2018 Ford Transit Van Review
Price Range:Â $17,900 - $24,999





+430
Edmunds' Expert Review

by James Riswick
Edmunds Contributor
James Riswick has been testing cars and writing about them for more than 20 years. He was the senior reviews editor for Autoblog and previously served multiple editor roles here at Edmunds. He has also contributed to Autotrader, Car and Driver, Hagerty, JD Power and Autoguide Magazine. He has been interested in cars forever; his mom took him to the Toronto Auto Show when he was 18 months old and has attended at least one every year since (OK, except in 2020). He owns a babied 1998 BMW Z3 in James Bond blue and a 2023 Kia Niro EV.
Pros
- Numerous configurations provide plenty of cargo-carrying capability
- Strong and efficient engines
- Pleasant road manners for a van
- Sync 3 infotainment system is easy to use
Cons
- A bit less towing capability than old-school competitors
What’s new
There are a handful of small updates for the 2018 Transit, including a relocated rearview camera, power-folding mirrors and Bluetooth added to the simple, optional AM/FM stereo. Now standard are power locks, a rear cargo-door exit handle, a locking glovebox and an LED lamp switch in the cargo area.
Vehicle overview
If this is your first time buying a full-size work van in a while, prepare for a shock. Compared to the old Ford E-Series or perhaps one of GM's vans, checking out the 2018 Ford Transit will be like suddenly waking up 20 years in the future. It doesn't fly, but its ease of use, interior versatility and fuel economy were no doubt hard-to-imagine qualities back in the day.
For sale near Laurel, MD
126 listings
- $14,300great price$2,062 below market
- 128,011 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, corporate fleet vehicle
- 6cyl automatic
- G Motors Old Bridge (166 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Trip Computer
- Stability Control
Close
Located in Old Bridge, NJ
A versatile and reliable workhorse for any business or transportation needs, this 2018 Ford Transit 250 Van offers ample cargo space and exceptional p...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: 1FTBW1YMXJKB11164
Stock: OLB11164
Certified Pre-Owned: No - $16,996good price$2,291 below market
- 135,435 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, corporate fleet vehicle
- 6cyl automatic
- Cars2us Of Woodbridge (35 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Stability Control
- Aux Audio Inputs
- Post-collision safet...
Close
Located in Woodbridge, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: 1FTYR1CG5JKA96592
Stock: CU6291
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Ford also offers a considerable amount of variation within the Transit line. There are three roof heights, two wheelbases (plus an extra-long version), three strong and efficient engine choices, and plenty of optional equipment to fit your needs. There's even an impressive amount of standard equipment available.
Downsides? It's honestly hard to come up with any besides a relative lack of towing capability compared to its old-school, truck-based competitors, but we're not sure how many businesses really need that. Its rear-wheel-drive layout may also be challenging in snowy climates where the Ram ProMaster's front-wheel-drive layout could be preferred. Overall, though, you're going to be very pleased with the way this van from the future meets your commercial van needs.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
The 2018 Ford Transit is a completely modern take on the full-size work van. It checks off virtually every box for a big workhorse van.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our first drive of the 2016 Ford Transit Van Cargo Van (3.7L V6 | 6-speed automatic | RWD).
Driving
The Transit is much easier to drive and far less trucklike than past work vans. The steering is responsive, there's a relatively tight turning circle, and even the ride is much better. The base V6 offers respectable power, but gasoline and diesel upgrades could be worth a try for bigger jobs.
Comfort
Seating is comfortable enough for a work van, and plenty of creature comforts are available. We've also found the Ford Transit to be relatively quiet for a work van, and its ride is less trucklike — though don't expect minivan levels of plushness.
Interior
The Transit has a much lower step-in height than old-style work vans. Taller roof heights also make it possible to walk upright in the cargo area — not possible in the GM vans. The driving position affords an expansive view of the road ahead, and the standard rearview camera is appreciated.
Utility
No American-brand work van can match the Transit. The most spacious combination allows for 487.3 cubic feet, 20 more than Ram ProMaster and 200 more than GM's vans. Other combinations are comparably huge. Only the pricier Mercedes Sprinter can better it. Towing ranges from 2,900 to 7,500 pounds.
Technology
A standard rearview camera is a huge plus in a work van. There are also a variety of audio system options to keep drivers happy, including the same Sync 3 infotainment system found in other Fords. A lane departure warning system is even available.
Which Transit Van does Edmunds recommend?
There's only one trim level, so picking a Transit comes down to the style and configuration that meets your needs. How bulky and heavy are your loads, and could walking around inside be helpful to you? Make sure to at least examine all your body options and sample the various engines to know that you're making an informed decision.
Compare 2018 Ford Transit Van trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
2018 Ford Transit Van models
The 2018 Ford Transit is a full-size cargo van. There are standard- and long-wheelbase models as well as low-, medium- and high-roof body styles. There's also an extended-length body available on the long wheelbase.
Depending on the configuration, the Transit comes in 150, 250 and 350 versions that carry increasing gross vehicle weight ratings. Engine choices include a standard 3.7-liter V6 (275 horsepower, 260 pound-feet of torque), an optional turbocharged 3.2-liter diesel-powered inline five-cylinder (185 hp, 350 lb-ft) and an optional turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 (310 hp, 400 lb-ft). A six-speed transmission is standard on all Transits.
The single trim level comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels; a full-size spare tire; a 60/40-split hinged passenger-side door (low roof) or a sliding passenger-side door (medium and high roofs); cargo area tie-downs; full power accessories (windows, locks and mirrors); keyless entry; a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel; front air-conditioning; a rearview camera with trailer hitch assist; and a four-speaker audio system with an auxiliary audio jack.
Options can be ordered alone or come as part of packages. Highlights include long-arm exterior mirrors, power-folding mirrors (long or short), various window choices, different axle ratios, dual sliding rear cargo doors, power-retractable running boards, cruise control, rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, automatic headlights and wipers, a lane departure warning system, remote engine start, rear air-conditioning and a spray-in liner for the cargo area. Electronic options include Ford Telematics, a simple radio upgrade that includes Bluetooth, and various six-speaker sound system upgrades that include combinations of a 4-inch multifunction display, a CD player, a USB port, Sync (voice-activated media player control along with Bluetooth phone and audio), HD radio and satellite radio. You can also get the Sync 3 infotainment interface with navigation, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, and all of those audio upgrades. A heavy-duty trailering package is also offered.

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Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Ford Transit Van 150 Low Roof 3dr Cargo Van w/130" WB, 60/40 Passenger Side Door (3.7L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Maryland.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Maryland
Not EPA tested  for Transit Van 150 Low Roof
Transit Van 150 Low Roof
vs
$277/mo
Avg. Midsize Van
See Edmunds pricing data
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
2.5 out of 5 stars2.5/5Average
#12 out of 24 among Commercial Vans
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Ford Transit Van from 2008-2022.$1,025/yr
vs. $851/yr
for Average Commercial Van
for Average Commercial Van
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.59x/yr
vs. 1.96x/yr
for Average Commercial Van
for Average Commercial Van
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).18.3%
vs. 17.8%
for Average Commercial Van
for Average Commercial Van
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Ford Transit Van Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(23%)
4(18%)
3(18%)
2(16%)
1(25%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Another ford lemon
2 out of 5 starsDisappointed, 11/29/2016
2016 Ford Transit Van 250 Low Roof 3dr Cargo Van w/148" WB, 60/40 Passenger Side Door (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
Thought this would be real nice after all the issues with a transit connect, well it looks nice and has the space needed for a work truck, however it has had weird electrical issues that come and go, Bluetooth randomly won't connect to my phone. Once it had to be reset "by the dealer" at 38,000 miles. Now just over 40k, throttle body needed. Once again ford has convinced a small business … their vehicles are worth owning...wrong. Ford has and always will be the WORST most unreliable domestic vehicle brand available...more crap in a new wrapper. Pay more for anything else and don't risk your life everyday driving (or trying to) this junk.
UPDATE 6/1/17 so the throttle body failure was a common issue, parts back ordered. Got replacement, told by dealer it's all fixed, still stalls while driving, back to the lemon grove. 4 throttle bodies and 45 days later it runs correctly again. UNREAL that a company would put a consumer through this. I threatened them that it should be replaced under lemon law. So now at 56k miles, only major issue is Bluetooth forgets my phone once every couple weeks, reconnects usually. About every 6 weeks it doesnt, I reset the system by disconnect battery for 3 minutes. Then add phone back and reconnect.. spend your money elsewhere.
Pile of junk!
1 out of 5 starsRobert, 10/16/2018
2016 Ford Transit Van 150 Medium Roof 3dr Cargo Van w/130" WB, Sliding Passenger Side Door (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
I would NEVER recommend these to anyone. Rear brakes are destroyed every 20k miles. Driveshaft couplers? A complete joke, the dealers can't even fix them right! We own 9 of these and they are in the dealer more than they are out. Steer yourself the other way, buy a Nissan NV. We are done with these pieces of junk. All of the items I filled out are correct. Yes, they are that bad.
No Ford, no problem
2 out of 5 starsFCNI, 09/13/2016
2016 Ford Transit Van 250 Low Roof 3dr Cargo Van w/130" WB, 60/40 Passenger Side Door (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
Front passenger shock absorber replaced within a month of the purchase. The same thing happened to me today, Sep 12, 2016 with 6993 miles. The Van accelerator stop responding, all instrument lights flashing like a xmas tree, beeping sounds....towed the Van to a near Ford dealer, waiting to hear back from the dealer tomorrow. First and last Ford.
failed throttle body @5.6k and 3wks wait for parts
3 out of 5 starsriker, 06/27/2016
2016 Ford Transit Van 250 Medium Roof 3dr Cargo Van w/148" WB, Sliding Passenger Side Door (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
Driving this new 2016 transit, 250 medium height roof since February. With out warning van randomly loses acceleration, engine won't respond to accelerator and runs rough. Have to coast over into the break down lane and shut off/restart several times before van will drive again. Dealer telling us parts are backordered and 3 weeks out at best. Indicated they have had several other … Transits in the shop for the same issue claimed to be the throttle body. Ford will not provide rental reimbursement.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Ford Transit Van, so we've included reviews for other years of the Transit Van since its last redesign.
2018 Transit Van Highlights
150 Low Roof
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $32,380 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 246.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Transit Van models:
- Lane Keeping Alert
- Warns the driver when the vehicle drifts out of its lane. A rare feature among work vans.
- Safety Canopy
- Protects the front occupants' heads in a side collision by inflating the side curtain airbags.
- Side Wind Stabilization
- Uses the brakes to automatically and subtly counteract strong winds encountered by the ultratall Transit.
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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