A DSM is a car built by Diamond Star Motors, a joint venture between Mitsubishi (three Diamonds) and Chrysler (penta-star). The vehicles were produced with the names Eagle Talon, Mitsubishi Eclipse, and Plymouth Laser. DSM cars are assembled in Normal, Illinois.

DSM cars began production in 1989 and officially ended in 1993 after the design and production for the 1994-1995 dsms. Mitsubishi became responsible for the operation of the 1995-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eagle Talon. We still call the 1995 to 1999 a DSM. The 1989-1994 is called the first generation DSM (1g DSM) and the 1995-1999 is the second generation DSM (2g DSM).

The motor in the 90-92.5 is a 6 bolt motor (most desired, handles more power), and the 93-99 contains a 7 bolt motor,(less desired, does not hold up to much horsepower). The 1g also has three different Mitsubishi engine types, the 1.8 non turbo motor, 2.0 non turbo motor, and the 2.0 turbo motor. All three motorshave manual (5 speed transmissions) and also auto (with overdrive) transmissions. All of the non turbo motors only have Front Wheel Drive (FWD) Transmissions. The turbo motor has FWD and AWD (All Wheel Drive) transmissions. The 2g DSM has two different motors, the 2.0 turbo mitsubishi motor, and the Chrysler 2.0 non turbo Motor.

Some people call the 2000+ Eclipse a 3g, but most will agree that it is not a 3rd generation DSM, but it is the 3rd generation eclipse. The 2000+ is a completely different motor.