Buick Cascada

Overview: Is the Buick Cascada a Good Convertible?

The Buick Cascada, a short-lived entry in the American convertible market, graced U.S. shores for only the 2016-2019 model years. Based on the Opel Cascada built in Gliwice, Poland, this four-seat convertible represented Buick's attempt to inject excitement into its lineup dominated by sedans and crossovers.

While sold under different brands in other markets, including Opel in Europe and Vauxhall in the UK, the Cascada wore the Buick badge in North America. The Cascada was one of the last passenger cars in Buick's lineup. General Motors has made Buick an all-SUV division, including the Envista, Encore GX, Envision, and Enclave.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Buick Cascada cars for sale.

Find a used Buick Cascada near me.

Related: Which Years Of Used Buick Cascadas Are Most Reliable?

Key Features

The Buick Cascada offers:

• Compact convertible body style
• 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine
• Front-wheel drive (FWD)
• Power-operated soft top that can be lowered in 17 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph
• Available forward collision alert and lane departure warning
• Rollover protection system
• Heated front seats and steering wheel

Trims

Buick offered the Cascada in three trim levels:

• Base: Well-equipped standard model
• Premium: Added safety features and comfort amenities
• Sport Touring: Unique styling elements and exclusive color options

Exact features and availability varied slightly by model year.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The Cascada's cabin features a comfortable interior with leather-trimmed seating for four. Front-row occupants will find the Cascada suitable for journeys of any length, but backseat passengers will appreciate shorter trips. The dashboard's centerpiece is a 7-inch touchscreen running Buick's IntelliLink infotainment system. While functional, it lacks some of the more advanced features in competitors, such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration.

With the top-up, the Buick Cascada convertible offers a respectable 13.4 cubic feet of trunk space. However, this shrinks to 9.8 cubic feet with the top down, as a partition must be lowered to accommodate the folded roof. The rear seats fold down in a 50/50 split, allowing longer items to be carried when needed.

Review: The Buick Cascada Years To Avoid

How It Drives

Behind the wheel, the Buick Cascada delivers a relaxed, cruising-oriented driving experience. Its 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain provides adequate but not exhilarating performance, with a zero-to-60 mph time of around 8.3 seconds.

In true Buick form, the Cascada's suspension tuning favors comfort over sportiness, soaking up road imperfections for a smooth ride. The HiPer Strut front suspension helps mitigate torque steer and improves handling, though the Cascada's substantial weight (over 4,000 pounds) is noticeable in tight corners.

With the top down, wind buffeting is well-controlled, especially with the available wind deflector. The power-operated soft top provides good insulation when up, though some wind noise is noticeable at highway speeds.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Buick Cascada a top five-star overall safety rating.

Reviews

Buick Cascada consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book are strongly favorable, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5. In particular, the Cascada gets near-perfect rankings for reliability, quality, and styling.

Learn More: Are Buicks Good Cars? How To Make The Right Purchasing Decision

Buick Cascada FAQs

Is the Buick Cascada fast?

The Buick Cascada is not particularly fast by modern standards. With a zero-to-60 mph time of around 8.3 seconds, it prioritizes relaxed cruising over sporty performance.

Does Buick still make the Cascada convertible?

No, Buick discontinued the Cascada after the 2019 model year. It was a short-lived model in the U.S. market, available only from 2016 to 2019.

Is the Buick Cascada a luxury car?

The Buick Cascada occupies a space between mainstream and luxury brands. While it offers some upscale features, it may not match the refinement or performance of premium convertibles from luxury automakers.

How many miles will a Buick Cascada last?

With proper maintenance, a Buick Cascada should last 150,000 miles or more. However, as it was only sold for a few years, long-term reliability data is limited. Regular maintenance and care for the convertible top mechanism are crucial for longevity.

Check out a used Buick Cascada for sale.