I agree with the suggestion of going with the later models '04-'05. Hindi lang sa looks, earlier models are reported to have idling issues sa AT. If you really have to go with the '01-'02 models, get the MT. 300-320k should get you a decent one. I got my '05 at 320k but in very good condition. fuel consumption is very good, I think I get 11-12km/li on spirited city driving on moderate-heavy traffic. fuel efficient + power ang gusto ko sa kanya, it uses a VTEC3 engine... 3-stage VTEC, it's fuel efficient if you are light on the pedal but can go sporty when you floor it. 130HP yan.

with regards to reliability, a US website listed the 04-05 models as one of the most reliable civics (http://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Civic/). pero syempre swertihan din nga, hindi lang sa 2nd hand yan kahit bumili ka pa ng bnew minsan may topak din. check the CASA history kung meron para at least may idea ka ano yung mga napalitan na or nadiagnose. silipin mo ang makina kung may mga nagalaw na o napalitan. minsan di rin naman nakakatulong magdala ng mekaniko esp for hondas kasi di lahat ng mekaniko alam yan hehe

if there's one negative I could say about the ES model is that the features are very basic. simple A/C and CD/radio unit lang. no bells and whistles esp compared to its rivals like the Mazda 3. but I still prefer the ES, madali naman iupgrade ang mga yun hehe