speaking for myself only, i like the CE's because they still had what i think of as "pre-y2k small car style". around y2k or so, new small cars started seeming bigger, probably due to side airbags and other new safety features adding extra bulk, before style depts had really learned to make it work? in my eyes the CG and CH are a little too big to scratch the small car itch, but if i wanted a "big" car for practical reasons they'd be too small
all that said, the CE coupe is longer and maybe wider than my mazda 2, so this is really all about subjective perception and not the slightest bit quantifiable lmao
speaking of subjective perception though, i only like the CE coupe shape. i don't really care the slightest bit for the mirage, sedan, wagon, or evo. that could be a factor for others too, since as SDate42 observes, the later gens didn't have a coupe option. if you just want a used small hatchback or sedan, there's a stack of contemporary options, you don't need to buy and fix up a 20 year old car. but if you want a coupe your options are pretty limited to start with