If you feel a need to defend the Pinto just as these people a good question . If the Pinto was such a fire trap why are so many on the road...Just how many Chevy Vega's , Dodge (Crickets?), Datsun, Toyota or other econo boxes from the time period are still on the road. Or the next generation (Anyone seen a Chevy or any Dodge econobox cars lately ? 1980's )...Nope! Not many. Having an mechanical design (engine , trans, rear end ,steering rack etc.) that was used for so long in so many other cars and trucks was an achievement in it self...List Mustang II and the 1979-89 Mustang , Ranger, Aerostar, etc. Yes why not a Pinto... At least you can find parts for it and drive it...