I think you could replace 'cars' here with a lot of technological innovations that have made certain aspects of our lifestyles attainable at a potentially greater externalised cost. Much of it is simply making things more convenient - not necessarily better.

There are two things that I am becoming more and more willing to believe:

1. We live in an age of entitlement (I can afford it, it is possible, it is legal, I want it, therefore I will do it). There is a good chance that this is how we will be remembered.

2. Convenience is killing us and robbing us of the activities that actually provide satisfaction. We fall for this because we think we desire happiness and that hedonism will provide it, when in reality satisfaction/contentment is what we truly desire.

Tokyo proves that dense cities can maintain access to reasonably priced housing.

where have you looked? I could name almost every European city as an example...