ive got the speed sensor in my CRXs - but gen1s - never heard of a gen2 having one but there's always a first.

How hot are the hoses when the car is running? at first it should only be the top hose from the radiator to the engine getting hot (but you should be able to touch it) then after the car is hot, the fan should kick in - does your fan come on at all? check how hot your bottom radiator hose is. If the bottom hose is cold when the car is hot and temp is 'hot' on the dash - it means your thermostat isn't opening.

changing the thermostat - could fix the problem. But it could mean your cooling system is also blocked, full of junk or your radiator is partially blocked.

When was the last time you had the system bled? could be an air bubble at the thermostat too...

take it to a reputable - recommended radiator place. By recommended i mean ask around, friends, family - guys here and have the guy do a flush of the system

Dont go cheap on the cooling system - as replacing/rebuilding a motor will cost you MORE and you'll regret being stingy on the cooling system!