An outer pillar panel is fixed to an inner pillar panel defining a vehicle pillar with a closed box cross section. A vertically extending cavity is defined between the inner and outer pillar panels. The outer pillar panel includes a first contact portion within the cavity. The roof side rail is rigidly fixed to the upper ends of the inner pillar panel and the outer pillar panel. The brace is fixed to the inner pillar panel within the cavity. The brace includes a second contact portion facing the first contact portion but is spaced apart therefrom by a predetermined gap with the inner and outer pillar panels in an undeformed state. The first contact portion contacts the second contact portion when an external force above a prescribed amount is applied to the vehicle body structure.