Well as i see the genertations of civic.
Every civic has some problem.(read it at pakwheels owners complaining)
about civic 2002-2003 model it has some problem which i cant recall(panicslayer can tell coz he wrote them some where)
2004-2005 few ppl complained that the car pulled to left side when braked hard.
and about the 8th generation few ppl were complaining about the steering fluid leaking and if not attended it leads to bigger problem.(3 to 4 guys complained about this)
My personal opinion about the civic is.
when ever a new model comes it has some improvements and one cant say that previous was better technically. not like the new one is that persons personal opinion.
about service i remember member saying that honda did a Recall for some window rail thing so that pritty good thing.
if i compare the 7th generation with the 8th generation. then in terms of seats i would go with the 7th generation.
i really Hate the seats of the 8th generation civic. they are hard and not comfortable.
and i must add that civic is the best handling local Mfg car u have driven