The Cadillac ATS, introduced in 2013, aimed to challenge established luxury sport sedans like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. It offered a compelling blend of performance, style, and technology, making it an attractive option for buyers seeking a domestic alternative. However, like any vehicle, some model years of the ATS proved to be more reliable and desirable than others.
This guide will navigate you through the ATS's production run, highlighting the best years to buy and those you might want to avoid, ensuring you make an informed decision.
Cadillac ATS: Model Year Overview
| Model Year | Key Features & Changes | Potential Issues & Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Launch Year: Available with 2.5L I4, 2.0L Turbo I4, and 3.6L V6 engines; Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system introduced. | CUE System: Initial versions were known for being slow and glitchy. Engine Issues: Some reported problems with the 2.0L turbo engine, including timing chain issues and potential oil leaks. First Year Model: Typically have higher risk of unforeseen issues. |
| 2014 | Minor updates to CUE system; added available Wi-Fi hotspot. | CUE System: Still reported issues, though slightly improved. Engine Issues: Concerns regarding the 2.0L turbo engine persisted. |
| 2015 | Minor styling tweaks; revised interior materials; improved CUE system responsiveness. | CUE System: Improvements made, but still not perfect. Engine Issues: 2.0L Turbo engine remained a potential concern, although GM addressed some issues through technical service bulletins (TSBs). |
| 2016 | Updated Cadillac logo; standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility; new eight-speed automatic transmission available on some models. | Transmission Issues: Some early reports of issues with the new eight-speed transmission. CUE System: More reliable than previous years but can still be slow at times. |
| 2017 | No major changes. Final year of the ATS sedan. | Transmission Issues: Eight-speed transmission issues continued to surface. Availability: Finding a well-maintained example might require more searching. |
| 2018 (ATS Coupe Only) | Final year of the ATS Coupe. | Parts Availability: As a discontinued model, finding specific parts might become more challenging in the future. Transmission Issues: Eight-speed transmission issues continued to surface. |
| ATS-V (2016-2019) | High-performance variant with a twin-turbocharged 3.6L V6 engine. | High Performance Maintenance: Expect higher maintenance costs associated with a high-performance vehicle. Potential for Abuse: Thorough inspection for signs of track use or aggressive driving is crucial. |
Detailed Explanations
Launch Year (2013): The 2013 Cadillac ATS marked the entry of Cadillac into the compact luxury sedan segment. It was offered with three engine choices: a 2.5L four-cylinder, a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 3.6L V6. This year introduced the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system, a new and ambitious technology for Cadillac.
CUE System: The Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system was a touch-screen based infotainment system designed to integrate audio, navigation, and climate control. Early versions of CUE (2013-2015) were criticized for their slow response times, glitchy behavior, and sometimes confusing interface. Later iterations (2016-2019) saw improvements in responsiveness and stability.
Engine Issues (2.0L Turbo): Some owners reported issues with the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, particularly in the earlier model years (2013-2015). These issues included timing chain problems, oil leaks, and potential for premature wear. While GM issued some technical service bulletins (TSBs) to address these concerns, the 2.0L turbo engine remained a point of concern for some buyers.
Minor Updates (2014 & 2015): Cadillac made incremental improvements to the ATS in 2014 and 2015. These updates primarily focused on refining the CUE system and addressing some of the initial concerns raised by owners. The 2015 model year also saw some minor styling tweaks and improved interior materials.
Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (2016): A significant upgrade arrived in 2016 with the inclusion of standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This allowed drivers to seamlessly integrate their smartphones with the CUE system, providing a more user-friendly and familiar infotainment experience.
New Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission (2016): In 2016, a new eight-speed automatic transmission became available on some ATS models. While the eight-speed transmission offered improved fuel economy and performance, some owners reported issues with rough shifting and hesitation.
Transmission Issues (Eight-Speed): The eight-speed automatic transmission, introduced in 2016, was subject to some complaints regarding rough shifting, hesitation, and occasional clunking noises. These issues were more prevalent in the early years of the transmission's use. While not all ATS models with the eight-speed transmission experienced these problems, it's a point to be aware of when considering a used ATS.
No Major Changes (2017): The 2017 model year was the final year for the ATS sedan. There were no significant changes from the 2016 model.
ATS Coupe Only (2018): In 2018, the ATS was only available as a coupe. This marked the end of the ATS model line, as it was replaced by the Cadillac CT4.
Parts Availability: As the ATS is a discontinued model, finding replacement parts, particularly for less common components, might become more challenging in the future. However, many parts are shared with other GM vehicles, which should help alleviate some concerns.
High-Performance Maintenance (ATS-V): The ATS-V, the high-performance variant of the ATS, requires more specialized maintenance compared to the standard models. This includes more frequent oil changes, brake replacements, and other performance-related maintenance items.
Potential for Abuse (ATS-V): Due to its high performance capabilities, the ATS-V is more likely to have been driven aggressively or even used for track days. A thorough inspection is crucial to identify any signs of excessive wear or damage. Look for signs of worn tires, brakes, or suspension components.
Availability: As the ATS is no longer in production, finding a well-maintained example might require more searching. Be prepared to travel further or spend more time researching different options.
Best Years to Buy
Based on reliability reports, owner feedback, and available features, the 2016 and 2017 model years of the Cadillac ATS are generally considered the best. These years benefited from improvements to the CUE system, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a more mature platform. However, be aware of potential issues with the eight-speed transmission.
If you're looking for an ATS-V, the 2017-2019 model years are preferred, as they represent the final iterations of the high-performance variant.
Years to Avoid (or Approach with Caution)
The 2013, 2014, and 2015 model years should be approached with caution due to the early CUE system issues and potential problems with the 2.0L turbo engine. If you are considering one of these model years, be sure to have it thoroughly inspected by a qualified mechanic and pay close attention to the vehicle's maintenance history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which engine is the most reliable in the ATS? The 3.6L V6 is generally considered the most reliable engine option, followed by the 2.5L I4. The 2.0L turbo engine had some reported issues, especially in the earlier model years.
Is the CUE system really that bad? Early versions of CUE (2013-2015) were slow and glitchy, but later versions (2016+) were improved. If you value a responsive infotainment system, prioritize a 2016 or newer model.
Are parts readily available for the ATS? While the ATS is discontinued, many parts are shared with other GM vehicles, making them relatively easy to find. However, some specific parts might become more challenging to source in the future.
Is the ATS-V a good daily driver? The ATS-V can be a fun daily driver, but expect a firmer ride, higher fuel consumption, and increased maintenance costs. It's best suited for enthusiasts who appreciate its performance capabilities.
What should I look for when buying a used ATS? Thoroughly inspect the vehicle's maintenance history, check for any signs of CUE system issues, and have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission. For ATS-V models, pay close attention to signs of aggressive driving or track use.
Conclusion
The Cadillac ATS offered a compelling alternative in the luxury sport sedan segment. While some model years experienced growing pains, the 2016 and 2017 models represent the sweet spot in terms of features, reliability, and overall value. Careful research and a thorough pre-purchase inspection are essential to ensure you find the best ATS for your needs.