2018 Tesla Model 3 Review: Insights and OVERVIEW

The 2018 Tesla Model 3 review, which offered a more reasonably priced, cozy, mass-market EV with excellent performance, cutting-edge technology, and a sleek appearance, brought about a significant transformation in the electric vehicle industry. Years later, many owners still stand by its quality but the early Model 3 isn’t without flaws and errors. In this review, we break down the 2018 Model 3’s real-world performance, software experience, service pros and cons, battery health, Autopilot concerns, and overall maintenance costs.

Table of Contents

Performance and Driving Experience

The 2018 Model 3 came in several features:

Standard Range (SR) with ~220 miles of range
Mid Range (limited) with ~264 miles
Long Range (LR RWD and AWD) with up to 310 miles
Performance AWD, offering 0–60 mph in ~3.5 seconds

Rapid acceleration, a solid yet comfortable ride, and agile handling are all made possible by the electric torque. In 2025, a lot of owners continue to say that the 2018 Model 3 feels fast, responsive, and contemporary.

Software and Infotainment

Tesla’s software experience in the 2018 Model 3 was a leading way to the future. Almost all of the buttons were replaced by a 15-inch touchscreen, which centralized the controls for media, climate, navigation, and car settings. Among the features were:

Over-the-air (OTA) updates in real time

Tesla Theater (subsequent upgrades will integrate YouTube and Netflix)Almost all of the buttons were replaced by a 15-inch touchscreen, which centralized the controls for media, climate, navigation, and car settings. Among the features were:

Over-the-air (OTA) updates in real time

TuneIn, Slacker streaming, and Bluetooth

Tesla Theater (subsequent upgrades will integrate YouTube and Netflix)

Dashcam and Sentry Mode (added after October 2018)

The 2018 Model 3’s software was regularly updated by Tesla, providing customers with free additional features including gaming applications, traffic-aware navigation, and enhanced Autopilot.

Cameras and Accident Recording

The 2018 Model 3 was equipped with eight external cameras, devoleped for Autopilot but later it was also introduced for Dashcam and Sentry Mode recording through OTA updates.

Dashcam (from October 2018): Captures video while driving from the front, side, and rear cameras. Needs a USB cable.
Sentry Mode (from 2019): keeps an eye on the area while parked and captures video when it notices any unusual movement.

While the system doesn’t record audio, many owners have used footage to resolve insurance claims and even criminal activity. It has been sight of relief and helps to implement law.

Speed RANGE

In 2018, Tesla’s speed limit detection relied on GPS and map data, not camera-based recognition. This meant it sometimes showed incorrect limits in poorly mapped or updated areas. Camera-based speed sign reading became available via software in 2020—but only for vehicles upgraded to Hardware 3 (HW3). If your 2018 Model 3 still has HW2.5, it won’t read signs visually.

Sound System

Tesla stepped up the level satisfying everyone with its premium audio system—especially in the department of Long Range and Performance trims. Highlights include:

14 speakers, custom-tuned by former Bang & Olufsen engineers
One subwoofer and amplifier for deep, immersive audio
Streaming options via Spotify, TIDAL, and Bluetooth
Voice commands and customizable EQ settings

Even today, many compare it to $3,000+ systems in luxury cars.

Tesla Service: Advantages and DISADVANTAGES

Tesla’s service model is significant—there are no old school dealerships. Instead, Tesla offers:

Mobile Service: Techs come to your home for minor repairs
OTA Fixes: Many issues are resolved remotely
Flat-rate pricing and no oil changes
All service managed via the Tesla app
Tesla surprised everyone with its premium audio system—especially in the Long Range and Performance trims. Highlights include:

Long appointment wait times (especially in 2018–2021)
Part shortages, especially for body panels
Inconsistent service quality between regions
High repair costs out of warranty

Owners in metro areas fare better, but rural users may find service limited.

Battery Range and Degradation

The 2018 Long Range Model 3 was rated at 310 miles by the EPA. In real-world use:

Highway range: ~260–280 miles
Cold weather: Can drop to ~220–240 miles
City driving: Often exceeds expectations due to regenerative braking

Degradation is A slow process. Most owners report 8–10% range loss after 100,000 miles. Tesla’s battery warranty (8 years/100k–120k miles) ensures at least 70% capacity retention during that time.

Autopilot: Capable but Flawed

Autopilot in 2018 included basic lane keeping and adaptive cruise. Optional Enhanced Autopilot added features like:

Auto Lane Change
Navigate on Autopilot
Summon and Autopark

However, it was still beta-quality:

Phantom braking on highways
Poor lane change logic
Navigate on Autopilot often unreliable
No camera-based speed sign reading in HW2.5

Tesla’s branding of “Full Self-Driving” also caused confusion and regulatory scrutiny, as many features weren’t available yet.

Maintenance and Ownership Costs

One of the 2018 Model 3’s strongest advantages is low maintenance:

Service	Cost Estimate
Tire rotation	$50–$70
Cabin filter	$50–$100 every 2 years
Brake service	Rarely needed
Coolant/AC service	Every 4–5 years (~$300)

The typical yearly maintenance cost is between $300 and $500, which is half of what a comparable gas-powered vehicle would cost. However, repairs like replacing the touchscreen or repairing the suspension that are done outside of the warranty may be expensive.

Final LEAD: Is the 2018 Model 3 Still Worth It?

Yes—if you know what you’re getting. The 2018 Tesla Model 3 still delivers:

Great performance
Low maintenance costs
Solid software updates
Excellent range with minimal degradation

However, limitations like older Autopilot hardware, service wait times, and part delays mean it’s best for owners who are tech-savvy and willing to be patient.