In Japan, the Lancer Cedia was offered with many different trim levels and engines, including options which were never seen in export markets. It was also one of the first models to use the INVECS-III CVT transmission. There was also a Ralliart version of the sportswagon which was powered by a turbocharged 1.8 L GDI engine. As of 2009, the seventh generation Lancer sedan is still being sold alongside the new eighth generation, which is known in the home market as the Galant Fortis.

In Pakistan, this variant was launched in 2005 with cosmetic changes from the front and the back. Thai production was switched to the new model, and in all markets except for India the seventh-generation model was no longer marketed, four years after the Cedia’s introduction. India received the new Lancer in 2006, known locally as the Mitsubishi Cedia to distinguish it from this version that is still assembled and sold as the Lancer because of its continued popularity. In Malaysia, the Lancer was made available after Mitsubishi had sold all its shares in Malaysian carmaker Proton, marking the return of Mitsubishi in Malaysian market after being absent since 1985 due to the agreement with Proton. The Lancer sold in Malaysia was powered by the 4G18 engine which also powered the early 1.6 Proton Waja model. In the Philippines, the Lancer underwent a facelift, now without the central semi-triangle in the grille. It is offered in 2 trims, the base GLX with a 5-speed manual and the GLS with an all-new INVECS-III CVT with manual override. All of them are powered with an l4 1.6L 4G18 SOHC engine.

In some European markets, the Lancer began to take the place of the Carisma in 2004. It is powered by a 1.3 L SOHC 4G13, 1.6 L SOHC 4G18 engine and a 2.0 L DOHC 4G63 (all 4-cylinder).

In Australia, the sixth sold from 1996-2004. It was designated as the CE series. Like the previous generation, it was available in a variety of body styles, which helped to cater for a more broad audience. The introduction of a sporty MR coupe helped to target this model directly towards a younger audience.

The station wagon continued on as a CE model, even though it was essentially carried over from the previous generation. This model had an unusually long model run, becoming increasingly uncompetitive as the years went by and often heavily discounted by dealers. Towards the end of its model run, Mitsubishi introduced some limited edition models (based on the GLi) to remain competitive with its rivals, these editions featured extras such as sports interiors, alloys and body kits off higher spec models. Generally, this generation sold well throughout its production run.

It should be noted that despite the introduction of the eighth generation Lancer Cedia in 2002, the CE series continued to be sold alongside it until mid-2004. The sedan was available in GLi trim, until it was finally discontinued in 2003. The coupe was facelifted and now only available in GLi and MR trims.

Due to its appearance, affordability, and the rise in status of the Lancer Evolution, this generation was quite popular with young car enthusiasts and the aftermarket modified Japanese car scene. Some popular modifications include exhaust systems, suspension, after market stereos and replica Evolution body kits.

Series I (96-98) and Series II (98-99)

* GLi – 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan. Powered by a 4 cylinder, 1.5 L engine (4G15 SOHC – 69 kW)
* GLXi – 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan. Powered by a 4 cylinder, 1.8 L engine (4G93 SOHC – 88 kW)
* MR – 2-door coupe. Powered by a 4 cylinder, 1.8L engine (4G93 SOHC – 86 kW)
* MR – 4-door sedan. Powered by a 4 cylinder, 1.8L MIVEC engine (4G93 SOHC – 141 kW)
* GSR – 4-door sedan. Powered by a turbocharged 1.8 L engine (4G93t DOHC – 141 kW)
* MXd – 4-door sedan. Powered by a turbodiesel 2.0 L engine (4D68T SOHC – 65 kW)

Series III (99-03)

* GLi – 2-door coupe (1.5 L or 1.8 L) and 4-door sedan (4 cylinder, 1.8 L)
* GLXi – 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan. Powered by a 4 cylinder, 1.8 L engine
* MR – 2-door coupe. Powered by a 4 cylinder (6 cylinder, 99-00), 1.8 L engine

Series IV (02-04) coupe update only

* GLi – Choice of 1.5 L engine (discontinued in 2003) or 1.8 L engine, 4 Cylinder
* MR – Powered by a 1.8 L engine, producing 86 kW (115 hp) & 163 N·m (120 lb·ft) of torque (1500-4500 rpm) out of a 4 cylinder