Skip to main content

Used 2016 Cadillac ATS Consumer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
42 reviews

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2016 ATS, so we've included reviews for other years of the ATS since its last redesign.

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Don't play the "more horsepower is better" game.

Red18, 08/26/2018
updated 03/24/2025
2016 Cadillac ATS Standard 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 8A)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful

2016, This is the only year of ATS with the combination 2.5L "naturally aspirated" engine and new 8 speed transmission. I think that is why I get 36 mpg Hwy. (Very happy with that). Freeway off ramps and windy roads are the most fun with the 202 hp engine. I hope to keep this car for many years. Stop playing the "more horsepower is better" game, as promoted by car reviewers. A car that does 7 seconds (0 to 60mph) is the best balance between power and gas mileage. After 5 years, I am still happy with this base engine. It is reliable, light weight, and quiet.(7 years later, still good!) (2023) everything still good! still like the car. (2024) Ditto. Still own the car. No problems. (2025) 8 yrs later, still good! this car is a classic car design. Rear wheel drive, reliable naturally aspirated engine, good handling. You can't find many of these being made anymore, maybe only the new Corvette. Personally, I don't want a Turbo engine or EV vehicle.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

Had a CTS and now driving an ATS

Matt Spencer, 07/18/2017
2016 Cadillac ATS Standard 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
33 of 36 people found this review helpful

Biggest downside, car is it's a large compact. After that watch out it is a fun drive. Great cornering and excellent acceleration provide an excellent feel behind the wheel. The car is 5 star safety in every category making the overall experience that much better. Had previous experience with 2.0 turbo and it was problem free although I only drove it for 50k miles. If you are not looking for a large sedan this could be your car. Drive it and you will like it.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
2016 Cadillac ATS for sale near you
3 of 58 listings
See all 58 listings

4 out of 5 stars

Fun to drive

Harold, 12/09/2015
updated 06/20/2016
2015 Cadillac ATS Standard 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
17 of 18 people found this review helpful

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. Update 06/20/16: We now have 14,000 miles and the ATS is still better than expected!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse

4 out of 5 stars

Great car for singles and as second car.

Anmar Janabi, 06/13/2016
2015 Cadillac ATS Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful

I wasn't thinking into buying this car until I received a newspaper with an amazing offer. To be honest, the good deal drove me to the dealer to try the car. I leased it for about $140/mo cheaper than BMW, Mercedes, Audi. I have driven BMW, Mercedes, Audi as well. This ATS really can compete with its sisters. 2.0T engine is amazing, powerful although little noisy when Turbo kicks in. I tried my friend's Audi A5 but ATS was faster in acceleration. Handling is stellar ! Braking is great, better than BMW and Audi due to Brembo brand. Check 60-0 mph braking on YouTube. I think it was 99 feets vs 101 feet for BMW, Mercedes, Audi. Interiorly, I agree with others, it is small. Rear seat barely for 2 adults, and Trunk is much smaller than my previous Honda Civic. For me isn't an issue and I am slim, use the car for commuting only, rarely people get intro rear seat. Small trunk doesn't bother me, I have a SUV. Great finish, wood trims, leather all over. But the touch part of the console is awkward. Physical buttons are more appropriate while driving. Gear: for some reason manual downshifting is restrained. You need to pull hard to overcome the unexpected resistance. Upshifting is smooth. I don't understand why Cadillac does that. Headlight is good, but the high beam light is poor. Don't thing it will lighten the road like BMW and Mercedes. Overall, the performance is outstanding. But my advice is American cars should be leased only due to poor reliability after 3-4 years and low resale value.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

Terrific

L. Taylor, 02/11/2016
updated 02/13/2017
2016 Cadillac ATS Luxury 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
26 of 30 people found this review helpful

Comfortable, well appointed, great handling, terrific braking, and REALLY FAST. Very fun to drive. After 1 year: have not had any mechanical problems; with fold- down rear seatbacks I'm able to transport lots of items; still very fun to drive

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
Items per page:
5