Suicide doors, arguably made best known among today's hot rodders and customizers by the Lincoln Continental four-door convertible of the 1960s, are a popular customization. Not only do they add a high level of "cool factor", they actually make entering and exiting the vehicle much easier. The occupant can enter in a natural way; walking forward towards the vehicle, and then turning as they go to sit, and exit by stepping forward out of the vehicle. It makes good sense.

Suicide doors were not uncommon on cars manufactured in the first half of the 20th century. They were especially popular in the gangster era of the 1930s because "It's a lot easier to shove somebody out with the wind holding the door open", Dave Brownell, the former editor of Hemmings Motor News stated.

Today, suicide doors can be found on a number of production vehicles, but are often referred to as "rear-hinged doors", "coach doors" (Rolls-Royce), and "freestyle doors" (Mazda). Thankfully, among car people, term "suicide doors" is alive and well.

Many hot rod and speed shops specialize in suicide doors. For many, a professional fabricator is the way to go. The first suicide doors I ever did were on a 1971 Porsche 914 and I used hinges from a Chevy Chevette - I used the left hinges on the right and vice versa, and turned the hinges upside down. It worked pretty well. But if you are handy with a cutting wheel and welder, you can tackle the job yourself with one of the many suicide door hinge kits and bear claw latch kits available today. These kits take a lot of the guess work out of the project and lend a more profession finish in the door jambs that my first try.