I have a 98 civic hx (cvt - constant variable transmission) and it is great. Just find out from the dealer (cant remember the exact number off hand) when you should get the transmission fluid changed. Most vehicle cost well over a hundred dollars for the transmission service, but there actually is no filter or seal. It's just drain and refill so even at the dealer it's about $50. If you don't it will act up when it's time, but the check engine light and the drive light will come on to let you know. Also I work in a repair shop and researched out how much it would cost if needed to be overhauled. It is more expensive than than a manual transmission but not by much and less than an average auto transmission. Also the way the transmission works you cannot tell when it is changing gears, it maintains a constant rpm at almost any speed which took me a little time to get used to but not much, but after driving it for a while then you drive a regular automatic and you can feel the gears and rpms change it feels a bit weird. Overall I love my car, and as with any car, you take care of it - it will last.