Have you ever heard of suicide doors?
This term might be unusual for many people, or it was for me at least. Rear-hinged doors, often called coach doors—or more dramatically, suicide doors—are reminiscent of the horse-drawn carriages that came before cars. As vehicles evolved, these doors raised safety concerns. Since they opened backward, there was a risk of injury if another car hit the door while a passenger exited, which is how they got their “suicide door” nickname.
Even though you’ll still find them on some extended cab pickup trucks, suicide doors are much rarer now than they were in the 1960s. However, there’s no doubt that they look special, which is exactly why I wanted to discuss them. If you want to take a trip down memory lane with me and remember how cars used to look a few decades ago, this is the right article for you. So, without further ado, here are a few of the fascinating cars that came with the special suicide doors.
1. Honda Element
The boxy, practical Honda Element was manufactured from 2003 to 2011 and featured rear-hinged suicide doors that many customers loved. They look great and are way safer compared to how they were built a few decades ago, so that’s always a good thing.
Even though this arrangement might seem strange, the suicide doors allow easier access to the element’s large cargo capacity by creating a larger opening than traditional doors. According to customers, some of their favorite features were the big 74.6 cubic feet of cargo space and versatile interior.
However, there are also a few cons when it comes to this vehicle. It has four seats, but its quirky design stands out. While the pseudo-B-pillar between the rear-hinged suicide doors can make visibility tricky for drivers, the Element’s fans appreciate its charm.
Even though its unique design and practical features aren’t for everyone, those who love it can’t get enough of its distinctive style and versatility!
2. Faraday Future FF91
Have you ever heard of Faraday Future? This is an EV startup founded in the Golden State in 2014, and its FF91 model is out of this world. This vehicle pushes the boundaries of innovation and design. One standout feature is its sleek, rear-hinged “suicide doors,” which add a touch of sophistication and uniqueness.
If you like to drive crazy fast cars, brace yourself because this automobile has over 1,000 horsepower and delivers impressive acceleration, reaching 0 to 60 mph in just 2.4 seconds. But that’s not all. The FF91 also emphasizes cutting-edge technology with an AI-driven system, autonomous driving capabilities, and a futuristic, spacious interior.
This EV sets a new standard for high-performance luxury electric vehicles while offering a unique blend of elegance and innovation. However, all of these features come with a crazy price tag, because this bad boy costs no less than $309,000.
3. 2019 Lincoln Continental 80th Anniversary Coach Door Edition
In 1961, Lincoln shook things up by introducing the Continental with stylish coach doors. These eye-catching doors were a signature feature of the Continental until 1969, and many people loved them for their touch of elegance. The unique design made the Continental stand out, and it’s still remembered today for its timeless appeal! Were you one of those people who liked it?
Speaking of beauty and elegance, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Continental, they released an Anniversary Coach Door Edition in 2019. There was only an 80-unit production run, and each one came with a numbered door sill plate to mark the occasion.
This new model, in contrast to the older ones, features B-pillars between the front and rear doors, which makes it a bit less elegant but a far safer car. Moreover, the company widened the coach doors by six inches so that passengers could get in and out of the vehicle with ease and style, which is far better than it was in the ’60s.
4. 2022 Rolls-Royce Phantom
The 2022 Phantom, like other contemporary Rolls-Royce models, has what the business likes to refer to as “coach doors,” which are reminiscent of the stagecoaches of the past, and they also open in the same way.
As long as they’re practical and safe, suicide doors are a smart choice for some automobiles, especially for a six-figure, ultra-luxury car that is frequently driven by a chauffeur. If needed, a chauffeur can easily open a door without ever getting out of the car thanks to coach doors, which provide them quicker and easier access to the rear door handle.
If you want this, get ready to spend a ton of money on it. The Phantom Series II represents the ultimate in opulence, with prices starting at over $450,000. Its 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine generates 664 pound-feet of torque and 563 horsepower. Pretty impressive, right? Standard equipment includes an eight-speed automatic transmission, and if you take a look inside, you can notice several top-notch components and a starry sky-displayed fiber-optic ceiling.
5. Mazda RX-8
Another gorgeous car that impressed millions of people with its elegant suicide doors is the Mazda RX-8, which was made from 2003 until 2011. Practicality-wise, however, there’s not really much of it. The small, rear-hinged doors open to a backseat that appears cozy but isn’t particularly roomy for passengers.
If you like a fast car, this is for you! The 1.3-liter rotary engine can generate 212 horsepower when paired with a six-speed automatic transmission or 232 horsepower when paired with a six-speed manual transmission. According to experts, it received one of the lowest fuel economy ratings in its class. Moreover, they said that the cargo area is quite small too, just 7.6 cubic feet.
Even though the Freestyle doors are stylish, we’re not convinced they’re necessary. However, Mazda has carried on the tradition with the new all-electric MX-30, and many people seem to love it. The suicide doors, which are safer than how they used to be in the ’60s, are open to 80 degrees and are made for easier entry/exit of passengers and cargo.
6. BMW i3
You’ve surely seen a BMW i3 many times in traffic, but did you know it has suicide doors? As you might guess, the BMW i3 was the brand’s first mass-produced electric car featuring rear-hinged passenger doors that open in the opposite direction of the front doors. This unique design adds a fun twist to the i3’s futuristic vibe.
While many people consider suicide doors a bit weird, they give the cramped cabin a sense of space. This model was launched in 2013, but it was discontinued only eight years later. However, the 2021 i3 has a pretty good amount of room all around, but tall people will consider the rear-seat legroom quite tight.
In terms of electric cars, the i3 falls short when compared to more contemporary models. According to experts, its range is 153 miles. The electric-only range is reduced to 126 miles when you add the two-cylinder gas engine range extender, but the total range is increased to 200 miles. That still lags behind comparable electric cars like the Tesla Model 3 and Chevrolet Bolt. But hey, everyone has different needs when it comes to car specifications and models, right?
Do you know any people who own a car like this? If yes, are they content? Let us know in the comments below!
Whether you have a car with suicide doors or regular ones, one thing’s for sure: you want to keep it clean and shiny. Here are my favorite products for keeping a vehicle fresh! In conclusion, if you enjoyed reading this article, here’s another one that you might like: 9 Unmistakable Signs Your Exhaust System Needs Repair
