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Suicide doors may not be a popular car feature, but they helped make these few models into automotive icons.

Automobiles have evolved over the years with many features that come and go. Suicide doors are a prominent example of a once-popular design feature that has since fallen out of favor. These cool doors trace back to the early 20th century when carriage designers morphed into automotive architects. As a result, suicide doors resembled horse-drawn carriages. To this day, many perceive the unusual door design as a wealth symbol as it oozes prestige and elegance.

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However, the rear-hinged door style isn't popular in automobiles as it's considered unsafe. Suicide doors pose a threat to not only the passengers but the pedestrians as well. In theory, the chances of a passenger falling out while opening the door are high. Also, the door may open at high speeds if not well closed. Regardless, suicide doors allow easier access to the car's interior. Additionally, chauffeurs can easily access the rear door handle while opening the door without needing to step out of the car. We look at 10 cool cars that wouldn't have been so special without suicide doors.

Launched in 2013, the BMW i3 was the brand's first mass-produced electric car. The interior and exterior designs are unique for such a small electric car, but what makes the exterior even more impressive are the rear-hinged suicide doors. Getting into the car's rear requires you to open the front doors first.

While it may be inconvenient to some, the rear-hinged doors make the cramped interior feel more spacious. But as far as EVs go, the BMW i3 fails to impress compared to its adversaries as it has an estimated range of 153 miles. Even with the range extender, the car gets an overall range of 200 miles, which still trails the Tesla Model 3 and the Chevy Bolt.

The already-discontinued Mazda RX-8 didn't live up to its predecessor's status. Regardless, the midsized coupe offered a bit more practicality, especially with the rear suicide doors, also known as Freestyle doors.

While the 1.3-liter rotary engine was unique, the suicide doors are some of the reasons why the RX-8 deserves some love. The small rear-hinged doors open to a backseat that seems comfortable, but it's not very spacious for average-sized adults. Again, you need to open the full-size front doors to access the suicide door handles.

The 2019 Lincoln Continental wasn't the first time suicide doors appeared on a Lincoln-badged car. Lincoln introduced coach doors way back in 1961. Meant to convey elegance, this became a mainstay of Continental cars up to 1969. Lincoln re-introduced a modern version of this iconic door style in 2019 with the Lincoln Continental 80th Anniversary Coach Door Edition.

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But unlike the 60s Continentals, the 2019 model features B-pillars separating the front and rear doors. While they are less elegant, the B-pillars make a much safer car. Lincoln also increased the car's wheelbase for easier entry and exit by passengers.

The 1968 Ford Thunderbird is one of the few mass-produced models featuring independently opening suicide doors. Earlier models of the T-Bird were smaller two-seaters, but in 1968, Ford borrowed design cues from its contemporaries and added suicide doors to the redesigned Thunderbird.

The transition from a sporty car to a larger four-dour was Ford's attempt to compete with more luxurious offers from Buick and Lincoln. The 1968 V8 engine-powered Thunderbird became more luxurious as it featured a comfortable cabin and could comfortably seat five.

The 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham was a car way ahead of its time. It featured cool features like cruise control, memory seats, air conditioning, and power windows. Under the hood, Cadillac stuffed a fire-breathing V8 engine that produced 325 hp.

Along with the admittedly futuristic features, the Eldorado Brougham came with suicide doors with no B-pillars separating the front and rear doors. This made a more accessible entry and exit from the expansive rear seats. Unfortunately, Cadillac produced only 400 insanely expensive units.

The MX-30 is the first Mazda EV, and like the RX-8, it features unique suicide doors with no B-pillar. While the small rear doors look cool, they only open to 80 degrees which doesn't help much regarding entry and exit of passengers and cargo storage.

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The MX-30MX-30's highlight is the stylish and simplistic cabin. It boasts a distinctive look and feel for an average small-sized SUV. However, the car fails to deliver when it comes to the electric driving range, as Mazda claims an average of 124 miles.

Produced from 2005 through 2014, the unique-looking and boxy FJ Cruiser is one of the best-discontinued cars gearheads wish they would make a comeback. An actual off-road car, the FJ Cruiser never disappoints as far as mudding and rock crawling goes, thanks to the potent 260-hp 4.0-liter V6 engine

One of the best features in the FJ Cruiser is the quirky suicide doors that require you to open the front ones. Like the MX-30 and the RX-8, the FJ Cruiser lacks the B-pillar. Instead, Toyota utilized high-strength steel as a safety measure. Regardless, the rear-hinged doors provide easier access to the rear seats.

The Japanese automaker produced and marketed the Honda Element in the U.S. over a single generation from 2003 to 2011. There isn't much that stands out about the car besides the boxy shape, plastic front and rear fenders, and of course, the suicide rear doors.

While it features no B-pillars, Honda reinforced and enlarged the side sills, roof cross members, and the floor. As a result, the pseudo-B-pillar compromises the driver's front visibility. The back row can only seat two, but the bi-parting side doors create a wider opening and easier access to the abundant cargo space.

The LEVC TX is a dedicated hackney carriage from the London EV Company (LEVC). The plugin hybrid TX replaced the banned diesel-powered taxis, but it also features a petrol-powered range extender. Another outstanding feature in the LEVC TC is the preferred design of using suicide doors that open 90 degrees for easier access to the back row.

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Surprisingly, the car can accommodate seven passengers, including the driver. Other cool features include wheelchair access, a touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic roof, and parking sensors. While the TX is a purpose-built taxi, the general public can purchase them

Rolls-Royce is the biggest, most luxurious, and the most expensive advocate for suicide doors as they feature in the entire range, from the Dawn to the Phantom. In what the company refers to as "coach doors," they serve one purpose only. Prestige.

The Dawn and the Wraith feature one large suicide door on each side that opens to access the front and rear seats. Elsewhere, the Cullinan, the Ghost, and the range-topping Phantom have regular front doors and suicide doors at the back. Roll-Royce takes it a step further as all models come with electronically assisted doors to ensure you enjoy the experience of suicide doors to the fullest.

Dennis Kariuki is a tech enthusiast who writes for Hotcars.com. Previously, he wrote for the.car .He likes covering the marriage between technology and cars. Besides that, he is big f1 fan. After working tirelessly through the week, you can be sure that on Sundays he is most likely enjoying and following motorsports events.