The Ford Pinto is a subcompact car produced by the Ford Motor Company for the model years 1971–1980. Initially offered as a two-door sedan, Ford offered "Runabout" hatchback and wagon models the following year, competing in the U.S. market with the AMC Gremlin and Chevrolet Vega, as well as imported cars from Volkswagen, Datsun, and Toyota. By January 1971, the Pinto had sold over 100,000 units. In its last model year, Ford built 68,179 units. Overall, during its 10 year production run there were over 2 million Pintos sold.
A rebadged variant, the Mercury Bobcat, debuted in 1974 in Canada and in March 1975 in the US. The Pinto and the smaller, imported Ford Fiesta were ultimately replaced by the front-wheel-drive Ford Escort.
The Pinto's legacy was affected by media controversy and legal cases surrounding the safety of its gas tank design; a recall of the car in 1978; and a later study examining actual incident data that concluded the Pinto was as safe as, or safer than, other cars in its class.
The Pinto nameplate derives from the name for the distinctive white and solid pattern of coloration common in horses.
Read more about Ford Pinto: History, Design, Production, Reception and Criticism, Fuel Tank Controversy, Gallery, Motorsport
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“It’s my feeling that God lends you your children until they’re about eighteen years old. If you haven’t made your points with them by then, it’s too late.”
—Betty Ford (b. 1918)