The 2018 Chevrolet Express lasts around 200,000 miles with some fuel sensor and tail light issues reported. At $28,999 to $32,477, it’s a good value if you’re looking for an old-school full size van with plenty of room for cargo and passengers.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Express a Good Used Van?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2018 is a great year for the Chevy Express van, yet it’s really built to haul cargo and lots of people in commercial settings. Owner reviews praise the low ownership costs, reliable engines, along with the space for camping.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 6/10 – Interior materials are very basic and designed to hold up over time, the seats are basic but comfortable, and cargo space is excellent for a van.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2018 Express. Models from 2013 are known to have engine problems, while 2014–2022 are very reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from all of the engines, although it does have a higher towing capacity than most of the other vans on the market.
- Safety 6/10 – The 2018 Express earns 3 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 20 MPG, giving up to 620 miles of range from the large 31 gallon tank. Gas costs are average, at $320 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2018 Chevy Express is cheaper than a lot of other large vans on the market with average depreciation rates, making it a good value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Chevy Express?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Chevy Express offers all the features buyers are looking for in a commercial van, with high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Express a 3.8/5, enjoying the high towing capacity for a van, but doesn’t like the outdated interior.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Express at 4.2/5, praising the powerful engines, but owners don’t like the lack of a tall roofline found on other vans.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Chevrolet Express Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Chevrolet Express van include the fuel level sensor failing, burnt out tail lights, along with an intake manifold gasket leak. Overall, these problems are similar to other large vans on the market, leading to average repair costs as it ages.
The fuel level sensor failing is the most widespread complaint on the 2018 Express van at around 20,000 miles. The sensor simply wears out as it ages, and has to be replaced. Installing a new sensor costs around $450, depending on local labor rates.
Burnt out tail lights are another problem mentioned by Express owners within the first 10,000 miles. The original bulbs burn out quickly, and have to be replaced frequently. There are some aftermarket bulbs which last longer, and cost around $10 per bulb to swap out since it’s a pretty easy DIY project.
An intake manifold gasket leak also shows up on some 2018 Chevy Express models at around 70,000 miles. The gasket will start leaking coolant and oil as the van ages. Replacing the gasket fixes the problem, but is a labor-intensive process costing around $950.
There are six recalls on the 2018 Chevy Express, which is similar to other large vans. The most serious recall is for the climate control module wiring, which may short out and cause a fire. Chevy will remove the wiring insulation from a connector to solve the problem for free. Other recalls cover the backup camera, along with the tire pressure monitoring system.
How Long Will the 2018 Chevrolet Express Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Chevy Express can last around 200,000 miles, which is similar to other large vans like the Ford Transit. Regular annual maintenance costs are average for a full size cargo or passenger van, costing around $665 per year, according to data provided by Repair Pal.
As a used 2018 Chevy Express reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the distributor assembly for $400, radiator fan clutch costing $600, along with the engine oil pan which costs around $700.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very basic on the 2018 Chevy Express, only offering a small driver information display with an AM/FM stereo system. Optional upgrades include a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity.
Standard safety technology is very basic, offering only a rearview camera. There’s no other advanced safety features available.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Express a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 Chevy Express is a decent value if you’re looking for a full size van built to haul cargo or tons of people. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $28,999 to $32,477, making it less than a Mercedes Sprinter or Ram Promaster. When new, the price range was $30,850 to $47,650. Depreciation is similar to other large vans, losing around 8% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Chevy Express?
There are two main models of the 2018 Chevrolet Express van offered, from the entry-level LS to the LT. There are also several options packages offered for cargo or passenger configurations. It comes standard with rear-wheel drive on all models.
LS is the entry-level model with:
- 16-inch steel wheels
- 60/40-split opening passenger door
- 12-passenger seating (2-3-3-4 with a 50/50-split back row)
- Air conditioning
- Power windows and locks
- Driver information display
- Vinyl upholstery and floor covering
- GM’s OnStar communications
- Rearview camera
- Two-speaker audio system with an AM/FM stereo and auxiliary port
- Tilt-only steering wheel (standard on 3500, optional for 2500)
- Cruise control (standard on 3500, optional for 2500)
- Rear air conditioning (available as a separate option; standard with extended-wheelbase 3500)
- Optional features include power-adjustable heated mirrors, rear parking sensors, heavy-duty locking rear differential, remote vehicle start, power-adjustable front seats, and more.
- An optional bundle featuring a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, CD player, USB port, and navigation system.
LT is a step up, adding:
- Includes all LS features
- Front and rear chrome bumpers
- Remote locking and unlocking
- Cloth upholstery
- Carpeted flooring
- Rear air conditioning
- Tilt-only steering wheel and cruise control (standard on 2500)
- Features available as standalone options or bundles include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, satellite radio, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and more.
- Optional Paratransit package for 3500 extended-wheelbase models removes the rear seat and reverts to vinyl floor coverings.
- Available 15-passenger (2-3-3-3-4 seating) configuration for 3500 extended-wheelbase models.
- Optional eight-passenger (2-3-3) configuration for standard-wheelbase 2500 and 3500 models.
- Optional rearview camera with the display located in the rearview mirror for vehicles without the touchscreen.
What Engines Come In the Chevy Express?
The 2018 Chevy Express offers three engine options including two gasoline engines and one diesel:
- A 3L V6 engine that delivers 276 horsepower and 298 lb.-ft of torque while getting 14 MPG. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Its towing capacity stands at 7,400 lbs.
- A more potent 0L V8 engine that generates 341 horsepower and 373 lb.-ft of torque and gets 13 MPG. It’s connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Its towing capacity is a robust 10,000 lbs.
- Lastly, there’s a 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I4 engine that provides 181 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft of torque at up to 20 MPG. This one comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Its towing capacity is rated at 7,000 lbs.
What Colors Does the Chevy Express Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Chevy Express?
The 2018 Chevy Express offers a straightforward and functional interior that focuses more on practicality and durability rather than luxury. The front seats are be sturdy and supportive, making them great for long drives often associated with cargo vans. The Express’s cabin is roomy, providing ample legroom and headroom for the driver and passenger, providing a more comfortable ride on longer trips.
While the interior may lack some of the more refined finishes seen in passenger vehicles, the Express still includes essential comfort features. These include air conditioning, power windows and locks, and available upgrades like a six-way power driver seat, remote keyless entry, and cruise control. The Express is also available with a 15 passenger configuration to fit large groups of people.
Although the Chevy Express doesn’t offer a plush, luxury experience, it provides a functional and hard-wearing environment designed to withstand the demands of commercial use. Its focus is on reliability, spaciousness, and practicality, offering a ride that’s comfortable in its simplicity and designed for purpose rather than pampering. So, for those who prioritize utility and durability, the 2018 Chevy Express proves to be a fitting choice.
How Much Storage Space Does the Chevy Express Have?
The 2018 Chevy Express, a traditional full-size van from Chevrolet, is known for its expansive cargo capacity. Specifically, the standard wheelbase model provides 239.7 cubic feet of cargo space. This expands to an impressive 284.4 cubic feet for the extended wheelbase version, which is designed for hauling large loads.
In practical terms, the Chevy Express’s spacious interior allows it to accommodate a wide variety of items as a cargo van. For example, the 239.7 cubic feet in the standard model can easily fit small furniture items like desks, chairs, or several bicycles. In the extended version, the increased capacity could comfortably hold larger items, such as a queen-sized mattress or even a small kayak.
In the world of work vans, it’s the space and versatility that define their usefulness, and the 2018 Chevy Express is a prime example of this. It’s a reliable choice for moving large amounts of cargo, whether for personal use, commercial delivery, or as a versatile vehicle for tradespeople carrying bulky tools and equipment.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The Chevrolet Express Van was first introduced for the 1996 model year and is still in production, making it the oldest full size van.
2015: The 1500 series models are removed from the lineup, leaving only the 2500 and 3500 models.
2016: Optional MyLink stereo system offered, and airbags now standard.
2017: Four-cylinder diesel engine replaces the outgoing diesel V8, CNG engine no longer available.
2018: New 4.3L V6 replaces the 4.8L V8, rearview camera and OnStar are now standard.
2019: More safety technology offered for lane departure warning and forward collision alert.
2020: Upgraded eight-speed transmission for the diesel engine models.
2021: Smaller 6.0L V8 engine replaces the 6.6L V8, navigation system removed from the lineup.
How Does the Chevy Express Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 Chevrolet Express is a nice full size van if you’re looking for a practical choice, which can carry a lot of people and cargo as long as you’re okay with how old-school and bare-bones it is.
The Ford Transit is another full size van available, which costs about $4,000 more. Cargo room is better in the Ford Transit with its higher roof lines, while the Chevy Express has lower maintenance costs. We recommend the Ford Transit since it’s a more advanced van, making it worth the money.
The GMC Savana is a competitor available in the same price range. Both the GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express are built on the same platform, but the GMC Savana offers slightly nicer seats in the 15 passenger configuration. We recommend the Chevy Express if you’re hauling cargo, while the GMC Savana is better for transporting people.
