1977 Ford Pinto Base model sedan 2.3 from North America
Summary:
Not one of the better cars I've owned
Faults:
Chronic ruster began rusting at two years old and never stopped.
Frequent muffler/exhaust repairs/replacements.
Clutch/transmission went out at about 75000.
Differential seals kept leaking lube onto rear brake shoes.
Seat belt would lock up frequently while trying to hook up.
Wipers would hit the side and bottom windshield moldings.
Glove box door and drivers seat came apart while driving.
Radio quit working at two years.
Drivers side window whistled.
General Comments:
The manufacturer was really trying to pinch pennies on this model: no day/night mirror, one outside mirror, no dome light door switch on passenger door, and nowhere was there any use of the name of the manufacturer or the model of the car on the inside and very little on the outside--on the hood and on the trunk only.
Car had very poor traction in the winter.
Seats offered no lower back support.
I was rear ended twice and car did not explode.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th February, 2008
14th Mar 2008, 13:18
The reason that yours did not explode was because by 1978 I believe Ford had come up with two or three updates to prevent explosions. My parents had a Pinto wagon that they say they loved, and theirs was recalled once for a fuel tank shield to be installed, and I heard mention of the later models having a rubber bladder-like thing inside the fuel tank.