Dear Brother ! check again, you probably wanted to write about the corolla ? as the honda civic doesn't do anything of what u wrote ! (no offence, just joking)
I personally owned a Honda Civic 1997 for 6-7 years and i have to admit it has the best brakes a car could have (my car had front disk and rear drum brakes). Also let me tell u i had pathetic tires (local general tires) and one fine day while coming back from uni on a speed of around 100, i forgot about the speed breaker on my way, and when i saw it, i just pressed on the brakes and even though at that time all 4 tires of the car were almost 'ganjay' or near to 'ganjay', the car stopped very smoothly, nicely, and in control !
Probably your car doesn't have quality brake pads or its brakes need service, kindly first get you brakes serviced, get new brake pads, new oil, proper flushing of oil. Check it, then go for any other option.
Love your comment brother but i dont think k 1996 civic vti has 4 wheel disc brakes, i had the same car, it had front disc and rear drum brakes, 4 wheel disc came just in 1998 in the same model but not in 1996 i guess. And you are so right when u mention about the marvelous engine, suspensions and steering of the 6th generation civic. Specially the steering was like charm. I now own a 7th gen 2005 oriel and its steering is just pathetic !