2003 Tokyo Auto Show

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Amidst the crisp winds and vibrant colors of October, we return to Japan. We navigate the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, while doing our best not to offend the locals on our way to the 37th Tokyo Motor Show. Like the city itself, the Tokyo Motor Show is bright, noisy and there's no shortage of ways to spend your money. If you've ever wondered how automakers come up with so many different ideas for concept cars, a visit to Tokyo will instantly answer your question.

While the average American can easily get used to the idea of a cast member of Predator governing a state of 35 million people, or a hard luck team like the Chicago Cubs going to the World Series after a 58-year drought (oh, well maybe not), the Tokyo show takes up topics like gas/electric hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell technology that are slow to gain acceptance in a country that likes its vehicles big and powerful. But for several of the manufacturers exhibiting their latest work in this area, hybrids and fuel cell vehicles aren't crazy, whimsical ideas for the distant future, but legitimate methods of propulsion for production vehicles of the next five to 10 years. In fact, there are even a few hybrid-powered concepts that look as if they could be fun to drive as well as environmentally friendly.

Of course, "crazy" and "whimsical" could very well describe the styling of some of the concept vehicles on display here. Hyundai, for one, has come up with what was supposed to be an open-wheel, roadster concept but in fact showed a stylish new crossover-utility vehicle. Mitsubishi offers a concept called SE-RO which looks like a cross between an old zeppelin and a small minivan. And if you think that's crazy, wait 'till you see what Suzuki is calling the Mobile Terrace. Plus, Jeep tempts the young and active with the Treo, a small three-seat vehicle that is supposed to merge the virtues of urban maneuverability and outdoor capability. The Treo is said to be fuel cell-compatible, and a pair of electric motors would provide the basis for four-wheel drive in keeping with Jeep tradition. If none of these vehicles is up your alley, rest assured that there will be plenty more to talk about from the land of the rising sun including a front-midship roadster concept that looks suspiciously like a Miata, a new Nissan that looks like it could fit in the Infiniti lineup quite nicely, a possible glimpse the next Honda Odyssey and a convertible sports car concept from Subaru.