Faults:

Oil pump failed at about 90,000 miles. Main and rod bearings replaced as a result.

Automatic transmission clutches slipped on occasion, but never had that repaired.

Replaced rusted mufflers.

General Comments:

A nicely-styled vehicle, generally more attractive that the other two of the "Big Three's" low-cost products, Chevrolet and Plymouth. Overall build quality was good and interior appointments were of high quality in the more expensive Fords such as the Skyliner and Sunliner. The Skyliner had a very interesting roof treatment. The front half of the two-door hardtop's roof was a see-through, tinted acrylic panel.

Ford's first overhead valve V-8 engine. At 239 cubic inches (same displacement as the preceding flathead V-8) and a two-barrel carburetor, not very powerful, but smooth, reliable and economical.

Fordomatic automatic transmission had three-speeds, but was designed to start in second gear rather than first to reduce wheel spin on icy roads. Would start in first gear if the accelerator was floored or if low was manually selected with steering column shift.

Four-wheel drum brakes, typical of that period, were fine, but you had to maintain greater following distance from vehicles ahead. They also were rendered less effective by heavy rain and faded quickly under repeated, heavy braking.

Handling was typical of most passenger vehicles from that era. Imprecise steering and lots of body roll, but generally neutral with a good dose of understeer if entering a turn too fast.