Overview & Reviews

A recent addition to the Cadillac lineup, the ATS boasts up-to-date styling, a well-equipped interior and an engaging driving feel that allow it to compete strongly with its rivals. Smaller and less expensive than Cadillac's CTS, the ATS aims right at the heart of German-engineered titans like the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series that dominate this market of sport sedans.

Historically, Cadillac has never really offered a true compact sport sedan (the old Cimarron is best forgotten). But the ATS effectively fills that gap. Sharp, agile and desirable, the ATS is helping to redefine Cadillac for a new generation.

Current Cadillac ATS
The Cadillac ATS is a compact luxury sport sedan that's offered in four trim levels: Standard, Luxury, Performance and Premium.

There are three engines to choose from, depending on the trim you select. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine makes 202 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. Next up is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four rated at 272 hp and 260 lb-ft. The top power plant is a 3.6-liter V6 that cranks out 321 hp and 274 lb-ft. All ATS trims come standard with rear-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is optional. Most ATS models come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission; however, a six-speed manual gearbox for the turbocharged four-cylinder is available as an option.

Even the base ATS comes well equipped with 17-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats, premium vinyl upholstery, OnStar and a seven-speaker Bose audio system with an iPod/USB interface. Stepping up to the Luxury trim adds parking sensors, keyless entry and ignition, a rearview camera, leather seats, driver memory functions, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and the CUE infotainment interface. Perks of the Performance trim include xenon headlights, automatic wipers, front sport seats, an upgraded audio system and various driver warning systems. The Premium trim features 18-inch wheels, a navigation system, a color head-up display and, on rear-drive versions, adaptive suspension dampers and a limited-slip rear differential.

Inside the ATS's cabin there's an abundance of tasteful styling and quality materials. Overall comfort is fine, although the rear seats will leave taller passengers feeling cramped. When it comes to holding the driver and front passenger securely in spirited driving, the standard front seats are up to the task; the optional sport seats don't really provide any advantage here. Similar to a smartphone's screen, the CUE (Cadillac User Experience) infotainment screen responds to swipes, taps or flicks, lighting up as you touch it. We like the familiarity of its design, but it's sometimes slow to react to commands and lacks easily accessible, intuitive controls like a volume knob. As it stands, the amount of attention required to operate CUE can be distracting.

In reviews of the Cadillac ATS, we've found that the 2.5-liter engine is merely adequate and lacks the power expected from a sport sedan. Considerably more stirring performance is provided by the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and the V6. Where the ATS truly shines, however, is handling. Responsive steering and a buttoned-down attitude when pressed contribute to its competency for both daily driving and enthusiastic cornering.

While it falls marginally behind in areas like trunk space and power with the base engine, the Cadillac ATS otherwise compares very well to its rivals in terms of price, standard and optional features and handling. We feel it's a legitimate option for any entry-level luxury sport sedan shopper.

Used Cadillac ATS Models
Introduced for 2013, the Cadillac ATS has remained essentially unchanged apart from minor equipment shuffling.

User Reviews:

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  Read this review - 2014 Cadillac ATS
  By Tom Murphy - October 5 - 10:14 am

  I have had this car for 15 months. 3 recalls new brakes new tires rear end alignment You should really think about going somewhere other than Cadillac because this is a troubled model. The room inside is terrible. The dealership surely will let you know that you bought the wrong car. They really should not call this a Cadillac.

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  Dont like the car. - 2015 Cadillac ATS
  By Sue - August 22 - 1:13 pm

  Need to drive this ATS on the highway, before committing to buy or lease. Its noisy and a rough ride. Doesnt feel like you are driving a Cadillac. We are very sorry that we leased this car.

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  STUCK WITH A LEMON - 2013 Cadillac ATS
  By rzuff77 - April 6 - 11:37 pm

  This car has been a lemon since about 5k miles and very disappointed with my purchase. Around 10k miles performance was awful 0-60 in about 15 seconds and I kept taking it back and finally they decided to replace the turbo at 15k miles. Still has the same problem but also shift rough and has a hesitation issue no one at the dealer can replicate. I currently own 5 GM vehicles but it maybe time to thin out my stable or at least dump GM. The dealership has been downright rude and awful and 800 Cadillac service is joke. Never calls you back and wastes your time.

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  BAD Steering and BAD Tires - 2013 Cadillac ATS
  By tp013 - December 10 - 1:54 pm

  I bought my cadillac in March of 2013, 25,000 miles later I am now putting my third set of tires on. I have had nothing but problems with this care from the steering locking up, stalling up an hill I also on acceleration get a banging noise from under the hood. the glove compartment and trunk not closing to an annoying rattling sound coming from the steering wheel and speaker in back seat. This car is not worth buying and would not recommend it to anyone. Everytime it was brought back to the dealer nothing is wrong with it

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  ATS on wheels...please read - 2014 Cadillac ATS
  By caddi2 - August 26 - 11:46 am

  On 10618283 NTHSA,Called the dealership who sold us the run flat tires), tweeted GM. No one at this point has been the least bit interested in what I had I to say. After my crash, on August 11, 2014, I have found several other ATS owners that experience the same exact issue..I am the only one to suffer injuries, crash and totaled my car. What is GM or the tire manufacture or these Safety Org. waiting for someone to die. I almost lost my life my 16 daughter was in the car with me...my husband almost lost his wife and daughter, and my son almost lost his mother and sister. As I stated before please help me shed some light on this issue. If this were your loved o

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  Two ATSs Since Memorial day 2013 - 2013 Cadillac ATS
  By unsatisfied27 - February 21 - 4:22 pm

  I purchased a new 2013 ats on memorial day 2013 , i am on my second one now. the first one i had put 5509 miles on it the first 10 days i owned it. i took it back to the dealership in N.C and had a complaint that the steering wheel would get stuck while driving on the highway, they had the car for two weeks . could not find problem, did some computer updates as recommended from cadillac tech support. it continued to happen after they gave it back to me .finally had it towed back for the same problem. they gave me a new one, put 8700 miles on that one and i have an electrical problem center dash goes black. turns out there is a short in the radio and the ecm unit .