2003 Chicago Auto Show Index

Once the nation’s premier automotive event, the Chicago auto show has lost a little luster in recent years, but it’s still one of the most significant, bringing out more than 20 new cars, trucks and concepts this year. There’s literally something for everyone, from the $74,000 Mercedes E55 AMG, the world’s fastest sedan, to the entry-level, Korean-made Chevy Aveo.

Performance is big at this year's show, with the Viper-powered Dodge Ram SRT-10 taking on the 500-plus-horsepower Ford SVT Lightning for bragging rights as the world’s fastest pickup. Meanwhile, for Toyota , bigger is better, as it rolls out its biggest truck ever, the Tundra “Big Rig.” For those who think minivans are passé, there are plenty of new “people movers” on display, including the new Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey. Indeed, Ford’s “other” division gave a hint of what’s to come as it sets out to prove that Mercury is here to stay. And on the wacky side of the show, catch a glimpse of the Monster Mini, a 300-horsepower car that converts into a snowmobile with the touch of a button.

TheCarConnection has complete coverage of the products, the people and the stories behind the scenes at Chicago ’s vast

McCormick Place

, so check out each of our auto show galleries.

2003 Chicago Auto Show Preview by Marty Padgett (2/10/2003)
The Windy City preps its showcase during blustery times in the car biz.

2003 Chicago Show, Part I by TCC Team (2/12/2003)
New minivan at Mercury, twin sedans for Suzuki, Chevrolet gets an Aveo five-door and four-door, and Toyota's Tundra grows more doors.

2003 Chicago Auto Show, Part II by TCC Team (2/12/2003)
Lincoln stops chasing Caddy, VW celebrates 20 years of the GTI, and Benz prices the world's fastest sedan, the E55 AMG.

2003 Chicago Auto Show, Part III by TCC Team (2/13/2003)
Dodge's 500-hp Ram, a 300-hp pair of Volvos, the Monster Mini snowmobile, and Ford says the "F" word.