I agree with the statement that first cars are expendible. They really are, and usually end up wrecked or dead within a couple years. My first car was totaled after I had it about a two years.

Fast cars are not good first cars. Keep it near stock for a while, and just learn how to work with it. Do little modifications and start building your knowledge about how everything works. Learn what every sensor does. Learn how the engine works. Learn how to do basic repairs, then move on to the more advanced stuff. Cars are a lot easier to work with when you know what parts do what. Having a Civic and knowing how to fix and maintain it says a lot more then having a Mustang GT and needing your daddy to change the oil for you.

That said, I like hatchbacks more then the CRX. They carry four people and have more cargo room, it is a tradeoff for a few more pounds. No big deal.