Image source: Flickr, Bill Abbott
The Death Of A Cheap Alternative
The Ford Pinto offered fuel savings for many consumers, but Ford had to issue a recall after reports highlighted gas tank issues. Ford acknowledged that the gas tank could burst into flames if the car faced impact from the rear.
Although considered a laughing stock by modern standards, the Pinto was a suitable choice during the 1970s as the public dealt with gas shortages throughout the early decade. Also, the auto industry created numerous other fuel-efficient vehicles to counter the oil crisis.
There were no injuries or deaths reported from the Ford Pinto recall, but the media attention was large enough to force the Pinto out of circulation. Ford decided to fix the fuel system, but the damage was already done.