Which Company Actually Makes The Pinto Today? Here's The Truth
Ford Motor Company made the Pinto, and no automaker currently produces a new "Pinto" model today. The original Ford Pinto was sold from 1971 through 1980 in North America, so any Pinto you see now is an older used car, a restored classic, or a club/collector vehicle rather than a current production model.
What the Pinto was
The Pinto was Ford's first subcompact car in North America and was launched for the 1971 model year. It became one of the best-known small cars of the 1970s, and it is still remembered today mainly because of its history, not because it is still being built.
Who made it
Ford Motor Company was the manufacturer of the Pinto in the United States and Canada, and Mercury sold a related rebadged version called the Bobcat. The car was designed and produced under the Ford brand, so the simplest answer to "who makes pinto car" is: Ford made the original Pinto.
Current status today
There is no active production line for a new Pinto in 2026. The name survives mostly through car clubs, restoration projects, collector listings, and references in automotive history, while Ford's current small-car lineup has long since moved on to other models.
Key facts
| Item | Answer |
|---|---|
| Original maker | Ford Motor Company |
| Model years | 1971-1980 |
| Body class | Subcompact car |
| Related model | Mercury Bobcat |
| Made today? | No |
Why people still ask
The question often comes up because the Pinto remains a recognizable name in car culture, especially among enthusiasts and collectors. It is also one of the most discussed compact cars from the 1970s, which keeps its name in circulation even though production ended decades ago.
Collector context
For collectors, the Pinto has become a period piece from the 1970s rather than an ordinary commuter car. Enthusiast groups and owner clubs help preserve examples of the car, which is why the model remains visible long after production ended.
Bottom line
If you are asking who makes a Pinto car today, the direct answer is that nobody makes a new one now. Ford Motor Company made the original Pinto, and the model was last produced in 1980.
Expert answers to Which Company Actually Makes The Pinto Today Heres The Truth queries
Is the Pinto still sold new?
No, the Pinto is not sold as a new car today. Any "Pinto" offered for sale now is a used vintage vehicle or a restored example.
Was the Pinto a Ford?
Yes, the Pinto was a Ford model. Ford Motor Company built and marketed it in North America.
What replaced the Pinto?
Ford replaced the Pinto with the Escort in the early 1980s. That shift ended the Pinto's run as Ford's small-car entry in the U.S. market.