The Mitsubishi Diamante seemed competent enough, and it even won Japan's most important automotive award. But when it came up against Lexus and its ES300, Mitsubishi found out what it really meant to compete in the luxury circle. Mitsubishi Built A Premium Car Before It Built A Premium Brand1991 Mitsubishi Diamante Black Side View Bring a TrailerThe Diamante Had More Than Enough Hardware1995 Mitsubishi Diamante Silver Front Angled View MitsubishiThe Japanese company also offered a Luxury package that had leather trim and a power passenger seat, as well as a Euro-Handling Package. And given all of these engineering and design considerations, Mitsubishi's Diamante was far more than a conventional family sedan with some bells and whistles here and there. The Diamante Never Established A Clear Identity2000 - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante - front 3/4 angle MitsubishiAmerica's Failure Hid A Genuine Japanese Success2000 - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante - front 3/4 angle MitsubishiIn the end, there was nothing inherently bad about Mitsubishi's Diamante, even though it never turned out to be a Lexus killer.