My girlfriend's Civic has the worst radio reception on the stock radio. Will a new stereo help? Or the antennae in the rear window is just a bad design.

 

A new stereo will not help. Is the antenna wire damaged at all? Also, check and make sure it is plugged in the back of the stereo nice and snug.

Define what you mean by "worst radio reception." Perhaps you are just too far away from the radio stations?

 

Compare to my stock radio on my 97 Civic, the 2002 Civic has some trouble pulling in the station. I have to check on the ant. wire.