2013 Cadillac ATS 2.5L Review (Car & Driver)

[ral1960]

This is just awful. I do most of my driving at 6000 rpm or more. Worked really well in today's ice storm.

[b4z]

Why can't GM build a smoother non coarse feeling/sounding 4 banger?

[AMcA]

What is interesting to me is that the E36 325i was considered a hot rod, and was the fastest car in its class with performance that is not utterly divergent from the ATS 2.5. Although the 325i debuted with an output of only 189 hp, and 181 lb ft.

Probably because BMW, according to longstanding rumors, consistently under-rates the power of its engines.

[jpd80]

Of the 13,600 odd ATS in national dealer inventory, only about 2,500 are 2.5 liter examples.

So when buyers go to a dealership, they are mostly greeted by $45,000 to $50,000 versions.
GM and Caddy dealers aren't stupid, they know that most buyers are after turbo and V6 versions

An exploitation for lowish ATS sales numbers could be that most sales are actually high series profitable versions..


IMO, Cadillac needs to move to +$40,000 sales and open up space for better Buicks below
and in turn move Buick up in price and appointments to make room for better Chevrolets below it.

The 2.5 ATS is a joke, that's what you do for a Buick, not a Cadillac and for minimal additional effort,
a 3.0 V6 with 50 hp more for similar money would strengthens the ATS' market position and identity.

[ViperDVMan]

Why can't GM build a smoother non coarse feeling/sounding 4 banger?

Because we're Americans. We're well known for being raw and unrefined

[Tone]

Sorry, I love the ATS, but my next car is definitely going to be the Regal GS! I absolutely love it!

That's the beauty of the Buick/Cadillac price overlap if managed properly. Buick offers a lot more car for the money while Cadillac offers less content but (arguably) more sophistication for the same price point. Buyers are then properly segments and those who want it all -- content and sophistication -- can get it - for a premium - as a Cadillac.

[ral1960]

Why can't GM build a smoother non coarse feeling/sounding 4 banger?

It's apparently fine in normal driving. GM tuned it for low end torque, which probably compromised the top end.

Of the 13,600 odd ATS in national dealer inventory, only about 2,500 are 2.5 liter examples.

...
IMO, Cadillac needs to move to +$40,000 sales and open up space for better Buicks below
and in turn move Buick up in price and appointments to make room for better Chevrolets below it.

My dealer is getting all the cheap ATSs, then, and idiotically, with black vinyl seats.
I've yet to see one on the road, maybe that's why.

They're finally offering cars that justify the high prices, a mixed blessing for us used Cadillac buyers.

[RoyG]

Until Buick has a rear driver, Caddy needs to offer a base engine like the 2.5 so that they can sell an ATS model in the $30s.

In the article, no mention of "Cimarron". The tide is turning, folks.

[the_smurf2008]

If it had a normal volume knob there you would be able to with no issues

It's on the steering wheel, right there in the interior photo. Next to the phone button.
Also only a moron changes volumn in reverse while moving.

[the_smurf2008]

Who adjusts volume when reversing a car?

The writer is a moron...It's on steering wheel ....

[jpd80]

It's on the steering wheel, right there in the interior photo. Next to the phone button.
Also only a moron changes volumn in reverse while moving.

LOL, unless when a driver turn around to look in reverse,
his fat guts presses up against the horn trim...er, volume switch

[free_energy0]

It's a fair review of a great chassis let down by a typically GM sub par powertrain; a NA 4 cylinder that is made for the lowest common denominator Malibu, and the exclusion of a manual transmission. Honda's four cylinders work well for boring cars but also have enough character to appeal to drivers, and that is an area where GM needs to improve. This set up would be a world beater if it had an engine as good as the K24A2, and I hope it gets there when GM gives this engine, and the LTG, a Valvetronic-type valvetrain.

[Dr. Show-Me]

It's interesting how they equip the base model, with rwd only and automatic transmission only. I suspect they are doing it that way to avoid a lot of buyers opting for awd and the base engine, a combination that would be more than adequate for many drivers. 0-60 time shows the power is adequate for anything short of high-speed passing.
Hey GM - give the buyers more stand-alone options rather than forcing them to buy a more expensive model (or go to another brand). You are losing sales with your options packaging.

[Z284ever]

Fair review. GM needs to step it up a little on its smaller engine NVH. Can you imagine this review if it came with a manual trans and the 2.5 sang smoothly and beautifully to it's redline?

[steve333]

If the base Model doesn't have CUE, that's the one I would get.