No, Buick does not currently offer a convertible in its new vehicle lineup; the most recent model, the Cascada.
Most people scanning Buick’s current showroom see an endless row of SUVs. The Enclave, the Envision, the Encore GX. It is a sensible, comfortable, all-weather lineup. But maybe you remember an older Buick ragtop from a movie, or you just love the idea of open-air cruising. So it is fair to wonder if Buick still offers a convertible.
The short answer is that Buick does not produce a convertible for the 2024, 2025, or any foreseeable model year. The brand has a rich history of drop-tops, though, and the most recent one—the Buick Cascada—was only discontinued in 2019. This article walks through Buick’s convertible history and what the market looks like today.
The Last Buick Convertible: The Cascada
The Buick Cascada arrived for the 2016 model year. It was a compact, four-seat convertible with a power-operated soft top and front-wheel drive. Under the hood sat a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. It was Buick’s first true convertible since the Reatta ended in 1991.
The Cascada was designed as a relaxed cruiser, not a sports car. Consumer Reports described it as an “affordable convertible cruiser” that prioritized comfort over sharp handling. It came standard with automatic rollover bars, which pop up if the sensors detect a potential rollover.
Despite its practical four-seat layout and approachable price, the Cascada was discontinued after the 2019 model year. Buick shifted its focus entirely to SUVs and crossovers, leaving the convertible segment behind for the second time in its history.
Why Buick’s Drop-Top History Surprises People
The surprise comes because Buick’s modern identity is so heavily tied to quiet, enclosed luxury. Convertibles are the opposite of that image. The 25-year gap between the Reatta and the Cascada made the idea of a Buick convertible feel like a distant memory.
Several factors make this history feel surprising:
- The 25-Year Convertible Gap: Buick abandoned the convertible body style entirely from 1991 to 2016. The brand focused on sedans like the LeSabre and Park Avenue during those decades.
- The Rare Reatta Convertible: The Reatta was produced as a convertible for only two years (1990 and 1991). Of the roughly 21,000 Reattas built, just 2,400 were convertibles. Finding one today is a genuine collector’s chase.
- Cascada’s Unexpected Platform: The Cascada was built on an Opel platform. It was a European design re-badged as a Buick, which surprised some American buyers expecting a traditional Detroit feel.
- Soft Top Engineering: The Cascada’s soft top could be raised or lowered at speeds up to 30 mph. This convenience feature was usually found on more expensive European convertibles.
- Turbocharged Standard Power: The 1.6-liter turbo engine was standard equipment. It was a departure from the larger naturally-aspirated V6s Buick was known for at the time.
These details make the Cascada and the Reatta distinct chapters in Buick’s history. They do not fit the typical Buick buyer profile, which is why they stand out so much.
A Look At The Buick Convertible Timeline
When people dig into whether Buick makes a convertible, they usually find themselves scrolling through decades of model history. The timeline shows a brand that was once a regular player in the convertible game.
KBB’s overview of the Cascada model years confirms the 2016 to 2019 production run. The Cascada was not just a convertible; it was Buick’s first two-door vehicle since the Riviera was dropped in 1999. That fact alone makes it a notable entry in the brand’s history.
Beyond the Cascada, the Reatta is the most famous modern example. It was Buick’s first two-seater vehicle. The production numbers were very low, especially for the convertible version.
| Model | Years Produced | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Buick Cascada | 2016 – 2019 | 4-seat, soft top, turbo I4 |
| Buick Reatta | 1990 – 1991 | 2-seat, touchscreen controls |
| Buick Riviera | 1963 – 1970, 1985 | Full-size, iconic styling |
| Buick Skylark | 1956 – 1972 | Mid-size, multiple generations |
| Buick LeSabre | 1959 – 1975 | Full-size flagship cruiser |
These models show that Buick had a consistent convertible presence for several decades, but it has now retreated entirely from that segment.
Hunting For A Used Buick Convertible
Since Buick does not make a new convertible, the used market is the only place to find one. The most practical option for a modern buyer is the Cascada.
If you are looking for a used Buick convertible, consider these factors:
- Target The Final Year (2019): The 2019 model year benefits from any refinements made during the production run. It offers the newest example you can find.
- Inspect The Soft Top: The power folding roof is a complex mechanism. Check for tears, leaks, and ensure it operates smoothly at low speeds.
- Know The Reatta Market: The Reatta is a collector car. The convertible version commands a significant premium over the coupe. Expect to pay more for a well-maintained example.
- Check Service Records: The Cascada’s turbo engine requires regular maintenance. A full service history is a strong sign the car was cared for properly.
- Consider The Alternatives: New convertibles are rare in general. The Mazda MX-5 Miata competes in spirit, though it lacks the Buick’s four-seat practicality.
A used Cascada offers a unique blend of modern features and open-air driving. It fills a niche that few other modern cars occupy.
The Engineering Behind The Cascada
The Cascada was a significant engineering departure for Buick. It was based on a platform shared with Opel, giving it a distinctly European driving character. The suspension was tuned for comfort, making it a genuine grand tourer.
ABC7’s coverage of the debut highlighted the Cascada as Buick’s first convertible since Reatta, ending a 25-year drought for open-air Buick fans. The engineering highlights included automatic rollover protection and a reinforced windshield frame to improve structural rigidity.
The 1.6-liter turbo engine produced 200 horsepower. It was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While not fast by modern standards, it provided adequate torque for relaxed cruising. The front-wheel-drive layout made it predictable in various conditions.
| Specification | Buick Cascada (2016-2019) | Buick Reatta (1990-1991) |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | Front-engine, FWD | Front-engine, FWD |
| Seating | 4 passengers | 2 passengers |
| Engine | 1.6L Turbo I4 (200 hp) | 3.8L V6 (165 hp) |
| Top Type | Power Soft Top | Power Soft Top |
Both cars prioritized comfort and style over outright performance. This focus makes them unique entries in the broader convertible market.
The Bottom Line
No, Buick does not currently offer a convertible. The last model was the Cascada, which ended production in 2019. Before that, the brand went 25 years without a drop-top following the rare and collectible Reatta.
If you have your heart set on a Buick convertible today, a used 2016 to 2019 Cascada is your best bet. Have a trusted mechanic check the turbocharger and the soft top mechanism before you buy, and always run the VIN through a service like Carfax to verify the car’s specific history and trim level.
References & Sources
- Kbb. “Cascada Model Years” The Buick Cascada was produced from the 2016 model year through the 2019 model year.
- Abc7. “Cascada Is Buicks First Convertible Since” The Buick Cascada was Buick’s first convertible since the two-seat Reatta was discontinued in 1991.