1979 Ford Pinto Pony review from North America
"A great little car that was a victim of some very poor decisions by it's creators."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The battery ground wire broke off the side of the engine block in 1983. I would guess the mileage at well under 50,000 miles.
The fuel tank apparently had something floating in it late in my ownership experience, because at a quarter tank of fuel or lower, going uphill the car would starve for gas.
Replaced the clutch, pressure plate and throw out bearing sometime after 100,000 miles.
General comments?
A great, "old school" simple car! Rear wheel drive, upper and lower A arms, front disc brakes, shocks on all four wheels.
I feel like many of the cars made by FoMoCo, the Pinto's worst enemy was the very decision makers who created it.
It was a fun car to drive, easy to work on, very reliable and I didn't cut mine much slack! I'm looking now, twenty-one years later, to buy another one as an inexpensive hobby car.
Recommended reviews
| Cheap. Fairly reliable |
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| 1978 - Pinto Cruising Wagon 2.3 1977 to 1980 Pintos were great cars when new, but it's time to move on something better now |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1979 |
| Year of manufacture | 1979 |
| First year of ownership | 1979 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 1987 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.3 4 cylinder. Manual |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 10 miles |
| Most recent distance | 137000 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet 1966 Chevrolet Biscayne |
| Date of Entry | 28th March, 2008 |