2002 Honda Civic LX transmission troubles

We have a 2002 Civic LX that has 55K miles on it. When the car is cold the
transmission doesn't seem to shift properly. As it shifts to first, second
and third, you will see the RPM's on the tach shoot up and then back down as
it shifts. After about 10 minutes of driving, it shifts normal. I have
replaced the trans fluid at 18K and 33K and used only genuine Honda trans
fluid. Has anyone had issues like this and does anyone know of any quiet or
hidden recalls from Honda in case the trans is bad. This car has the
Continuously Variable Transmission which I hate. It always feels like it is
trying to slow down the car. I have driven other Civic's with out the CVT and
they seem to run a lot better.

 

this makes no sense. cvt has no "first, second and third" - it's a
continuously variable transmission, it has an infinite number of ratios.
are you sure you're not one of these paid detroit anti-import trolls?

 

The 02 LX was not available with that transmission.

 

I maybe wrong with the CVT name, but it is not a regular transmission. Since
it was new, it always seemed to want to slow down the car when you take your
foot off of the gas. Most cars that I have driven in, in the past were never
like that. If you took your foot off of the gas you would just coast....not
with this transmission.

 

No Jim I'm not a Detroit anti-import troll. If I like the car and can afford
it, I'll buy it. It doesn't matter to me if it is an import or an "American"
car. I was just at the local new car show and really loved the new Challenger
by Dodge.

 

I just checked and the Civic has a 4 speed automatic with grade control logic.