2019 Buick Cascada

Initially released in the US in 2016, the Buick Cascada is modeled on the European Opel Cascada. It hasn't changed much since release, a fact compounded by the sale of Opel by General Motors in 2017. This lack of updates, coupled with its subpar performance in the segment, doesn't bode well for the Cascada. With Opel confirming the European version's demise at the end of 2019, we expect the Buick variant to follow suit. So if, for some reason, you have your heart set on this aging convertible, now may be your last chance to pick it up brand new.

The Cascada is quite cheap for the luxury convertible segment, with the base model 1SV going for as little as $33,995 excluding tax, licensing, and a $925 destination charge. The Premium Cascada adds a few nice safety features but not much else, so the increased price of $36,995 may seem a little steep. For just $1,000 more, you can get the Sport Touring. This model really only adds a few changes to aesthetics but, even so, $37,995 is still cheap for a luxury convertible.

The Buick Cascada performs relatively well as a cruising convertible. However, there are many areas that need improvement. The chassis is surprisingly stiff despite the lack of rigidity through the roof. Unfortunately, this also means that even minor abrasions travel through the body and are felt in the cabin. It's not uncommon to see this trait in compact convertibles, but we wish the Cascada's damping was set up better, as there seems to be an abundance of interference that affects comfort. With the substantial weight of the convertible, it also feels heavy and cumbersome on the road, failing to iron out bumps and bruises the way we'd expect.

For a car segment that is all about confidently owning the road, the Cascada doesn't inspire confidence at all. The HiPer Strut suspension makes steering inputs direct and responsive, but the feel is light, with little to no feedback, making it difficult to place the Cascada on the road. When compounded with the vehicle's soft suspension, this leads to an unwelcome amount of body roll.

On the plus side, exterior noise is mitigated quite well for a convertible, with the permeation of wind, road and tire noise into the cabin average for the segment. The brake pedal also feels great to use, but the actual performance is a bit lacking, with a longer than average stopping distance. Overall, the Cascada is great at cruising down an open stretch of well-maintained road, but when the going gets windy, the Cascada is incapable of keeping up, with pronounced body roll and substandard handling dynamics.

The Buick Cascada is a nice car when viewed in a vacuum, but when placed beside its competitors, it won't take your breath away. There is no question that the convertible looks great, but looks are only skin deep. It performs well enough for day-to-day use, but its handling and ride quality is well below par.

The disappointing engine and handling are compounded by an automatic transmission that seems to be suffering from ADHD and requires constant micromanagement. This draws away from the laid-back ride you would expect from a luxury convertible. Despite its appearance, the interior feels tacky and the seats aren't comfortable over long rides. All these factors combine to make the Cascada feel like a cheap knockoff of its rivals like the Audi A3 Cabrio.

The Cascada is at least cheap compared to its rivals, but you get what you pay for. As it prepares to leave the market, now may be your last chance to buy it new. But we're not sure why you'd want to when there are better options out there with more modern tech, greater comfort, more efficient engines, and only slightly higher price tags.

If you must have the 2019 Buick Cascada, then we suggest you consider sticking to the base Cascada 1SV. At the hard-to-beat price of $33,995, it offers almost every feature the upper trims do. You will get the same performance, physical comfort, and infotainment features. The slightly enhanced driver-assistance features on the Premium Cascada are nice, but the $3,000 price hike a bit steep for so little enhancement.

The Ford Mustang Convertible in its EcoBoost variation is an affordable competitor to the Cascada. At the low MSRP of $31,895, it still manages to offer many modern features that its Buick counterpart lacks. These include smartphone integration and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Mustang also offers an impressive V8 engine producing 460 hp and 420 lb-ft, leaving the underperforming Cascada in the dust. And while the engine may be a bit louder, the ride it offers in the comfortable Mustang cabin is incomparable. The Ford is a little more cramped inside, with the rear seats being nigh-unusable, but it just feels better with its quality materials and stylish design choices. The Ford Mustang performs better, handles better, feels better, and costs less. There really is no comparison here.

The Audi A3 is in a slightly higher price bracket than the Cascada, starting at around $38,900, but the return on investment you get for this is significant. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a seven-speed automatic gearbox, the A3 has access to 184 hp and 221 lb-ft. Coupled with its significantly lower curb weight, this gives the convertible surprising pep, with good acceleration and amazing handling. It may lack the WiFi hotspot offered on the Cascada, but the A3 has the much more popular smartphone integration that most modern cars are expected to offer. There might be less cargo space in the A3, but its interior feels far more spacious and luxurious. Overall, the Audi A3 provides a significantly superior package than the aging Cascada.