well, my civic's a manual, and i tried earlier today to check the fluid level, but couldn't find any dipstick or means to check it.
and 1500 was what i was quoted by a local transmission shop to replace the sleeve bearing that's got one blown bearing in it(rattles a little when in 1st and 2nd gear), but was told that i could drive on it for a while more before it would eventually have to be replaced.
i think you guys are right about it probably being the clutch going out. unfortinately, i really don't have the means or tools to do it myself. but just thinking that i hopefully dont' need to replace the whole thing yet has made my night a whole helluva lot better! thanks!