A C-pillar assembly for a vehicle that lacks a B-pillar, the C-pillar assembly including an inner reinforcement member, an outer reinforcement member, upper and lower hinge assemblies, and an outer garnish member. The outer reinforcement member is disposed over the inner reinforcement member. The inner and outer reinforcement members are secured to one another so as to define a C-pillar having, in cross section, a generally box-like shape. The outer reinforcement has an upper mounting location to which the upper hinge assembly is secured and a lower mounting location to which the lower hinge assembly is secured. A portion of the lower hinge assembly is disposed within a hinge pocket formed in the outer reinforcement member. The outer garnish member is secured to the outer reinforcement member and defines a slotted opening through which the lower hinge assembly extends.