i think everyone pretty much covered it.
just to re-hash, difference between 96-98 and 99-00 is:
front end (hood, headlights, bumper, grill, fenders)
96-98 has a wider bumper opening compared to 99-00
99-00 has wider grill and sharper headlights compared to 96-98
99-00 tail lights look better (for both hb and coupe
)
99-00 climate control is better and also double din compared 96-98 being single din radio
this being said, everything can be modified on a 96-98 coupe fairly easily. only the climate control takes a bit more work than the rest i'd say.
good luck with your search!