[AccordCodger]

One comment - the way you describe the situation, your car IS in 3rd (or maybe even 2nd) going up the hill, and that's why it's doing 4000 rpm @ 50 mph. Not bad - normal.

Downshifting is not necessary with an automatic (unless -- and I don't think this is a problem with Accords -- you are on just enough of an upgrade for the txmission not to be be able to make its mind what gear it wants to be in, and it keeps shifting up and down --- I once had a Buick that did that).

You might find it'll go faster if you kick it down (floor it), but you probably won't like the gas mileage!