Best model year or generation for Honda Civic GX (the available non-comercial version)?

The Honda Civic GX was sold to the public in certain states up to 2011. I'm not sure what year it began, but it covered some 3 generations of Honda Civics. I'm just not sure which one is the best? Seems like the first one had a 4 speed automatic, the second a CVT and the third a 5 speed automatic. I'm not sure which Hondas are better. Do you?

1996