The Ford Pinto was the new sub compact offering, built in 1971 to compete with the imports and domestic subcompacts. It came only as a two door sedan at first, with a three door Runabout added mid-season to the Pinto line. The standard engine was a 98 cubic inch (1.6 liter) inline ohv four cylinder, with a 122 cubic inch (2.0 liter) inline SOHC four cylinder as a popular option.

In 1972 the Runabout receive a larger rear window and a new model was introduced, the two door wagon.

In 1973 the Pinto exterior remained the same as the 1972 model year with exception of front and rear bumpers. Front bumper guards were made standard equipment for this year, but was deleted in later years. Because of the bumper design changes, the Pinto was actually about one and a half inches longer, although the true body length was not changed.

More Federally mandated safety requirements were initiated in 1974, primarily in the form of massive safety bumpers. This brought an obvious change in the appearance of the car. The bumper was plain on the base trim models, but came with rubber faced, vertical guards and a black vinyl impact strip on models with the DeLuxe Decor package. Pinto wagons could be had with optional trim packages that included simulated wood grain exterior paneling and rooftip luggage racks. A new engine was available, a 140 cubic inch (2.3 liter) inline SOHC four cylinder and the 1.6 liter was dropped.
A 170 cubic inch (2.8 liter) ohv V6 engine is available in 1975 as the optional engine only in the station wagon, with the 2.3 now being standard equipment.

Appearance changes in 1976 included a new argent painted eggcrate grill with inset square parking lamps, bright headlight bezels and bright front hood lip molding. Interior features changed as well, including the choice of all vinyl or sporty cloth - vinyl and four new trim fabrics were offered. The Pinto Stallion appearance package was produced to target younger drivers, along with the MPG for the budget minded. The V6 was now an option on the sedan and hatchback.

A new soft nose with sloping hood and flexible fender extensions revised the appearance of the 1977 Pinto. New larger rear taillights, extruded anodized aluminum bumpers and an optional all-glass third door finished off the new exterior. Also new for 1977 was the Cruising Wagon, styled along the lines of the Econoline Cruising Van, aimed at youthful buyers.

1978 didn't bring much changes in the Pinto, just a few new options, including exterior and interior colors. Mid year a panel delivery Pinto was added, with full length flat cargo floor and metal side panels.

Restyling brought another new front end look for the Pinto in 1979. This new look included rectangular headlamps in bright housings, new sloping hood and fenders and a slat style grill. New aluminum bumpers had black rub strips and end sections. Once again, new colors inside and out. New for 79 was the ESS option for sedans and runabouts, with black grill and exterior accents.

The last year of the Pinto, 1980, didn't bring much change in styling. The V6 was dropped, making the 2.3 OHC 4cyl the only engine available. The Cruising Wagon and ESS were still available, as was the Rallye Pack option on the hatchback and wagon.

The monocoque chassis features conventional design with the engine mounted at the front with the power being transmitted through either a manual or automatic transmission to an integral or removable differential type rear axle.

Front suspension is of the unequal length A-arm design with coil springs while the rear suspension features leaf springs. Steering is manual rack and pinion with power assist optional.

Brakes are drums or disc at the front and drums at the rear with vacuum assist as an option.


Recommended lubricants and fluids