nd, 2008 Link

More good news for Mini, but who decided a Mini Cooper is a “compact” car at 145.6 inches, and a Honda Fit is a “subcompact” at 157.4 inches? Even my Clubman is only 155 inches overall. And their other subcompact and compact “classifications” are just as confusing:

Subcompacts: Honda Fit = 157.4 in Toyota Yaris = 147.0 in Scion xD = 154.7 in

Compact: Mini Cooper = 145.6 in.; Mini Cooper Clubman = 155 in. VW Rabbit = 165.8 in. Ford Focus Length = 175 in.

PS: This is my first posting. I just picked up my new Mini Clubman on June 21st at East Bay Mini, and it took only 9 weeks for me to get it! It also was fun tracking it it online all the way here. It turned out to be a real “head turner” with all red exterior and black rear trim, red leather and black cloth seats, anthracite headliner, and red door and dash trim.

Ramón Jul 5th, 2008 Link

Lawrence Ulrich wrote a Clubman review in the NYT on April 13,2008:

“And even with their supporting gas struts, I thought the Mini’s tiny swingers felt a bit tinny — this in a car that’s already notorious for squeaks and rattles.”

Are MINI owners finding this to be true/accurate?

C4 Jul 7th, 2008 Link

Nope. My 5 month old Clubman S with 3300 miles is solid as a bank vault. The car is extremely well built and solid. I have the standard suspension and 16″ Goodyear Excellence runflats so that perhaps helps with the ride and NVH levels.

Fantastic car all around and highly recommend it.

Ramón Jul 9th, 2008 Link

Thanks, C4!

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