Why did they install windows in the back seat of cars that only go halfway up?

Answer 1

You mean halfway down?

It totally depends on the car.

Most sedan's rear doors have the bottom part of the door curved around the wheel well for the rear tires. (As j76spirit pointed out.) If the bottom part of the door is cut away, where would the window roll down to? Larger sedans have rear windows that often go down further. It all has to do with the shape of the door. It has nothing to do with child safety, that's what the window "lock out" switch is for on the driver's door (assuming you have power windows.)

Answer 2

Some brain in R&D thought it would be a great idea so that kids wouldn't jump out the window. If they are using proper seat belt restraints, window roll down height wouldn't be an issue, however there are still so called parents that let their kids jump back and forth over the seat and play tag inside the car while moving down the road.

Bear

Answer 3

Because the rear wheel arch cuts into the door, there is not enough room inside to allow the window to go all the way down.

It has nothing to do with child safety, that is simply a common misconception.

Answer 4

j76spirit and Todvango have got it on the money. Then the advertising boys went to work convincing everyone it was "Safer" for the kids. Just like they said front wheel drive was "safer and better". So they could install a 1 piece drivetrain, get rid of labor and logistics problems. They save money, charge you more, give you less, and you are happy because "THEY" said safe!

Answer 5

Some engineer's perception of safety. Same reason you have seat belts, air bags, back up sensors, padded dashes, collapsible steering shafts, abs brakes, etc. The insurance companies and the NTSB want you alive.
The reason for the windows is to keep your kids in the car.

Answer 6

Child protection, just like the ability to prevent opening a locked rear door by pulling the handle.

Answer 7

safety for kids heads
reduces chances of decapitation or strangling