Comapred to my 97 Civic, my 89 2WD wagon clutch has been stiff since day one. I have tried adjusting the cable to avail still stiff and it does not disengage until the very end of the pedal travel. The trans makes a rattle sound idling and if I push the clutch in it goes away. I have had this car since 2000 and it has always been this way. The only thing I can think of is the clutch is shot or is a cheapy reman.

 

remove your tranny and replace your release bearing (throwout bearing) you will probably be better off buying a clutch they're less than $100.00 and come with all of the bearing. When you do this also inspect your input shaft bearing. If that is going out and you let it ride you will be in a world of tranny hurt.