Update!
So the dealer/mechs found the issue. They didn't really have to take it on the highway like I recommended ~ the noise was a sure sign the tranny was faltering.
They are taking it in to repair it - free of charge and I got a rental car.
2007 Toyota Corolla. Biggest POS I have ever been in. Looks big, but I can't comfortably fit my 6'2 a$$ in there. Its slow and did I mention small and uncomfortable?
Sadly the mechanic to fix my vehicle was sick today so I have to wait until hopefully tomorrow. In either case, the Hertz Car dealers are a big rip off. 20 a day for insurance- they failed to tell me this until AFTER they swiped my card.
In either case, I just want my damn Civic back. ^^