Cadillac ATS Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.03/5 Average
55 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 1 through 10 of 55.00
  • Fun to drive - 2015 Cadillac ATS
    By -

    We leased the ATS because of its great looks but was pleasantly surprised by the excellent ride and handling. I would say the ATS actually drives better than a 3 series BMW. We do not regret leasing this fun to drive car. Only complaint is the rear seat is not designed for large adults and difficult to enter and exit but once you get in it is comfortable enough for moderate trips. Highly recommend.

  • The American Standard of Luxury not here. - 2013 Cadillac ATS
    By -

    I leased a 2013 Cadillac ATS 4 door Sedan turbo, The car has been nothing but problems from the start. We are talking about the American standard for luxury vehicles, obviously this car is not. I am not going to completely trash the car because it does have some good points such as the handling, acceleration, interior looks as well as an appealing exterior, definitely a great looking vehicle. But the CUE system is inoperable while driving for fear of getting too distracted or frustrated and getting into an accident. The radio is useless its always acquiring the HD signal so it sounds terrible, every once in a while it loses all the pre-set stations. I had front end problems since the begining of my lease, the car is in the shop every few months for different problems, already had about 7 recalls, There is absolutely no pleasure in driving this car. As I write this it is in the shop for noise vibrations on engine and rear. They called me and told me that there were loose screws on engine/door as far as the back vibration is concerned they said that all 4 rims are bent due to the potholes on roads. Now this definitely doesnt sound right, I can understand one rim possibly getting bent/damaged but not all four of them this leads me to believe that there is an apparent design/structural fault or that the materials used are too weak to support the weight of the vehicle. I have owned/leased well over 15 different vehicles during my life and never had a problem where I was told that the rims were bent/damaged. This ATS has been nothing but headaches since we got it and I must say that the dealership has been no help. When I last contacted the owner of the dealership he told me that I should call Cadillac/GMC directly and complain to them so let me get this straight you buy the car and after that they are done with you so now when you have a complaint or problem you have to contact the manufacturer yourself. What is the point in buying from a dealership when they are not there to help you, we may as well be allowed to buy directly from the manufacturer since ultimately they are the ones that you have to deal with. Lastly I must say that my experience with this vehicle has been nothing but frustrating and overall unpleasant, what is the point of having a car that you have absolutely no joy or pleasure in driving. I would be willing to possibly understand having so many problems if the car was used but for a brand new car it does not appear to be reasonable and at this point the car only has 27,000 miles practically still pretty new.

  • Read this review - 2014 Cadillac ATS
    By -

    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.

  • This car is not for the masses - 2014 Cadillac ATS
    By -

    I have had my ATS for a year now. Nothing major has happened. Even though I have to push down on the accelerator more when I have the A/C on, it picks up with strength. I use mid-grade gas and I can get 34+ mpg hwy. miles (according to the on-board computer. Have the 2.0 turbo with AWD and Auto). Very smooth running engine on the hwy. Acceptably quiet on the road. Kick-ass base audio (try XMs 90s channel and hold-on. Whats the wattage?). I like the firm suspension which is very strong (durable) too. Held up to a Michigan pot hole (i.e. crater) that took out both left side wheels. Not a scratch to the suspension or the Michelin run flats (they didnt blow. Need about 35psi). Did reasonably well in the snow last winter. Some of the real negative comments confuse me. I know there can be "Lemons" made. I didnt get one. The only down side is the resale value. Not a good show, GM. Good thing I am purchasing. I will keep it as long as it keeps on running like it is now. Like my title says. This car is not for everyone. It works fine for me.

  • Great Car and Excellent Value - 2015 Cadillac ATS
    By -

    A 85 year young lady pre ordered the car to what she wanted the car to have and look like. The only thing she did not like was the touch display on the cue display which does not have knobs. The ride is very comfortable and not noisy as said in the other review. Yes it is the Cadillac version of a sports car but having owned a 2012 Camaro R/S this is like driving a BMW Series 3. Take a test drive before you buy or lease if it not what you want then move up the Cadillac chain.

  • Cadillac and Crap start with "C" - 2013 Cadillac ATS
    By -

    GM stands behind their dealers, so the dealer takes the bullet. Purchased 2013 ATS, car is in shop on average of once every 8 weeks. 13+ items had to be fixed in 2 years. GM no longer has extended warranty, and they will not pay for extended warranty. GM will take NO RESPONSIBILITY for the poor quality. List of items and how many times they had to be fixed: QUE 4 times Sunroof 3 times Sterling wheel 2 times Drivers seat 2 times

  • CUE and gloss interior horrible - 2014 Cadillac ATS
    By -

    What was wrong with the interior controls in my 2013 CTS. This new interior is the worst. You may meme me jump ship over it.

  • Dont like the car. - 2015 Cadillac ATS
    By -

    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.

  • 2.0T 6A after 20K miles bought CPO at 8K miles - 2013 Cadillac ATS
    By -

    I bought the ATS 2.0T as a CPO from a local dealer. I paid 25K and I love the car. I always put in 92+ octane and have never gotten less than 25 mpg (miles driven/gallons pumped at empty- not cues take on the same). The handling of this car is as car&driver and all other magazines have stated - Second to none in its class. You feel connected to the road in a car that isnt a bloated overweight numb steering overpriced import. The trans does need work however, but in sport mode I have only minor complaints. I also have had zero problems since I bought it, and I now have 20K miles. Bottom line - If youre looking for a GREAT chassis, with sweet steering feel and acceleration take a test drive. I cross tested Audi A4, 3 series all the usual and the caddy fit my needs and likes much better than the others.

  • Going back to Lexus... - 2014 Cadillac ATS
    By -

    The sharp exterior styling brought me to this car, and the great salesman got me to drive off with it. Ive had this car for 12months (16K miles) now and have run into one issue after another...A blowout from the run-flat tires was the first issue. I paid $400 for a new tire because they said it was road-hazard. Then the USB ports stopped charging. Then the car threw up a check engine light (code P0023) dealer replaced a fuel solenoid. One month later, threw up another check engine (code P0021) dealer replaced fuel solenoid in Bank B. Its been a week, and now the car is idling rough and lacking power. No engine codes...YET.

Cadillac ATS Reviews By Year:
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