I see this question all the time and people always answer them wrong. First off yes it is that 96 - 00 are the same model BUT 99 - 00 actually have a total different front end than the 96 - 98. This is only if your going to change the front bumper. For example you 98 civic has a slightly bigger grill, headlamps are a tad smaller and the hood and fender shape of your 98 civic is different than the 99 - 00. The only reason that i know of that people do change the front end to the 99 - 00 is because the 2 slots in front of the bumper witch is used for fog lights witch the japanese version comes with and american version dont. Only way to use the 99 - 00 bumper is to change the fender hood headlights and grill to the 99 - 00 model. This is the only way to get the look of the 99 - 00 front on a 96 - 00 since there is no bumper made to look like the 99 - 00