1996 ford escort

my car has a automatic transmission and it shifts hard into gears. It also has no top end power. What could be some of the solutions to these problems ? Any help would be greatly appreciated thanks.

Two seperate issues here apparently. First, the transmission shifts seem hard. When was the last transmission service? Maybe a good flush, fluid change & filter?
Second, top end power. When was the last tune up? Maybe plugs, wires, fuel filter, air filter would be in order. What kind of fuel efficiency are you getting in mpg? Just a few of my thoughts.

Two seperate issues here apparently. First, the transmission shifts seem hard. When was the last transmission service? Maybe a good flush, fluid change & filter?
Second, top end power. When was the last tune up? Maybe plugs, wires, fuel filter, air filter would be in order. What kind of fuel efficiency are you getting in mpg? Just a few of my thoughts.
Thank you for suggestions. The engine had the heads, fluids,changed 6 months ago . I don't think the filter for the transmission was changed. The car gets about 30 mpg highway. The car has good power from 0-55 after that you really have to push on the gas. Thanks for your help.

Has the transmission fluid/filter ever been changed?
Get yourself a good cleaning product to run through it and change the fluid and the filter. You can also have it done at a shop... will cost ya though.
If it still shifts hard after cleaning and changing fluid and filter, get it to a shop for transmission service.