In Japanese, Mitsubishi means "three diamonds." Mitsubishi is a popular auto brand that has been producing commercial vehicles for its home market of Japan for nine decades now. The brand was founded by Yataro Iwasaki, on May 13, 1870. In 1917, Mitsubishi unveiled the Model A, Japan's first series production passenger car. In the years that led up to World War II, the division responsible for transportation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, focused primarily on producing ships and vehicles for the war effort. Mitsubishi began producing passenger vehicles on a large scale with the launch of the compact Mitsubishi 500 in the '60s. Other Mitsubishi light-passenger vehicles, such as the 360 Van and 360 Pickup, also made their debut during this decade. The company also won top honors in Japan's Grand Prix.

In 1970, Mitsubishi's automobile production arm spun off into a company of its own with the establishment of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. The company's Colt entered America in 1971, at a time when Chrysler purchased a 15 percent stake in the new company. The line wasn't sold under the Mitsubishi name; reflecting Chrysler's interest in the company, Colts were sold in North America under the Dodge brand. However, by the end of the '70s, Mitsubishi was producing over one million cars annually. In 1982, Mitsubishi began selling cars in the US under its own name. Mitsubishi hit its stride in the '90s, with the huge popularity of its sport-oriented Eclipse and 3000GT in the U.S. and the turbocharged Lancer Evolution in other parts of the globe. In 1998, the Mitsubishi Motors USA Foundation was established. Today, the brand boasts of manufacturing, financing, distributing and marketing of Mitsubishi sedans, coupes, convertibles and sport utility vehicles. Currently, there are more than 500 dealers in 50 states in the United States.

2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse (starting at $19,999)
The 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse is a sport coupe with a robust V-6 engine that offers a balanced ride. The front-wheel Eclipse GS and SE trim levels are powered by a 162-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, while the GT and SE-V6 trims are equipped with a 263-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine. The Eclipse is a cargo hauler; it provides 15.7-cubic feet of trunk space in its hatchback body style without folding the backseats.

2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor (starting at $27,599)
The 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor is a midsize five-passenger crossover SUV that offers carlike handling and long warranty coverage. It is available in two trim levels - LS and SE with either front- or all-wheel drive. Both the trims are powered by a 225-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine. For 2008, traction control is standard on all Endeavor trims, while two-tone leather upholstery is standard on the SE trim.

2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor Spyder (starting at $25,699)
The 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor Spyder is a convertible version of the Eclipse coupe and is ideal for top-down cruising. It offers stylish design and comfortable front seats. The Eclipse is offered in GS and GT trim levels with two engine types, four-cylinder and V-6, respectively. The only visible change for 2008 is the addition of 18-inch wheels to the sporty GT trim as standard feature.

2008 Mitsubishi Galant (starting at $21,099)
The 2008 Mitsubishi Galant is a midsize family sedan that offers superb balance between ride quality and handling and stylish and comfortable cabin. The four-passenger car is available in three trim levels: DE, ES and Ralliart. The front-wheel-drive Galant DE and ES sedans are powered by a 160-horsepower, 2.4-liter Inline-four engine, while the Ralliart is equipped with a 258-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine. The Galant provides 13.3 cubic feet of trunk space.

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer (starting at $13,990)
All-new for 2008, the Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact sedan available in DE, ES and GTS trim levels. It is equipped with a new 152 horsepower, 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine. For the current year, the Lancer gets a new sleek exterior design, improved build quality and a long list of features. Paddle-shift automatic is available on the GTS trim for 2008.

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (starting at $32,990)
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a compact, high-performance and refined sedan for 2008. Available in GSR and MR trim levels, the Evolution is equipped with a new turbocharged 291 horsepower four-cylinder engine. Its long list of features includes new amenities such as a hard-drive-based navigation system.

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander (starting at $19,990)
The 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander is a small SUV that offers agile handling, sporty styling and a lengthy warranty. It is available in three trim levels: ES, LS and XLS. A new four-cylinder engine makes its debut on the 2008 Outlander base ES trim. For the current year, it gets a first-of-its-type feature that allows drivers to tailor their navigation directions based on carpool lanes. Properly equipped, the Outlander can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

2007 Mitsubishi Raider (starting at $19,890)
The 2007 Mitsubishi Raider is a six-passenger midsize truck that offers plenty of space and features. It is offered in two trim levels - the LS and Special Edition. The LS trim is powered by a 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 engine, while the Special Edition gets a 235-horsepower, 4.7-liter V-8 engine.