Re: help!!
Hello and welcome to car-seat.org
I have an 03 Civic and the Radian installs very reclined in all positions.
I currently have it behind the passenger for my 3 year old, installed with an angle adjuster to make it more upright -- that's a chunk of foam made specifically for the Radian. However, the front seat is still quite cramped.
I *think* I have put in in the centre and it is suitably reclined for a younger child. Here's a picture of it in the centre with the angle adjuster, with a decent amount of room in the front.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/100924887@N08/9604507790/
The Radian does allow firm bracing against the front seats, and an 02 Civic does as well as you do not have advanced air bags.
I highly recommend getting an angle adjuster (about $12) and things should improve markedly.