Your car is low on coolant. You need to top off the radiator, wait until the car is cool of course.
You may also want to check the system for leaks.
why does my Honda civic overheat and doesn't heat at all
what causes a Honda CRV to over heat
My 1997 Honda Civic EX does not over heat when I come to a stop.
An electric fan might not be working.
A thermostat
You have air trapped in the cooling system that needs purged out of the system.
First check to make sure you have enough coolant in the car.
Check the heat shield on the catalytic converter
1. Check the coolant. 2. Check the fuse for the fan. 3. Check the coolant again.
When this problem happens I would always replace the stat first.Make sure you bleed all the air out of the cooling system by allowing the car to run at idle for about 30 minutes with the rad cap off.
Sounds like it needs a new thermostat.
well the Honda civic has main problems with the thermostat and radiator considering the year if it has never been replaced you should replace the thermostat then radiator cap and if this doesn't help you can do a pressure test to see if you have a leak or blown head gasket. the car could also have a bad water pump if this is the problem it will only take Min's to over heat the engine. you could havethings blocking your radiator i would have this flushed or replaced. also it could be your heater core hope this helps