My 97 accord just hit 100k and it's been doing this ever since I got it when it had 89k. It shifts rough, sometimes it hesitates to shift, and when I first start it and The engine and transmission are cold it takes a second for it to actually engage drive or reverse. I seem to remember these cars being known for shift solenoids. What does this sound like the problem is?

 

Have you tried doing a trans flush? Dexron III will do just fine. Otherwise, run some geniune Honda ATF. Then go from there.

 

Well I looked on the dipstick, its full, its red, and doesnt smell burnt at all.

 

Flushing is not always the best solution, and sometimes it is the worst maneuver. The Clutch Packs in your transmission rely on many small friction discs, and flushing all the brake material bits out of it can cause it to slip more. When it wears the disc material out, it's smooth metal.

Call up Synchrotech, and ask them. They rebuild Honda transmissions, and have a replacement transmission for your year and model.

They helped me with a 2003 Civic, rebuilding the whole transmission, hard parts, friction discs, steels. They're great.