97 DX 5-speed 4-door. While it can have some acceleration at higher RPM's, it's still too slow for my tastes. I still get about 33 on the freeway, but then again I drive fast all the time.
There's your problem right there. The engine on the Honda Civic DX/LX models are rated only at 102 bhp, which is a tad anemic for the 6th-generation Civic (1996-2000 models). My Civic HX CVT coupé has an engine rated at 115 bhp and believe me, up to 75 mph the car has quite a lot of "oomph."
From what I've read, the 2006 Civic sedans will sport 140 bhp and will have five-speed automatics and six-speed manuals. The result in very good performance--even more than my car.