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I'm definately with Terry (smoker) on this one... try to steer clear of packaged deals... most are junk (and the Bazooka ones lead the pack in junk)...
A decent 4 channel will do fine for powering a decent set of components or coax for the front and a lil set of subs (or one slightly better single) and make you much happier...
As for putting the extra money into it cause it's your first car... look at it this way, you'll have 2-3 options down the road,
1) keep the stuff in there as an added sell point
2) Take the stuff out and sell it to put into your next system
3) Take the stuff out and use in your new vehicle

those package deals blow.....a simple system in those cars that will sound good generally would consist of a decent set of either coax or components up front and a small 2 channel amp to run them and a set of 12's in the trunk....you could look at something along the lines of a fusion powerplant series coax speaker for about 79.00 and a set of kicker comp 12's for about 189.00 box would run you about 80-100 and you could power all this with a single 4 channel as long as you got the 8 ohm subs you could bridge the rear channels for more power. you could get something like the power acoustik ov41600 for about 200 and have some decent sound.....

the main reason i wanted an upgrade was because my front speaks sounded pretty bad when i played rap loud (as in loud enough to here with the windows down on the highway). I don't want a system that will blow people away, just enough so i can turn it up and still be able to clearly hear what they are saying. the civic is my first car, so i don't want to put too much money (amp etc) for a car i only plan on having for another year or so. I have a sony headunit now, and after reading "Rear-fill speakers" in the FAQs im thinking about just replacing my front speakers. The problem that i want to fix is the clearity problems when i turn it up loud (not blast it, but loud). would a good set of 2-way coaxials up front solve this? also my driver side speaker panel vibrates when i turn it up. Is this the stock speaker falling apart or does it have to do with the door panel vibrating?

Because I do like rap, I was thinking of additionally getting http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Bazooka-Dual-10-Subs-300W-Amp-and-Enclosure-Package-EL10190PP/sem/rpsm/oid/150746/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do mainly because it is a simple package deal.

The stock amplifier on the Civics really isn't enough to power a good set of components (2 or 3 way) and get the effect that I'm sure you're looking for. If you are just looking to improve your sound slightly then I would recommend a decent set of coax (something with a swivel tweet), otherwise if you are looking for more then you're probably going to have to look into a seperate amp for a good set of comps.

cars come with amplifiers installed, but they arent going to do much good with aftermarket speakers. if you want to replace your speakers then that is fine, but if you want to upgrade to a new head unit, and use new speakers, then you will not be able to use that amp that came with the car, you will have to use the cd players built in amplifier, or buy an aftermarket one. if you are looking at components, then a nice 2 way setup would suite you well.. i have not had any experience with a 3 way component set, but i could only imagine imagine and everything is much harder to get correct, plus a good 3 way component set isnt cheap, i would suggest a nice 2 way set with good midrange and tweeter and xover adjustments, which really doesnt narrow any choices down.. i guess i could name more than 10 brands you could look at, but most of the "well known" brands offer great sets that arent too expensive.. other brands can be seen in the FAQ's under the "good bad ugly" section. if you find a brand you are interested in, let us know and we can surely help you and point you in the right direction, also, theres a possibility that there is a dealer for the brand you may mention, and they may be able to give you a good deal on the set.. also, if you are just looking for some speakers, go with 2 ways..

i have a 2002 honda civic, with a "premium sound system". i've been told a "premium" sound system already has an amp for the mids and highs. does this mean if i want to upgrade a little i should upgrade to components or 2/3 way speakers? im looking to spend about $200-$300 to replace front and back speakers