I have a 2004 Civic 1.7CTDi which is out of warranty, but i have just had my condenser replaced for free, after contacting Honda. I had a problem with the aircon failing to work at the start of this summer. Took it to the local dealer who charged me £75 to fix a "leak". Two days later the aircon failed again. Took it back to the dealer who quoted £493 for a new condenser. I asked if there was any problems with the system as a whole, and they said no. Wrote to Honda UK on the off chance to ask if there were any problems with the aircon on this model and they replied yes! I went straight back to the dealer with the letter, and they were not happy, but they fitted me a new condenser within a couple of days. I had a similar problem with the turbo failing a couple of years ago, and at the point I refused to take the car back on safety grounds, they produced a service bulletin to say the turbo on my model was faulty! Don't let them fob you off with excuses for faulty parts.

 

dang your civic came with a turbo? lucky duck
EDIT: nevermind, it's a turbo diesel. i didn't realize that

 

My 03 Si had an ac problem, the pump's internal pieces broke apart and contaminated the entire system. Honda had to replace the entire AC system. $2500! Luckily it was covered under warranty! I know of a couple other 04's that have had AC problems as well. None of the 96-98's I've owned had AC problems. Good luck with keeping cool!