How do you remove the left front door panel of a 1998 Honda Civic?

Answer

Go to this website. It shows you how to remove the door panels. Ignore the part about side mirrors.kwmuth.com  

Answer

Not sure WHY the other guy refered you to that website (unless he means http://www.kwmuth.com/techsupport/carandtruckfaqs.htm ), but here's an answer I posted for another couple of questions:
I'm not 100% sure with this model but I've had the inside door panels off several cars. + Then unscrew the armrest/handle (2 long screws). + Then run your fingers under the bottom of the panel (it is probably upholstered/padded hardboard) - this panel is usually held on by about 5 or 6 clips that pop out. + There may also be speaker wires etc if door-mounted speakers have been installed. + Then you should be able to gently slide the door panel up, so that the top ridge pops out from alonside the window glass.
Good Luck...  

Answer

pry off the plastic cover that is on the inside of the side view mirror.
remove the screw that is behing the door handle.
if you have manula windows (DX model) you will need to remove the retainer clip behind the window crank. Either with the proper tool, or with a set of long needle nose pliers.
loosen the plastic screw that is nearest the dash about 3/4 out and pull the retainer clip out w/ it.
pry off the hard plastic cover that is on the bottom side of the armrest.
remove the 2 screws with a Phillips.
grab the bottom of the door panel and pull straight towards you with some force, this will pop the clips off.
work your way around both ways to the top of the panel
lift the panel up and towards yourself.
If you have power windows and locks you will unplug them now.
Re-assemble in reverse.  

Answer

Here's how I did it on a 97 Honda Civic HX.
Remove screw behind the door handle.
Pull the door handle cover piece out.
Remove the screws on the backside of the power locks from the door handle cover piece.
Manuver the door handle cover piece off of the door handle.
Remove the screw on the inside of the armrest pocket.
Take armrest pocket out.
Unplug the window control switch.
Pry the piece on the inside of the side view mirror out. You may need to pull the door panel out next to this piece so the clip comes out to get it free.
Remove the 3 screws that hold the speaker in.
Remove the 3 screws around the speaker that hold the door panel in.
Go around the sides and bottom of the door panel and pull out to pop the clips out.
Pull upwards on the door panel and it should pop right out.
If your window came off the track which is why I had to do this, there is a bolt holding the bottom of the track in place. Remove this bolt so you can manuver the track back on to the window. Also the track may have been bent or need to be bent back where it should be.