From Key West to Miami, we’re shaking the cold Michigan frost off of our facial stubble, and catching some much-needed warm sun and coastal vibes with the 2016 Buick Cascada convertible. At 70 degrees, we’re told it’s “cold” down here. That’s cute. But if you have any questions about the Buick drop-top, now’s a great time to ask. Let ’em rip in the comment section below.
[nggallery id=700]We’re Driving Around Florida In The 2016 Buick Cascada: What Do You Want To Know?
Comments
I want to know why the exterior is soo nice and then the interior is absolutely outdated and terrible looking. Why couldent they put in modern looking interior?
Blame opel for not doing refresh on the cascada
That’s just the same buttonfest, as e.g., in my 2010 LaCrosse. But that’s 2010, and it’s 2016 now, so I would agree that it was better for Opel to update the interior for 2016.
I noticed, that, generally, GM as a whole likes to reuse the same stuff in interior for years and years – one more off-topic example – new 2016 Chevy Spark – guess what? Has pretty much the same steering wheel buttons as once again my 2010 LaCrosse. Another Buick example – most expensive Buick vehicle, Enclave, even in 2016, still uses steering wheel with the same button arrangement as on e.g. 2006 Buick Lucerne.
So, with GM vehicles, as one may see, you have absolutely no guarantee that any model year of any vehicle will be really in touch with modern interior trends.
I don’t blame GM for this, to me, it’s OK, it’s just cost cutting here and there, I guess, since Chevy or Buick is not a MB, but it just looks funny at times. It’s just “good old interior” 🙂
It was a gamble of either importing the interior over as it stands, while putting forth the engineering efforts needed for the US market, or wait it out and miss earlier sales opportunities. Of which, Buick is estimating around 10,000 annual Cascada sales here in the US market. Less than 1,000 a month.
How is the acceleration?
Car seems a little heavy for the powertrain they have in it.
Did some guys from the Sigma Chi house hit on you until they figured out you weren’t co-eds?
Just sufficient. Unsurprising pinch of turbo lag.
Looks like a Chrysler product. I predict this car will not run very long. Saddens me as I am a Buick lover!
Do you mean that it will have powertrain issues and fail or that it will not be on the market very long due to lack of interest?
Lack of interest? If it was priced at $80k, I’d have guessed you were talking about the Cadillac ELR.
Condolences to the (very few) early adopters who paid sticker price. May she, the ELR, rest in peace.
It does not look like a Chrysler. Nay, it looks (subjectively) like an Opel product. And given the global alignment of Opel/Vauxhall with Buick, that’s the way it should be.
Conversely, Chrysler does not even have a consistent design language across its 3-vehicle portfolio (though the new Pacifica changes that). In fact, the only way in which the Cascada “looks like a Chrysler” 200 convertible (which seems to be what you are implying) is by having two doors, four wheels, four tires, and being a small soft-top convertible. The similarities end there.
To me, the looks are very attractive. If you haven’t seen one in person, you should. See Manoli’s comments below.
All I’d like to know is if it sucks?…..Is it at least pleasurable to drive in any way? It’s quite difficult to get excited about the Cascada: its heavy, has a weak powertrain and has an outdated interior!
Foremost, it has a great exterior. We drew a crowd every time we parked them. The chassis is actually quite compliant, and has the most minimal cowl shake of any GM vehicle we’ve tested this side of the Corvette. It’s obviously not a Corvette, but between the structural rigidity, HiPer strut front suspension and Z-link rear, the Cascada is surprisingly nimble. It’s a smooth car and rides well.
It doesn’t suck.
Seriously, what’s up with the negativity? GM is addressing a niche with this car, something all automotive enthusiasts should be happy about because it is getting increasingly difficult to make a business case for these kinds of vehicles.
Anyway, GM has a rich history of making heavier-than-normal cars that drive extremely well. The Cascada of one of those. Moreover, it is a convertible. It will be, by nature, heavier than the cars it’s derived from (Buick Verano/Opel Astra). One more note about the weight: GM’s newest vehicles are no longer “heavy”. The Cascada doesn’t enjoy that privilege because it’s built on a last-gen chassis. But that doesn’t mean it does not drive well.
Moreover, the powertrain – at 200 horses — is more than sufficient for this vehicle. And the interior has many buttons – yes – but I would not call it outdated.
Thanks for the input gentlemen. I still stand by my original impressions of the Cascada, but it’s good to know that it has some character and redeeming qualities. I respect your opinions regarding it. It’s good for Buick to consider covering a niche market, of which the Cascada fills a role; nobody has a problem with that. My problem is with this particular overweight, underpowered and somewhat outdated vehicle being the choice GM ran with to fill the void! But I suppose it’s as you suggest: Buick needed something to start with, and they chose an existing vehicle with a soon-to-be phased out chassis. Perhaps over time, and depending on how well this car sells, Buick will take the time to actually design and develop their niche vehicle, utilizing GM’s current weight-saving engineering and technology! And until that time, I still find the Cascada undesirable. A nice effort, yes. But nothing to aspire to own; like the rest of Buick’s lineup……
I don’t know. The car looks really akward to me. Too big. Too high in the rear. Windshield really weird.
Looks are subjuctive so will not comment on that but the windshield ‘A’ pillars are unusually thick because it is a structural necessity because this is a convertible. As per safety regulations any vehicle now has to be able to support its own weight if flipped onto it’s roof.
The decklid is higher because it houses the convertible roof mechanisms and packaging requires it to be a little higher so you get that ‘wedge’ appearance.
Some aspects of all modern convertibles and hardtops is about function over form.
GDV, there is nothing awkward about the Cascada’s design. See it in person.
BRING BACK PONTIAC MOTOR DIVISION ! ! !
Hell bloody no!
Who needs more badge engineering and watering down of the brands.
When Pontiac was alive their transaction prices were just slightly more than their Chevrolet counterparts and from what I previously read they were not responsible for many conquest sales for GM meaning they were just cannibalizing from other GM divisions.
GM has all the divisions it really needs right now;
Chevrolet -entry level, volume, performance models
Buick – premium near luxury
GMC – premium trucks
Cadillac – full line performance luxury
Anything that Pontiac could potentially do now can be handled by one of the other divisions without investing billions to resuscitate a dead brand.
Well let’s see if Buick will start handling some of Pontiac’s business as Buick’s brand image is pretty much a joke in North America. It’s Buicks turn since the bankruptcy are things gonna change or is it going to continue to have the lame image it has had for the last 2 decades.
I hope it does well. but I am just speaking the truth. Buick’s sales have been weak in the US for some time now.
Not sure what ‘handling some of Pontiac’s business’ means since that has nothing to do with ‘brand image’.
“Anything that Pontiac could potentially do now can be handled by one of the other divisions without investing billions to resuscitate a dead brand.”
Buick needs to repair that image before they potentially handle a dead brands load.
Image rebuilding takes time and new models. Rome was not built in a day.
I didn’t specify that Buick alone be the one to reclaim the lost Pontiac customers.
I am not against Pontiac, I have owned them and actually still have one in the driveway, but I do not think they are needed.
Name a Pontiac model you would build that couldn’t be marketed as another of GM’s three remaining car brands?
hey Jamdown,
I’m not really arguing, but the General has not really absorbed the loss of Pontiac well. many old Pontiac customers have gone to DOdge, BMW and Mazda.
The main car that GM is missing would be the G6 RWD built off of the Alpha platform. THe midsize Malibu does not really grab many old Pontiac customers and the Cadillac ATS is a bit too expensive. And not many consumers care about the Buick Regal.
THe RWD G6 is the spot in GM’s line up that is very vacant. it would be a more affordable ATS. That would be a big seller.
I hope Buick can fill in the void. we’ll see when it’s all said and done.
No arguing. Just healthy discussion.
GM just came out with a lower priced ATS, the Camaro.
Consider that the Subaru BR-Z starts at $26190 (RWD 4cyl. manual) and the Camaro starts at $26695 (RWD 4 cyl. manual).
There is nowhere lower for a RWD sport coupe to start and still be profitable, especially using the ATS chassis. GM would have to come up with a lower priced platform to fit this new model or rebadge the Camaro and make a ‘Pontiac’ version. That would dilute both brands and split the sales.
Also the BRZ/FRS sells in abysmally low numbers-3300/10500 units respectively compared to Camaro 77500 units.
Why would you want to undercut Camaro only to swim in a smaller pool?
How would a G6 sedan (if it existed) really cut into Camaro sales.
A G6 sedan wouldn’t cut into Camaro sales. It would (and did) cut into Malibu sales.
I’m guessing the new Regal GT can pick up some Pontiac buyers. It’s a natural fit given that GT is good FWD/AWD performance. CR rating indicates a great start.
Had Pontiac not become such a damaged brand, it would make for a great trim line as Arbarth is for FIAT. I think GT can become Buick’s Delani with the proper products and promotion.
Buick is in a position to pick up compensate for Olds (middle brand), Pontiac (FWD Mazda-like performance with GT trim) & Saturn with vehicles like Encore.
Buick has tremendous potential given its link to Opel and proximity to Cadillac (Avista). Globally, Buick-Opel-Vauxhall sell 2.5 million autos representing over one quarter of total output making this amalgamation an important, maybe more so than Cadillac, Rubic’s Cube for GM.
Aztek!
Reuss’s crowning glory.
I don’t think any of the four brands would want to put their name on that.
Although (true story), used Azteks are selling well with millenials. Affordable and ironic. Whoulda thunk?
It’s front wheel drive-that’s all I need to know. Not interested.
The Cascada is not for everyone. The segment has dwindled down but also there is very little competition for this car.
The Sebring which owned this space is gone.
This is just more ‘white space’ that Buick is moving into.
Why not try it?
The engineering validation was done by Opel so relatively very little investment needed to get it to NA.
The
This car isn’t that old! Presenting Avista now with Cascada on the way creates a bad contrast and ages the Opel import.
I like Cascada except for the stubby nose.
Not sure why all the criticism. This looks like a nice car for the price. Personally I think the styling is decent and I don’t see anything wrong with the interior. I applaud GM for keeping the car affordable. It’s not meant to be a sports car, just a comfortable convertible that can be driven in all seasons. If the driving reports are decent we plan to get one for my wife to replace her aging Sebring.
why they put this ugly shark end of car. older gm cars is heavyer. but really this car not heavy or so heavy like astra j to. this car is big to. check out the different numbers and compare with other cars and you’ll understand. Yes it certainly could be easier. Always could be easier. ineriöör could upgrade a little though. But cascada ineriöör better than astra
This piece is perfect for the rental car market in S.FLA if your not looking for performance, want to drive a convertible, and don’t want to drive the base econo-box entry level rental. I’m sure it’s good on gas which will save you some $$ since traveling the coast is a lengthy road trip and traffic can be really bad, I know. Great car for the tourist but not for the local who wants to drive something that at least gets looks of admiration if not outright awe. Locally this would be a girl’s car like the toyo solara and such. The problem for this car here in S.FLA is an overabundance of beautiful rides so this car is mundane if not boring but perfect for the tourists who want to drive a convertible to enjoy Florida’s weather and scenery. If your looking to make a styling statement here, supersize your rental as there are lots of nicer rides available if you want to spend your $$$.
Most drivers aren’t looking for performance hence the success of Camary.
Provided Cascada is comfortable and fun, it will do just fine.
Why just the rental market and why just Florida? The car is good for anyone who wants to enjoy a nice, comfortable, and well-mannered convertible… No matter if they are renting, leasing, or buying/financing… and no matter the location.
Well Alex,
This article stated “Florida” use, did it not? That is what I addressed based on my personal knowledge as a Floridian. As how this mundane, boring vehicle fares elsewhere, I leave that to those who know their market or lack thereof. For clarification, ANY rental market, anywhere, that has a need for such a vehicle may be well served by the cascada for the reason I stated above. Obviously, it will be a scenic and nice weather market as it is here in Florida, understand? Yes it will sell elsewhere, but it’s best markets will be of the Florida, California, temperate climate markets and the same people who purchase value losing market convertibles. This is without doubt the same market the Chrysler sebring, and yes, base mustang convertible as well as the toyo Solara fall/fell into regarding convertibles here, including those who purchase said vehicles, new or off lease/rental. I stand by what I originally posted, If you don’t get that, I’m sorry for your ignorance. Also, do you work for GM? Marketing, Sales? Just wondering as you seem to be a fan of this car (based on other posts) and wonder what your perspective is as I’ve made mine clear, I hope. Oh yeah, I’ve sold new and used cars here in S.Fla too so I actually did see who buys what, or, doesn’t. As a businessman now travelling all over the country, I also have seen all the rental options in many markets. Let me know your perspective and experience, please, so I may better understand your position on this vehicle. For me, it’s another sebring, lebaron, base mustang, solara, vw, import, domestic, boring/mundane base convertible rental. Sounds harsh, huh? Not really. Every car has it’s niche/market, I understand that, but this one is not in my garage. Maybe for my girlfriend in a few years after lease/rental duty….
Not to derail this conversation, but there are no plans to offer the 2016 Buick Cascada to rental fleets.
hei peoples . learn tu use GOOGLE AND YOUTUBE. your mother is heavy or not smart to. simple use the google. use the raeality world infos and numbers not listen what inernet forums trolls talking.
http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/vergleichstest/bmw-420i-cabrio-gegen-opel-cascada-16-ecotec-turbo-9689555.html?show=3
just watch but different class cars a3 is little car and so on
http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/bilder/audi-a3-cabrio-gegen-opel-cascada-und-vw-golf-cabrio-preisguenstige-cabrios-im-vergleich-8333515.html?fotoshow_item=30#fotoshow_item=31
something reading
http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/vergleichstest/audi-a5-cabrio-bmw-320i-cabrio-opel-cascada-ein-cabrio-will-nach-oben-7252524.html?show=2
look look and look again. how heavy your mother really is ? this is real world and real world numbers . sorry guys who mother is heavy
http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/vergleichstest/audi-a5-cabrio-bmw-320i-cabrio-opel-cascada-ein-cabrio-will-nach-oben-7252524.html?show=3
a5 vs cascada
http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/news/opel-cascada-gegen-audi-a5-cabrio-offene-groessen-fuer-4-6657759.html
I “Think” that there are “More than many” PONTIAC owners & enthusiast’s that want to see the PONTIAC MOTOR DIVISION BROUGHT BACK ! ! ! They had some Great Cars !
Now, Sir,…Deny THAT !
The Pontiac Motor Division has not existed for decades.
Now, if you want to talk about Pontiac… the brand… then that’s a different conversation.
If so, I recommend checking out these threads on the GM Authority forum:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/topic/who-thinks-its-time-to-stop-talking-about-pontiac-please/
http://gmauthority.com/blog/topic/who-thinks-its-time-to-start-talking-about-pontiac-again/
“I “Think” that there are “More than many” PONTIAC owners & enthusiast’s that want to see the PONTIAC MOTOR DIVISION BROUGHT BACK ! ! ! They had some Great Cars !
Now, Sir,…Deny THAT !”
What’s presented without evidence can be dismissed without evidence.
SAAB fans ? i miss
So we went from asking questions about how the Bucik Cascada do on the road and features of it to major throwbacks like “Bring Pontiac or Saab back” lol? Wake up people!!! It’s 2016!!! Are there people that said bring Saturn/Hummer/Oldsmobile back??? Like really?? Get over yourselves and get a grip! Now back to the Cascada, does it look beautiful as it seems? As well as how does it handle?
Could the Cascada hold anybody over 6’0?
if you’re in the tampa bay area let me go for a spin!
Is it practical?
Is it good on gas?
Is the visibility good?
Does it accelerate good enough for passing?
this car not accelerate. ferrarri is faster. my neighbor this car not like then this car not like me to. n not is t practical.
i think so.
go by car what your neighbor buy.
minu naabril polegi autot. ta vihkab autosid .
He uses public transport. and he likes yellow
Looks suspiciously like the Peugeot 308 CC
http://www.peugeot-eg.com/showroom/308/cc/#!multimediagallery/pictures
WHERE ARE YOU ??? I”m in Miami and wanna see this up close. Love Buicks and GM as a whole.
It appears GM didn’t change the convertible much from the poorly received vehicle is sold in Europe . minimal sales and it was panned for the handling and interior user unfriendly dash / components , layout . I guess it was much cheaper and more profitable to keep any changes to a minimum ,,,,, the bean counters are probably proud of their input ??
It wasn’t “poorly” received in Europe. It’s just that it was compared to the BMW 4er convertible and Audi A5 cab in some comparisons, cars that are 2x it’s price, and — expectedly — lost.
Handling is not bad and the infotainment system is not infriendly. It’s very similar to what’s found in the Verano and Astra, and those were well-received.
Also, when you say “minimal sales”, consider that the Cascada is In a niche segment. It could be the best vehicle ever, but its sales volume will still be limited by that. if you really want to talk success or failure from a sales standpoint, consider sales of the Astra-Cascada family.
I have one
When is a replacement or refresh coming?
It looks like it could probably use a little more get up and go. Other than that it will sell well because it fills a big hole in the market.
Hope in USA 1.6 LWC SIDI ENGINE gonna have better reliability, in Europe this engine u can find also on the OPEL INSIGNIA. A lot of broken engines cause of spark plug broke into the engine .from the begining already 3 bulletin/recall about spark plugs (every time with different spark plug parts), on the last bulletin in 16 december 2015 the new set of spark plug have the number 55490097, in some car u should just change spark plugs and other change spark plugs and reprogram ECM
where this information comes from the broken engines. anonymous internet forums ?
http://www.opel-insignia.su/index.php?showtopic=5632 73 pages to read
home tuning.anonymous forums can be read how many cars at home improved. and how the technical inspection of the cars still time factory will be your condition. tuning cars at home can kill.
GM and Opel real information divisioonilt such things do not exist. and, possibly, some countries still have their differences.
I say that the technique is perfect and very durable. and now it can be read in the same way on the Internet.
would-be mechanics who repaired the home itself is also very different.
However, it is still considered the most intelligent of the official announcement from GM or Opel.
German technical inspection of the statistics.
someone hate gm cars someone hate opels this is normal. trolling is normal to
in some countries, more weird things happen and some people also. what wtf is bmw bad now
OPC i don’t say cascada or insignia (i had one) is bad car, i say just 1.6 sidi LWC engine is a new conception engine (2013) , since 2013 gm has issued three bulletins on the spark plugs, I had changed the spark plugs , the latest version made in japan is different from the old. In the Russian Forumu can have a lot of perspective on this engine because in Russia most opel insignia petrol engine are sell with 1.6 lwc. In other european countries this engine is very very little sold (most are buying the diesel version) so we can not have perspective about the reliability. In Europe Opel recommend putting in the 1.6 lwc top tier gasoline (Unlead 98)
hello stuped people. sorry
i repeat cascada weigth 2140 kg and also bigger to than bmw
bmw 420 cabrio 2145 kg.
cascada is verano cabrio version and verano class but cascada is bigger this is good vierd. bigger than bmw 4 series cabrio and something like audi 5 cabrio. cascada is better detailed qality or something like this than this generation astra or verano. at same cascada is more different than astra. All the details were supposed to be different almost.
but verano more different than astra. not to mention the Cascada.
the dashboard is prettier than verano and Astra.
However, so GM might have to refresh cascada the dashboard, as regal .
i watched some verano test videos and ahhaaaaa
The Cascada looks a lot like my Pontiac G6 convertible without the hard top..The interior is almost identical.
Will it be sold in Canada?