The Pinto was in production for almost 10 years, it outlasted the Vega and the Gremlin.
Watch the video. During a trial, it turned out that Ford had commented on a proposed DOT regulation requiring flexible filler tubes for automobile gas tanks that the cost (about $10 per car in 1970) could not be justified by the benefit to society of the very small number of lives saved. It was not that a life was not worth $10, it was that a life was not worth several million dollars, but juries do not think like that, and it was open season on Ford, and the Pinto for several years thereafter.
When I was in college I drove the worst clunker around. I would tell my buddies when we came out of any business we went into that I would trade my car for any other one on the lot. I think only one time did I take it back.
When I graduated one of my life’s goals was to one day own a car less than 10 years old. Only 6 months later I was the proud owner of a 79 Pinto station wagon. Gorgeous medium blue with 4 speed and wire wheel covers. I drove it for 5 years and had no issues. I DID ride like a truck. Even drove it to Florida a couple times. Flipping the back seat down there was plenty of room to stretch out and sleep when I didn’t have the $ for a motel room or just wanted to catch a couple hours.