Used 2018 Cadillac ATS Consumer Reviews
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The nod goes to Cadillac
I traded in a BMW 320 for the Cadillac ATS all wheel drive. The BMW is the segment leader and has been for many years for a good reason BUT, the Cadillac is better. It is more comfortable, much quieter, quicker and a pure joy to drive. It doesn't sound as sporty or feel as sporty, but it is overall an excellent car. It is, after all, a Cadillac. After 22,000 miles I still feel the same about the ATS, it’s a great car. After almost two years of ownership and 29,500 miles, I still feel the same. The ATS is a good-looking, well-designed machine and is a joy to drive. I now have 39,000 miles on the odometer and the ATS is a joy to drive. My ATS currently has 43700 miles and is still a good-looking joy to drive. At 54,000 miles my ATS has been relatively trouble free and is still a joy to drive.
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An overlooked gem of a car
2016 Cadillac ATS 2.0 turbo luxury AWD trim is a great handling car. As many others have mentioned already, the vehicle is slick, drives extremely well, handles confidently, and overall a great driving car. When the sport mode is selected, the wheel and suspension gets noticeably tightened and gear changes at higher RPMs to allow for a quicker acceleration, which all makes it a very nice sporty experience. One feature I do not like is that the luxury trim does not have the HID lights (higher trims do have it). Halogen lights does the job, but it is nowhere near the brightness of HID. Backseat is cramped, but for small to normal sized people, it isn't uncomfortable. If ATS makes HID standard and add a couple more inches to the backseat legroom, in my mind, it would clearly beat BMW 3 series. Until then, it is so close, yet so far from the 3 series benchmark. At the same time, when I'm in the car by myself driving in sport mode on the highway, these couple of minor inconveniences are an afterthought. At 272 hp and 295 lb-sqft, the 2.0 turbo is the real steal among the trim offerings in my opinion. If you are looking for an entry level luxury sport sedan, I highly recommend you test drive the ATS 2.0 turbo and test out the acceleration and handling. You won't be disappointed. Update: After 19k miles, the car is still great. No issues. Runs and handles excellent. Still loving the nimbleness, acceleration and instant power. Update 2: After 32,000 miles, no issues. Now we know that Cadillac is replacing the ATS with the new CT4 (www.caranddriver.com/news/amp23599322/cadillac-ct4-sedan-future-cars/), this may place the last gen ATS as the best compact performance car Cadillac will have built for awhile, because the CT4 will have less power and torque. I may sound like a broken record to mention its outstanding sportiness, but the last gen ATS 2.0T competes with a very select few high performance 2.0T compacts: 3 series, Audi A4, MB CLA, and AR Giulia. This is an outstanding group to be part of from performance perspective. Not sure the new CT4 can be part of this discussion. The old ATS’s performance reputation will be preserved in the historical context. Some complain about its boxier look, but I find it classy and set apart from the competition. Local Cadillac dealership experience has been quality.
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- Luxury SedanMSRP: $17,90094 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $12,49033 mi away
- Luxury SedanMSRP: $20,990In-stock online
Makes you grin every time you drive it.
This car in my opinion is a driver's car. The 3.6 liter V6 is very responsive, it makes nice noises. The chassis corners flat, the transmission bangs shifts off with authority, the steering is great and with the V Sport brake option I can keep out of trouble.. When you want to be sedate and laid back the ATS accommodates so nicely. Drove the car out west for vacation. Interstate highways were gobbled up with 32 mpg. Twisty mountain roads are where this little sedan shines baby! In sport mode I was hitting apexes at twice the limit and asking for more.
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Solid Choice for Luxury Conpact
I recently purchased a new 2018 Cadillac ATS after years of service from my Lexus ES 350. There are pros and cons to both vehicles for comparison sake. The Lexus was much more comfortable and smooth, but the performance, handling, acceleration of the Cadillac is far superior. If you are looking for a classic Cadillac cruiser DO NOT BUY THIS CAR. But if you are looking for a fun to drive luxury compact, this car is for you.
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Don't play the "more horsepower is better" game.
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.
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Had a CTS and now driving an ATS
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.
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Sweet car and great to drive
I was looking for a used ATS earlier this year, primarily to avoid the steep value depreciation in the first couple of years. I heard a lot of negative feedback from friends and others who have had older Cadillac models, but I have followed this car through it's release and updates. My summary is that it drives really well, and overall is a great car that is also fun to drive. If I have any complaints about it, they would be in the area of the transmission and attenuation that I get at certain speeds. The dealer says that there isn't anything wrong with the car, and the learning transmission has adopted to my driving style better so I have less of that. If I could give it a 4.5 I would but these nuisance things are minor. The value for the price paid is really good, in my opinion. The driving dynamics, especially on the highway, are stellar and probably the part I like best about this car. I have now had the car over a year, and every car has its issues. Overall I would give it a 4/5 now instead of 5. The transmission is not the best, too set up for fuel economy even in sport mode. Also if the steering is cut all the way to one side it spits up a bit. Still happy with it and glad I bought it used. It runs fine on regular gas and gets good mileage. The handling is the best part of the car.
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Terrific
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
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Best handling, best balanced, most agile sedan
This 4 door sedan handles better than any comparable sedan I've driven in years. It is nimble, well balanced, has precise, accurate steering; it is a joy to drive.
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New ATS Coupe
The car is beautiful with it's volicity red exterior and black interior. New the car had a loose connector in the driverside door. Within twenty four hours the cruise control quite working and the dealer can't get the correct part. After a couple months it started working. The Continental Procontact SSR run flat tires are noisy and hard riding. Cadillac & Continental refused to replace them. Rear tire alignment was off and dealer didn't mention when rotating tires. Had to replace tires at 24,00 miles due to broken belt, replaced with Bridgestone Driveguard Tires. What an improvement with driving comfort. The way tires and rims are designed, it's easy to scratch rims on curbs. If you use Apple Carplay with the iPhone navigation or OnStar navigation the radio wont play. Dealer isn't very helpful with assisting. No one to turn to. Don't recommend Apple carplay. Heater don't seem to provide heat consistently when needed.. Controls are dangerous to use and drive. CUE system is as dangerous as texting. Had trouble with drivers side window lowering enough to open door. Took Cadillac dealer four tries to fix, but when cold still won"t lower enough. works ok during warm temperature. Told dealer what I felt why, but he won't listen. For some odd reason transmission slips in low gear it's self when it shouldn't. Plastic cover on back of drivers seat fell off twice, Had to pop it back on, Cue screen went static, but had backup diagram showing driving forward. Back up camera isn't clear on moist evenings. not sure if exhaust cause problem. Cadillac problem. Had same issue on Cadillac XT% loaner, but not as bad. Camera gets dirty easy, especially when raining. Car value depreciated over $27,000, in less than two years. due to dissatisfaction I was going to trade in, but own more on car than it's worth. Even do I put a $10,000. down payment on. Had this car back to the dealer more than any car I've owned in 40 years. It's a shame such a beautiful car. will never buy another vehicle with run flat tires.
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love it
Will set you back in the seat and put a smile on your face. It is harsh with holes but worth the price of great handling. Gas mileage is good, I drive mostly around town and after 2 years I am averaging 24.5 mpg. The only trouble I have experienced is with the CUE. It changes channels all by it self. I have not had it checked due to it being intermittent. Every time I approach the dealer it stops doing it. So I will have to wait for it to break. I would highly recommend this car if you don't need a big back seat and trunk.
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Amazing changes
I bought this type model starting with the 2010 SRX. I don’t think I’ll ever drive another type. I thought that car was awesome; great ride, lots of features, and the sound system is sooo good I can rock out. So I then got a 2014 (I like to keep cars under warranty). But then when I got the 2017 ATS, expecting it to be the same I was surprised. The shift stick took some getting used to. The gas mileage went up almost 20% I guess because the car is lighter and it has the stop start feature. The AI features are complicated but once you get the hang of it it’s an assistant. The “stay in lane ” feature has been very helpful teaching teenagers to drive. Also the “you’re too close”. I’m Sure they have fancy names but you get the gist. I use the heated seat feature on days when my back aches and steering wheel warmer on days ,y hands hurt. (Not often but I big day at the gym can sometimes be too much) My particular Cadillac dealer (fields Cadillac in jacksonville and st Augustine Florida) is practically like family. They take care of everything and it’s worth the 35 mile drive plus they give me a loaner and will feed people breakfast and lunch should you have to wait. What’s not to like? I never even think about any other new cars and doubt I ever will.
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Sporty Look and a great ride
Nothing changed since the last review. THe car is still going strong and I very much enjoy the ride. Would get another one when the time comes Still fun to drive. No service required after 8 months. Had the car for 2 years and still enjoy having it. Little to no defects and very little service. Do not expect to get another one soon but would get a new one when the time comes for sure.
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2017 Cadillac ATS
Bought a new Cadillac ATS 2 weeks ago and love every second of driving it. It is considerably different from its predecessors in that it is much smaller and feels more sporty, while still maintaining a high quality of comfort one expects from the Cadillac name.
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Still going strong
I have driven the car for many years and other than normal maintenance, it has cost me little money.. Sporty looking car with a lot of very good features. The car is comfortable and enjoyable to drive. It takes a minute for the turbo to really kick in but on the highway, it has got plenty of speed. The AWD will get you through the snow and holds the road when it is wet. Plenty of technology and the safety features are great to have and makes one more aware of the road.
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Nice car back seat very small
Very nice car. Downsized from previous years. Back seat tough to get in and out of
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Better than my Camry
Strong Toyota loyalty but dealerships were a hassle. Found this 2016 Cadillac through True Car and I love It!! Looks great, drives great, such a strong beautiful vehicle. The back seats are the drawback but if you are not hauling a bunch of kids or people all the time then it is great for couples who love to be out and about. I love stretching her legs on the highways. Very happy!!
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Transmission transition twitchy!
When I got the got a few months ago, I was more excited about the electronics than the feel of the car. A few weeks into driving I discovered how erratic the transmission shifting was--you can actually feel the car going into gear and ,in some instances, the engine downshifts, which I consider unsafe. Even with disabling the "stop engine" mode, you can feel the noticeable changes in shifting. It is an unsatisfactory ride and I have owned or leased over 40 GM cars.
Fun 2.5L standard Caddy
Since I just learned that the 2.5L engine will not be used in 2017, I will change my review to the following: Honestly, I bought this car because it is a four door with "rear wheel drive" and handling is good. The price was greatly discounted on the ATS base model so I decided to purchase it rather than a Chevy Malibu. If the Chevy Malibu was rear wheel drive, I would have purchased one of those. The other reason for buying the ATS, is that my wife did not want a larger car than this. I preferred to buy a Dodge Charger or Chrysler 300, but what can you do. Happy wife, happy life.
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The ATS is all that $hi+
Although small in size, the turbo and rear wheel drive make this car fun to drive and great to own
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Performance handling
I have a Cadillac ATS 2.0t luxury awd it handles great fast as lightning and it has run flat tires ugh no spare overall it’s a marvelous car I love it
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Fun to drive but limited cargo and rear passenger
Check what is actually included and what has additional costs
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Easy and Complete
It's a small car. There is VERY little room in the back seat for adults. It is very 'peppy' with great acceleration. It's also very attractive.
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Fine build, BUT its CRAMPED inside...no head room.
no cd player.. it rides rough on rough roads.. some road noise.. the tires will cost some seroius money to replace one day.. Runs quickly when you light the turbo engine.. Premium gas sure costs extra
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Smooth ride
Can't go wrong with a Caddy
No win situation Dads happy now
Panel on door needs fixed ..gear shifter leather torn ...window sealed rotted ...lights dull and scared. Tired dull and numb ....
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Excelsior
I traded my Chrysler for this exquisite machine and I am ecstatic with its performance, handling, luxury, and technology!
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Wow is this a great car!
I purchased this 2017 AWD Cadillac ATS Sport as a used vehicle with 37K miles on the clock. I have never looked back. Mine now has 128000 and the maintenance has been brakes, head lights, tires, and one very bad instance of bad engineering. Brakes are easy to replace and reasonably priced, the head lights are impossible to get to and the dealer charged me 300.00 to change them out. Tires were switched from the low profile run flats, which made the ride stiff, to regular tubeless, and I was happy i did. Two sets of tires in the almost 100k that i put on it and only one set of F/R brakes. As for the bad engineering, at 101k miles the ECM module went bad due to water getting into the enclosure through a badly designed plug system. 1600.00 bucks later, but that is the only maintenance failure I have had. I have to say, with the carbon fiber accents, the Recaro bucket seats, and the peppy 2.0 liter turbo, runs excellent with 16 in the city and 28 on the highway at or above highway speed. And they provide a button to turn off the silly Auto Cut Off at stops. Brilliant. This is the best car I have ever owned, Jags, Jeeps, MGB, Toyota, included. The only two complaints that I have are; it is low, so oncoming headlights are brighter, and the high beams are not as illuminating as I would like. As for the CUE system, it stinks.
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Good value-transmission issues-comfortable seats
Enjoyable car - inside and out - 2017 with 30,000 . Transmission shifts clunky and some times shutters. They put some new improved fluid and its calmer now. Has good pep - handles the highway like a champ. Rear suspension getting rusted and lose - dealers says its weather related and rust isnt a "part failure" according to GM -
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Quiet, smooth, and great gas mileage.
I have nothing to dislike about this vehicle. Handling is spontaneous. All electronics work perfectly. Have never had an issue with this car. Cadillac quality.
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The new handling benchmark for it's class!
Great handling car. Easy to see out of when driving. We have the base four cylinder so it's a little rough on starting but in line with other cars in it's class. Easy to park and when driving quite fun to drive.
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No spear tier
Oh I just bought 2018 Cadillac ATS with the low mileage yesterday it’s my second day drive in this car and the biggest shock for me yesterday I had a flat tire in the highway I called AAA and AAA came and he still looking for the spare tire then I Google it Then I found outthe Cadillac ATS don’t have a spare tire did you believe that i’ve been driving Cadillac for years but it’s not ATS No it’s CTS I can’t believe the Cadillac company made car like that and I put good money for the ATS now the car at the Cadillac dealership. It’s the most bad decision in my life to get Cadillac ATS 2018
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YAYYYY!!
This was my little brother’s choice and I love this for him!! The car drives very smooth, nice interiors on the inside. Very lovely!! Thank you Mr. Manny!!
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Love it till it breaks
I bought a 2016 ATS and loved it until it went in the shop. At 20,000 miles had transmission problems at 50,000 plus miles had transmission problem at 72,000 miles had transmission wiring harness $1,400 dollars then problems and at 72,200 miles had engine wiring harness problems $6,000 dollars Cadillac offered to pay 10 percent $616 dollars even after it was found to be a coolant sensor that caused the harness to go bad. Don’t waste your hard earned money on one. I always wanted one but not another.
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