4 Best & Worst Chevrolet City Express Years (Facts & Stats)

The Chevrolet City Express is a compact cargo van that had a 4-year production run from 2015 to 2018. 

It has a sizable payload capacity, over 120 cubic feet of cargo space, and a competent engine. 

In this article, we’ll be going through all of the best and worst model years of the City Express.

Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Chevrolet City Express Are:

The best Chevrolet City Express model years are 2018, 2017, and 2016. The worst model year is 2015. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.

What Are The Best Years For The Chevrolet City Express?

2018 Chevrolet City Express

The 2018 City Express is the final model year produced. 

It is primarily designed for small businesses or fleet operators that do not need massive payload and cargo capacities offered by full size vans.

It is also cost-efficient and easier to maneuver (for a large vehicle).

There are 2 main trim levels: LS and LT.

Both are powered by a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine (131 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque) paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that sends power to the front wheels.

Notable safety features are the following:

• Rear park assist
• Rear vision camera
• Brake force distribution

While not as flashy or feature-packed as other van options in the market, this is a good choice to make if you are looking for something practical and spacious (but not too spacious). 

• Edmunds: 3.1 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 5.0 / 5.0

2018 City Express, Kelley Blue Book Review:

“The Chevrolet City Express helped us with consistent dependability for five years and will do the same for any new owner.”

2017 Chevrolet City Express

The 2017 City Express is the second-to-last model ever produced, it stands out for its maneuverability, fuel efficiency, and low entry price (for its segment).

There are 2 basic trims: LS and LT. Both are powered by a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 131 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque.

Both trims have been rated to go for around 25 MPG for combined city and highway driving (according to the EPA). 

Maximum cargo capacity is approximately 123 cubic feet while maximum payload is 1,500 pounds. 

The features above, combined with a 6.1-inch ground clearance, make for a very durable and dependable compact cargo van. 

• Edmunds: 3.1 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 5.0 / 5.0

2017 City Express, Edmunds Review:

“This is my second City Express. Flew 800 miles to buy, since the price was right and the van had windows for better visibility than my first City Express. Like my first van, it accelerates ok, but the driver rides high…”

2016 Chevrolet City Express

The 2016 City Express has an economical 4-cylinder gas-powered engine, affordable base pricing (and maintenance costs), and better handling and maneuverability (compared to larger standard size vans).

Despite having no major changes, this model is considered to be a remarkable improvement over the highly problematic 2015 model year (discussed in the next section).

This model, which comes in 2 trims (LS and LT), is powered by a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine (131 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque) that is matched with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that sends power to the front wheels.

According to the EPA, fuel efficiency is up to 25 MPG for combined city and highway driving. 

• Edmunds: 3.1 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 5.0 / 5.0

2016 City Express, Kelley Blue Book Review:

“I love the vehicle. I use it for business and personal duties. Great gas mileage. I really like all the doors for easy access. The only negative I can think of is that the passenger seat does not have an arm rest or overhead handle to assist with entry and exit.”

Consumer Scores For Best Chevrolet City Express Years

Related: 25 Best & Worst Chevrolet Express Years (With Pictures)

What Are The Worst Years For The Chevrolet City Express?

2015 Chevrolet City Express

The 2015 City Express is the most problematic model year produced, and unsurprisingly was also the debut model year.

One of the most widespread problems was due to a problem with the passenger side airbag sensor, and there was a recall for this.

“ … in affected vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal airbag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.” – NHTSA.gov

Another owner reported a failure of the fuel pump relay.

“Fuel pump relay failed at 19,900 miles. engine would not run. luckily I was not driving on the highway at the time or there could have been a serious problem with the engine stopping while I was at highway speed.”

This owner reported issues with the Check Engine Light coming on.

“My complaint was the check engine light on the dashboard keeps coming on from a code related to emission problem, after 5 visits, and a couple of parts were replaced by the warranty, the service manager told me that they can not do anything for me”

• The 2015 City Express had a total of 11 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 7 problems based on NHTSA.gov data.

Other common problems:

• Excessive tire wear
• Fuel gauge not working
• Vehicle rocks side to side

Related: Chevrolet City Express Alarm Going Off? (12 Main Reasons)

What Years Have The Most Complaints?

What Problems Do Chevrolet City Express Have?

• Excessive tire wear
• Fuel gauge not working
• Vehicle rocks side to side

References

https://www.caranddriver.com/chevrolet/city-express

https://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/city-express/2018/review/

https://www.kbb.com/chevrolet/city-express/

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Chevrolet/City_Express/

https://www.carproblemzoo.com/recalls/chevrolet-cityexpress.php

https://www.nhtsa.gov/