Longing for a plushy, front-drive convertible? Bummed that you didn’t get a chance to pick up a Toyota Solara or Chrysler Sebring when they still had that new-car smell? Then Buick has a car for you. Meet the Cascada.
The Cascada debuted in Buick dealers in 2016, but it’s not exactly new. It’s an Opel that’s been available since 2013. …
I haven't looked into it but this may be a case like the 'Saturn' Astra where GM 'imports' a pretty dang decent euro car with almost no 'Muricanization to muddy it up.
Looks like a Sebring. Gross...
It's like the mullet of comfy cruiser convertibles...Eos in the front, Sebring in the back.
"Color is back" is a strong statement when red, dark green and dark blue are presented as "exciting" colors. 
No Bueno.
yupididit said:Looks like a Morano. Gross...
Fixord.
Driven5 said:It's like the mullet of comfy cruiser convertibles...Eos in the front, Sebring in the back.
LOL.
I thought it looked OK until I saw the second pic
Forgetting the car itself, that's a really dumb model name. Would have been better if they just called it the "Buick Cascade" rather than naming it after a German techno group...
Incidentally, the music group is considerably better., and probably caters to a younger demographic to boot...
Vigo said:I haven't looked into it but this may be a case like the 'Saturn' Astra where GM 'imports' a pretty dang decent euro car with almost no 'Muricanization to muddy it up.
The Astra is not a decent car. They are one of the biggest pains in the ass to work on.
Also, yeah, Cascada is a dumb sounding name. I thought for a while that it was Cascadia, which sounds much better but was likely a bit too close to Acadia
I was driving around a Miata yesterday. I don't like it, not for daily type driving anyway. I will concede that if you like that sort of thing, I can see why the Miata is your jam, no matter how many hairdresser comments you get from guys at work.
I think this is the same thing. Not many people want this Buick, but if you want a squishy four seat convertible to roll top down on a nice day, this is probably as exciting as the new ND was when it was announced.
I see one parked in a driveway everyday on my commute. It does stand out a bit but not really in a bad way in my opinion. It actually took a few squints before I was sure that was a tri-shield symbol. It's not my cup a tea but it kinda fun.
I am skeptical of the size of the user base... wouldn't you just get a base model mustang vert and call it a day?
I drove our test car to Atlanta and back. I'd echo David's comments about it, although after spending a bunch of time in the Buick, it sort of grew on me a bit.
Yes, the controls aren't intuitive, but you adjust and learn them after a while. The seats are great, and the interior is a nice place to spend time. Even the gauges are kinda cool, with chronograph inspired markings on the outer edges. (yes...I spent a lot of time in this car!) The visibility to the rear is poor with the top up, but it's actually panoramic out the sides, as there are no B-pillars. The small rear window didn't bother me a bit--- after adjusting to it.
The suspension calibration is where this car falls flat. It pounds over small sudden imperfections in a way you don't expect a Buick to. On smooth roads, it's nice and cloud-like. Although it is soft, the Cascadia will hang on pretty well when the going gets twisty. It never lets you forget that it's mission is comfort, not speed though.
It's actually really good at being a convertible. The top is a breeze to operate, and the seat heaters, and heated steering wheel allow you to go topless, even when it's chilly out. The stereo rocks too.
Not a car for me, but it's sort of perfect for a 70 year old who wants something stylish and comfortable that doesn't cost a mint. Think of it as a Rolls Corniche with a $300K rebate!
The Buick (with the unforgettable name) is probably a great choice for your wife and kids (back seat!) to arrive at the Yacht Club/Country Club.
Also gives the rental car companies another choice for 4 seat convertibles.
I hope they depreciate a lot because my wife could be the perfect candidate in a couple of years.
opel*
A topless CUV/SUV.........kinda like a CJ3 in drag.
Ian F said:"Color is back" is a strong statement when red, dark green and dark blue are presented as "exciting" colors.
Since nearly all cars currently for sale only come in white, silver, 3 shades of grey, and 2 shades of black, yes, those qualify as exciting.
This is all I can think of. I didn't think anyone was in a rush to recreate that monstrosity considering the amount of flack Nissan took for it.
Way easier ingress than, say, a Miata or Corvette.
That made me laugh.
My neighbor has one, and its white, and I don't hate it. Its pretty modern and looks a lot better in reality than in the pictures. Probably a great boulevard cruiser for the 50+ set.
93gsxturbo said:My neighbor has one, and its white, and I don't hate it. Its pretty modern and looks a lot better in reality than in the pictures. Probably a great boulevard cruiser for the 50+ set.
Exactly what I thought.
This has been out 2 years and I've never seen one.
I've seen maybe 2 of these that weren't sitting in front of a Buick dealership, 2 or 3 that were. From the size, mostly the width, I assumed they were based on a car that is bigger than an Astra. They look about 100 times better than the Sebring convertible or a bit better than the Solara convertible.
Yes, the name is dumb, I too thought it was Cascadia. I my mind it is not helped by the similarity to the model name of a Volvo truck.
I appreciate that this car exists, not entirely sold on the execution.
I saw one just today. Yes, it does look a little like a smooshed Murano Crosscabomination, but I find it a lot less repulsive both in looks and in concept. I think we can all probably agree there is a place in the world for this sort of car. Years ago it was Pontiac G6 or a Chrysler Sebring. I think this rolls the ball forward substantially from those two. Me, personally? I'd buy a G37 PRHT, no question. But i did just talk to an owner of one whose repair facility told him his top problems were either a $3000 latch assembly or a $10000 pump... hmm...
Ian F said:"Color is back" is a strong statement when red, dark green and dark blue are presented as "exciting" colors.
compared to the monochrome that is out there now. Red, Dark Green, and Dark Blue is Kodachrome
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