Is the rough ride in front or back ?

 

It seems to come from both, but if I had to pick I would say the back

 

Some here have swapped rear coil springs to the cobalt SS/SC springs. It is a softer ride (I'm told).. & lowers the rear just more than 1"...

I used cobalt SS/TC rear springs. Also lowered the rear 1" to level on mine.

 

I'd disagree about the Civic, I have a 2008 and it's as as smooth as butter. My HHr-SS is not rough but will rattle a little over rough roads. I put some padding on the license and that helps a bit. Have a qualified tech check out your suspension, you might have something wrong there and check out the heat shields while you're at it, my Escort rattled like a tin can until they fell off at 90K. Quiet after that.

Jim